Sacha Stejko, an acclaimed advertising photographer, masterfully crafts portraits that capture the intricate narratives of her subjects. Renowned for her stylistic versatility, Sacha’s commercial oeuvre oscillates between artful visual storytelling and dynamic, explosive action. This adaptability not only highlights her remarkable talent, but also underscores her ability to meet diverse client needs, making her a highly sought-after figure in the competitive realm of advertising photography.

With a growing portfolio that encompasses esteemed brands such as Powerade, Toyota, and Adidas, Sacha has established a significant presence both locally and internationally.

Recently, Sacha has collaborated with Powerade as both photographer and director, creating a series of short films featuring various athletes. These films emphasise the significance of mental pauses in training and competitive settings.

Title: 'Drag ft. Elektra Shock'.

Location: Kingsize Studios.

"For this particular shoot, I wanted to create an introspective portrait that captures a moment mid de-drag—a transitional phase often overlooked in the spectacle of performance.

This image embodies the aftermath of a show, where the facade drops, revealing the intricate layers of identity beneath. The smudged makeup, the visible ripped wig cap, and glimmering earrings in this unvarnished moment reflect the duality of the performer: both the dazzling persona that captivates audiences and the authentic individual who exists beyond the stage lights.

Having collaborated with Elektra previously, I was keenly aware of her multifaceted talent as a performer and her ability to infuse raw emotion into every moment. Elektra is known for her brilliant performances on 'RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under', and having an illustrious career both as a dancer, choreographer and creative director. Elektra has the ability to seamlessly blend artistry with truth, making her ideal for this project.

While we captured multiple compelling images that I loved, this one particular shot kept pulling me back. It was one of the first shots we took, it has an unguarded quality that drew me in. This moody, enigmatic photograph stirs curiosity about what she could possibly be thinking while she sits in the silence of it all."

Founded in 1999 by Michele Richards, IDC Worldwide Ltd is a renowned photography agency based in New Zealand. Specialising in print campaigns and TVC stills, IDC represents a select group of talented photographers known for their creativity and expertise. The agency collaborates closely with global advertising agencies, fostering partnerships that align with its values of vision, ethics, and professional integrity.

IDC's personalised approach ensures clients' specific needs are matched with photographers' individual skills, guaranteeing exceptional photographic imagery. The agency's comprehensive production services span from casting and studio bookings to location scouting and budget estimation, managed with efficiency and a collaborative spirit.

With a commitment to conscious creativity and environmental sustainability, IDC minimises its impact while delivering award-winning photography and motion services globally.

Whether working locally in New Zealand or across international borders, IDC combines decades of experience with a network of production partners worldwide to consistently deliver outstanding results.

"Seeking light and framing is a total obsession – camera in hand or not. I'm drawn to finding beauty, clarity, connection and form. While architecture and interiors are my specialty, I have a strong focus in industrial and brand photography.

At the age of 14, I started in the photo lab, printing in the days of film. After moving to London in 2002, I began my career shooting homes for a marketing firm working as the head photographer.

Back home in New Zealand, I’m constantly refining my craft and pushing creative boundaries, with attention to details. My calm manner has proved worthy in times of pressure over the last 20 years of pro shooting.

I enjoy time with my husband and two teenage girls, hiking and kayaking. With a history of diving in the Red Sea, swimming with great white sharks, hanging out of helicopters – I’m always up for adventure."

Manja Wachsmuth has won awards and fans with her impeccable Scandinavian sense of elegant composition, recently listed as a Lürzer’s Archive top 200 Ad photographer for the second time. Manja creates masterful food photography, captivating product shots, expressive portraiture and lifestyle imagery that intrigues.

Danish-born but now resident in Auckland, Manja's work is a testament to photographic power. From darkroom beginnings to culinary artistry, she has become a master of precision and purpose in commercial photography. Manja believes in the profound impact of beautiful photos and compelling narratives.

