Tips & Advice

Welcome to Helen Oakes’ blog, where creativity meets strategy. Here you’ll find insights across DIGITAL PRINTS, TIPS & ADVICE, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, NEWS & ARTICLES, and more. Whether you’re exploring GENERAL photography discussions, seeking MOTIVATIONAL stories, or diving into MARKETING and SOCIAL MEDIA strategies, each category is designed to help you grow. You can also journey through TRAVEL & TOURISM inspiration and explore hands-on PHOTOGRAPHY guides. Every section connects to real-world experience, practical knowledge, and proven methods to transform your creativity and digital presence.

6 Step Guide to Building a Personal Brand
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6 Step Guide to Building a Personal Brand

Tips & Advice

6 Step Guide to Building a Personal Brand

By Helen Oakes|2025-08-30T16:40:51+13:00September 6th, 2021|Categories: Tips & Advice|Tags: Branding Photographer, Building a Personal Brand NZ, Building Your Personal Brand at Work, Christchurch Photographer, Creating a Personal Brand Identity, Personal Branding Photography, Strategy Template|

Building your personal brand is powerful and can take your career as an entrepreneur to a whole new level. Increase your visibility and get your name out there.

Tips to Help You Take Stunning Landscape Photos
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Tips to Help You Take Stunning Landscape Photos

Tips & Advice

Tips to Help You Take Stunning Landscape Photos

By Helen Oakes|2025-08-30T16:45:19+13:00September 1st, 2021|Categories: Tips & Advice|Tags: Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Photo Editing Advice, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips, Photography Guide|

Hundreds of limestone boulders are what will greet you when you arrive at Castle Hill which is located State Highway 73 and between Darfield and Arthur's Pass

West Coast Wanderlust
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West Coast Wanderlust

Tips & Advice

West Coast Wanderlust

By Helen Oakes|2025-08-30T16:46:48+13:00September 1st, 2021|Categories: Tips & Advice|Tags: Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Landscape, New Zealand, Photo Editing Advice, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips, Photography, Photography Guide, West Coast|

The West Coast has so much to offer, rugged coastline, crashing waves, small towns and beautiful scenery. When I travel I tend to take my SONY A6000.

A Beginner’s Photography Guide to Taking Industrial Port Photos
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A Beginner’s Photography Guide to Taking Industrial Port Photos

Tips & Advice

A Beginner’s Photography Guide to Taking Industrial Port Photos

By Helen Oakes|2025-08-30T16:46:21+13:00September 1st, 2021|Categories: Tips & Advice|Tags: Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Photo Editing Advice, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips, Photography Guide|

Industrial areas are interesting places to create amazing photography. Ports, factories, coal yards and manufacturing plants are the best places to visit when you want to take industrial shots.

5 Sunset Tips to Help You Get Magic Photos with Limited Gear
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5 Sunset Tips to Help You Get Magic Photos with Limited Gear

Tips & Advice

5 Sunset Tips to Help You Get Magic Photos with Limited Gear

By Helen Oakes|2025-08-30T16:47:23+13:00September 1st, 2021|Categories: Tips & Advice|Tags: Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Photo Editing Advice, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips, Photography Guide|

Whenever you are faced with the opportunity of getting a beautiful sunset, don't think you can't take a shot. Make do with what you have on hand and improvise.

5 Tips for Great Photos at The Golden Hour
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5 Tips for Great Photos at The Golden Hour

Tips & Advice

5 Tips for Great Photos at The Golden Hour

By DANNY : DE HEK|2025-08-30T16:47:44+13:00September 1st, 2021|Categories: Tips & Advice|Tags: Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Photo Editing Advice, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips, Photography Guide|

Ask any photographer what time of the day is the best time to shoot and you will get a response of 'the golden hour'.

The Power of Editing & What You Can Achieve
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The Power of Editing & What You Can Achieve

Tips & Advice

The Power of Editing & What You Can Achieve

By Helen Oakes|2025-08-30T16:48:57+13:00September 1st, 2021|Categories: Tips & Advice|Tags: Editing for Photographers, Editing Tips for Beginners, Editing Tips Lightroom, Photo Editing Advice, Photo Editing Techniques, Photo Editing Tips, Photography Guide|

Why settle for a 'nice' or adequate photo when you can get a stunning shot with a little editing. When I say á little editing' it can be very quick and produce a great result.

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09, 2021

Kiwi Slang – Jandals

What is the origin of the term Jandals? The history of the kiwi jandal & its meaning has been debated. Morris Yock trademarked the jandal. New Zealand Slang
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09, 2021

Kiwi Slang – Sweet As

Sweet as can mean so many things and is used in lots of situations. It can mean good, awesome, no worries, you're welcome, nice and thanks. Kiwi NZ Slang Words.
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09, 2021

Kiwi Slang – Yeah Nah

Yeah nah is a non-committal statement, you are acknowledging what someone is saying but you don't agree. It means indecision, no or maybe. Kiwi Slang Words.
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11, 2020

Kiwi Slang – Tiki Tour

Tiki tour is said when you take the scenic route or long way to get to a destination. It can also mean a journey with no destination in mind.
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09, 2021

Kiwi Slang – Choice

Choice is a kiwi slang word that use to get said a lot. It is more of a retro slang term that can mean many things like, you are happy. New Zealand Slang Words
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01, 2023

The Top 8 Reasons Why I Recommend the SONY A6400 as Your Next Travel Camera

Sony's A6400 has some of the best video quality seen in a camera. If you’re looking for a camera that can handle low light situations, the A6400 is a good pick.

Tips & Advice

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