Kirsty Halliday










I’m Kirsty Joy, I currently live in Ruakaka in the beautiful winterless North of New Zealand with my two sons, husband and three fur babies.
I fell in love with photography on my Mum’s Olympus OM-10 back in the ’90s and was told off many times for running through a roll of film faster than I could say cheese!
If anyone asks me what made me fall in love with photography, I honestly cannot give them just one answer. It allows me to see the world in a different way, finding the beauty in moments that would usually pass unnoticed.
I feel photography came to me to give my life direction and let my soul see the beauty that surrounds me every day. I think my style of photography reflects my thoughts and showcases emotion with a deep and moody feel.
I was introduced to Nikon in 2013 and acquired my first DSLR, a Nikon D3200 in 2014. After a year or two finding my feet I made the move to become a professional and undertook a photography course, upgraded my gear and started my own business as a professional photographer.
Cameras
Nikon D750 x2 – I love the dynamic range in these old boys, I love the tones and crisp image they produce. The Nikon D750 is also great in low light which is beneficial for lifestyle images on a dull day or wedding receptions.
Lenses
Nikon 28mm f/1.8 – Super lightweight and gives me a nice wide-angle with minimal warping and vignette.
Nikon 85mm f/1.8 – My go-to portrait lens. This beauty has been by my side since I purchased my first full frame body. Its dreamy bokeh and quality low light abilities make it one of my favs.
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 – This is my most recent purchase and I have fallen in love. Similar to the Nikon 85mm f/1.4, its dreamy bokeh, low light abilities and wide open 1.4 aperture make it a go-to prime in my kit.
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 – This is a brilliant lens to have on my side at a wedding or large family session to bring my shot right in close and capture those candid moments that pass unnoticed.
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro – This is what I call my ‘details’ lens. A cheapie but a goodie! I use this lightweight Macro for babies eyelashes, shoulder fuzz, wedding ring shots and more.
Lights/Triggers
Nikon SB-900 – I love its wide 17-200mm auto zoom range and large LCD screen. It is easy to operate and has a super-fast recycle time.
Nikon SB-800 – This was my first flash unit but after purchasing the Nikon SB-900 it has become more of a backup flash than my go-to. It’s recycle time and zoom range are not as impressive as the Nikon SB-900 but it still does the job when needed.
Bags/Straps
I have an amazing leather camera holster from Warhead Leathercraft. It has saved my back and neck immensely and kept my cameras at arm’s length ready to shoot. A must-have for wedding photography and large family sessions.
I have a large Nikon camera bag that manages to store my full kit and a laptop and can still be worn comfortably thanks to the extra wide padding and support straps.
Hardware & Software
I have a large collection of Lexar SD Cards on hand always.
I have always been an Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom girl. I just love the versatility it offers. I feel like a magician with Adobe Photoshop at my hand.
I have my camera and camera bag’s rain jacket on hand in case the heavens open up. I also carry a sheet of glitter cardboard in an envelope in my bag for ring shots to add extra sparkle if we are short on time!
I carry my ‘Mary Poppins” makeup sized bag with me to all shoots. It’s packed with lollies, Band-Aids, pins, Panadol, throat lozenges, anti-nausea lollies, stress relief spray, Bobbie pins, hair ties, a mini sewing kit, eyelash glue. You name it, it’s in there! It has saved my backside quite a few times at weddings and with the occasional family shoot.
I once spent 30mins in a cupboard sized room with the bride sewing up her wedding dress that had ripped right down the zip line BEFORE her first dance.
Thanks so much for the feature Shotkit! Grateful xo