"Beautiful photos last. They tell your story year after year, through trends and seasons, failure and success. They shine with you. It's easy to think that any photo will do, but that's as untrue as any meal or any wine will do. I believe in beautiful photos.” - says Wachsmuth.

Collaborating with top chefs, artisan producers, and lifestyle brands, her photography delves into the heart of her subjects with an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Manja is repped by Film Construction. To view Manja’s printed portfolio, contact Exec Producer Belinda Bradley. Client list includes: Heineken, American Express, Nespresso, Fever-Tree, Barker’s of Geraldine and Liquorland.

"Let's keep this short and get straight to the point; I’m a photographer, not a poet. My images will have far more impact than my words.

While I could wax lyrical and entertain you with a flowery descriptions of my life and work ethic, your precious time would be far better spent looking at my photographs.

So make the best choice and click on this link here."

Graeme Murray's career has been dedicated to the image industry. Trained in professional photography, he began his journey at a top New Zealand audiovisual production company. There, he created dynamic product launches for major corporations using a range of multimedia, including lighting, video projection, graphics, set design, and the thrilling use of pyrotechnics.

The desire to be shooting led him into running his own successful photography business. Graeme now works with clients and agencies on projects that include portraiture, people, lifestyle and sport related to advertising. He takes all his knowledge and experience from previous work in the AV and TV industries into his photography, so dealing with any situation is effortless.

He has a great rapport with clients and the production crew on jobs and goes beyond the norm to make sure the shoot meets and exceeds expectations.

Clients include Red Bull, MasterCard, adidas, Specialized Bikes USA, Tudor Watches, Under Armour, Samsung, Wendy’s, VW, John Deere, AIG, Ford, Bendon, Ozone, Atomic, Tourism New Zealand, Mac Pac Outdoor Clothing, Powerade, Fonterra, among others.

Graeme can be found in the studio or shooting outdoors.

"Working with professional models is easy, for they are photogenic, relaxed and they know how to pose. And that makes a photographer’s job so much simpler. By contrast, most of my subjects are inexperienced and reluctant to have their photos taken at all - so it can be quite the challenge to coax a performance from them.

But this is what I do - and I do it well. Real subjects generally deliver the best images; honest depictions with charm and character. So if you want real good photos, of real people, doing real things... then get in touch."

Manja Wachsmuth has won awards and fans with her impeccable Scandinavian sense of elegant composition, recently listed as a Lürzer’s Archive top 200 Ad photographer for the second time. Manja creates masterful food photography, captivating product shots, expressive portraiture and lifestyle imagery that intrigues.

Danish-born but now resident in Auckland, Manja's work is a testament to photographic power. From darkroom beginnings to culinary artistry, she has become a master of precision and purpose in commercial photography.

Manja believes in the profound impact of beautiful photos and compelling narratives. "Beautiful photos last. They tell your story year after year, through trends and seasons, failure and success. They shine with you. It's easy to think that any photo will do, but that's as untrue as any meal or any wine will do. I believe in beautiful photos.", says Wachsmuth.

Film Construction recently welcomed the consummate food and lifestyle photographer into its photography roster. To view Manja’s printed portfolio, contact Film Construction’s Belinda Bradley.

Client list includes: Heineken, American Express, Nespresso, Barker’s of Geraldine, Lone Star and Liquorland.

"My name is Sacha Stejko, and I am an award-winning advertising photographer based in New Zealand with a deep passion for capturing the essence of people.

My versatile abilities in photography allow me to seamlessly navigate through various genres including portraiture, sport, lifestyle and advertising.

When it comes to my craft, I am always seeking to infuse a unique energy or emotion into my work. Over the past year, I have been incredibly fortunate to be involved in extraordinary projects that have not only allowed me to capture still images but also to direct accompanying motion pieces.

Working with renowned brands such as Bose, Powerade, TAB, FIFA, Samsung, Adidas, and Warner has been an absolute privilege and a testament to the quality of my work."