It was so exciting counting down to our 500th photo shoot knowing that we got to surprise the lucky lady with an incredible gift pack.

Arriving a 30mins early for her shoot and full of nerves. Berns (Bernadette) waited excitedly outside with her daughter reading all about the $1000 worth of added extras that would go to whoever happened to be our lucky 500th shoot. When she came in, unloaded her outfits and I got to congratulate her, there was even a few tears when I told her she had won!

Berns had been gifted her shoot by her lovely daughter Te Aroha, and had almost rescheduled out of nerves. Her daughter told us that her mum was someone that has spent her whole life doing things for others, family, work, partners and always put herself last. It was time for her to be on the receiving end of someone special and we are so honoured to be part of it.

Self confessed untypical grandmother, Berns has tattoos from neck to toe, and as a tattoo artist all bar one she did herself. And she is now retraining in permanent make up and micro blading with Phi Academy to extend and grow her career.

As someone who lives in black and tights only, this photo shoot was not just something outside of her comfort zone; it became a turning point for her too. Sitting at our mirror watching her hair and make up being done, she recalled spending much of her life hiding. Hiding behind sunglasses in photos, behind baggy black clothes in life, behind her duties and her titles; wife, mum, tattooist.

Watching her stand in front of my camera, seeing her smile slowly change from forced to natural, from hiding to being proud to be seen, from ‘just a mum’ to finding herself, her confidence soared. She confided in us that she finally feels that she has been through enough to get the Moko Kauae she has been dreaming of. Listening to the ups and downs of her life I was left in awe of how incredibly strong, kind and funny Bernadette is.

I am so happy that such a wonderful prize went to such a lovely person.

Hair & Make up @kaseygeorgemakeupartist