My journey into photography: From late bloomer to professional

Welcome to my story! From a chance encounter with a point-and-shoot camera to owning a thriving photography studio, my journey into photography has been transformative and deeply fulfilling. Specialising in corporate headshots, actor profiles, and commercial photography, I’ve dedicated myself to capturing authentic and compelling images. Using top-tier Canon and Elinchrom equipment, I bring a unique blend of technical skill and creative vision to every shoot. Join me as I share the experiences, milestones, and personal passions that have shaped my career and continue to drive my love for photography.

Steve Montgomery - Owner of Profile Photos

How it all began

At 26, I discovered my passion for photography when my brother handed me a point-and-shoot camera. This unexpected gift sparked a journey that would transform my life and career.

Early career and turning point

Worked in Auckland's café scene, co-owning a coffee caravan: I spent several years immersed in the vibrant café culture of Auckland, even co-owning a coffee caravan. This experience taught me about entrepreneurship and customer service, skills that would later prove valuable in my photography career.
Life-changing moment: Meeting my niece inspired a move back to Wellington: When my brother returned from the UK with his 18-month-old daughter, meeting her was a profound experience. It made me realize there was more to life than my current path, prompting me to reassess my priorities and return to Wellington.
Enrolled in a Multimedia course on a friend's suggestion: While helping renovate my brother's house, an old friend suggested I enroll in a Multimedia course. This recommendation opened up new possibilities and set me on the path to a creative career.
Landed a job as a video editor at Trackside NZ (Tab): After completing my studies, I secured a position as a video editor at Trackside NZ. This role allowed me to hone my visual storytelling skills and provided a stable foundation for my future in photography.

Co-owner of Cow Coffee - Auckland 2003

Greyhound Racing in Manawatu 2008

The leap into professional photography

First steps

Attended a cousin's wedding in England with a borrowed Canon 20D: My father lent me his Canon 20D and flash for this trip, teaching me the basics. Capturing moments at the wedding solidified my desire to pursue photography professionally.
Started a side business doing small photo jobs: While still working at Trackside, I began taking on small photography projects. This allowed me to gain experience and build a portfolio while maintaining financial stability.
Went full-time after redundancy in 2014: When broadcasting moved to Auckland, I was offered redundancy. Instead of returning to a city I wasn't ready for, I took this opportunity to pursue photography full-time.

Learning and growth

Self-taught through experimentation and online resources: Rather than attending formal photography school, I immersed myself in self-directed learning. I watched countless instructional videos and spent hours experimenting with techniques and equipment.
Began with landscapes and sports photography: Like many photographers, I started by capturing landscapes and sports events. My job at Trackside gave me ample opportunity to photograph horse and greyhound races, helping me develop crucial technical skills.
Discovered a passion for flash photography: As I explored different aspects of photography, I found myself drawn to flash photography. The ability to shape light and create striking images became a cornerstone of my style.