A new face in Whāingaroa, this photographer is passionate about helping locals, creatives and businesses present themselves with confidence through high-quality, versatile imagery.
Can you please describe your photography and what you offer in terms of services/options to the wider community.
Absolutely! I shoot headshots & portraits in a wide range of styles, pets, events, gigs, products – anything! I cover a wide range of services but my work is centred around joy, positivity & professionalism. I want people, or the businesses and brands they hold, to be represented in the best possible light.
When did you come to Raglan and what attracted you to the area? I moved to Raglan late last year to spend more time with my family. I love the community here. My folks are very engaged in it and I’m excited to get involved.
What is your background with photography? How did you learn and where has it taken you?
My previous life was working for arts festivals across Aotearoa & Australia and, while at New Zealand Fringe Festival, I ran a project supporting local artists by employing a local photographer to shoot their promotion campaigns. During that, I saw how much fun it is, as well as the creative & entrepreneurial potential within it, so I bought a camera and got shooting.
I have learned mostly through mentors, short courses and through lots and lots and lots of practice. I’ve just finished editing work for my 400th client – each shoot builds new skills and ideas.
What do you think is the importance of businesses having quality images to represent them?
Now that everyone has a camera in their pocket, capturing images and video that stand out is trickier than ever. Having a combination of high quality production and a unique look is imperative in businesses getting a look-in across the sea of digital media and advertising. Audiences want to find you but have ever increasing options and expectations, so staying ahead of the game often means upkeep and fresh perspectives.
How can they use images across different media?
Professional Images can be used for everything from websites, to promotional print and digital campaigns, social media, billboards, family albums & prints, Linkedin profiles, book publication – or dating profiles!
What do you enjoy about your business and role?
I’m a people person through and through, so I love meeting new people and helping create images they’ll really use and benefit from. I also appreciate how expensive professional images can be so I love providing flexible options so everyone can access it.
Are there challenges that you face and overcome?
It’s a very saturated market – everyone has a camera and a lot of people have very good, professional grade cameras, so it can be hard to get a foot in the door, especially when moving to a new area.
What are you hoping to achieve in 2026?
I’m really hoping to connect with the Whaingaroa community and get to know all the businesses, creatives and amazing whanau that make up this town and help build what is already great, and get more people, especially growing businesses, a new look.
How do people get in touch to chat about what you offer?
The best way is to email me, either through tom@tomnoblecreative.com, or through my website tomnoblecreative.com. Instagram is also great via @tomnoblecreative
