A Wānaka photographer is still riding high after being named a winner in a worldwide wedding photography competition.

Charlotte Kiri Photography was named one of the Rangefinder Top 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography for 2021, which principal photographer Charlotte - who works alongside her husband Bruno - said was “a dream come true”.

“It is absolutely amazing. We are still on such a high and it really is a career highlight for us,” Charlotte told the Wānaka App.

Charlotte has had her eye on the Rangefinder list for some time.

Charlotte Kiri PHOTO: Supplied

“When we first started wedding photography this was a goal we always had in the back of our minds,” she said.

“We knew it was a very lofty one as they only pick 30 people worldwide and in the 10 plus years the competition has been running only a handful of New Zealand photographers have ever been picked. 

You have to be nominated by industry leaders to even take part in this competition so to even get a nomination is huge - we never thought we would actually win.”

Rangefinder said the couple’s editing style is inspired by Scandinavian décor, earthy tones and colorful pastels: “They prefer to shoot frames that are free from distractions and clutter, and they always have an eye on true-to-reality skin tones while indulging in ‘magical’ composite creations, too.”

Charlotte said she was inspired by the local mountains. PHOTO: Charlotte Kiri Photography

Charlotte told the Wānaka App the local mountains inspire her and Bruno.

“[That’s] something I really wanted to show throughout the portfolio… It's all based around the scenery of our area which we are blessed to be a part of. When I put the portfolio together that was really on my mind, and also showing those really authentic candid moments.”

Charlotte started her photography business as a sole operator, but when a second shooter pulled out of a wedding at the last minute her husband stepped in to help, and the arrangement worked so well they kept it that way.

Today, Bruno shoots their clients’ wedding films while Charlotte is the principal photographer. 

See more of Charlotte and Bruno’s work here.