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Just about anyone with a phone can snap a photo, but this will never replace a well-composed, and professionally printed and framed photograph, according to the owner of Visual Voice, Paul Conroy.
“Beautiful prints are timeless and they rarely happen by accident,” he says. “My philosophy is that if someone is going to go to the trouble of getting a professional print, then they deserve the best possible result.”
Paul has put together a team of stylists and specialists for hair and make-up, as well as clothing to achieve this.
“Self-image is really important to women so we make an effort to have them looking their best.”
Time is also put in to getting acquainted with the client so that the photograph reflects who they are. A photo session can take up to three or four hours.
“We don’t rush people – they need time to get used to being in front of the camera and I need time to get to know them so I can understand their story and reflect that in the photo. If it’s a family group, then the photo should genuinely reflect the relationships between the different members of the group.”
The purpose-built studio in Centreway Road, Orewa, is equipped with a TV lounge, pinball machine and drinks fridge to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Although Paul has spent most of his life as an IT consultant with companies such as Microsoft, his move from England to New Zealand in 2003 coincided with a growing desire to breakaway from the Monday to Friday routine.
“It was killing me,” he says. “I started photography as a hobby, did a diploma and then, before I knew it, I was shooting for the NRL, Softball NZ and doing weddings.
“In the last 18 months, I’ve gravitated towards capturing people in a way that I’m really happy with.
“One of my fondest memories as a child was flipping through the family albums with my Mum and grandmother – digital images on a computer will never replace that sort of experience.”
