Image Credit: Erin Isaacs
Hi there, and welcome to my online portfolio. My name is Ella Wake and I am an established photographer and Marine Scientist.
I have a range of experience, having first picked up a camera at age 12. By 15, I became passionate about fashion photography. I organised countless shoots, liaising with model agencies, makeup artists, stylists, brands, showrooms and studios to build up my portfolio. I developed relationships with big name brands in the New Zealand fashion industry, all whilst attending fashion events after school, and my parents driving me to shoots, prior to getting my license. I was always the youngest person in the room.
When I started at the University of Otago, I secured a job working as an Events Photographer for Gravity Events. This was a new realm for me, but one I instantly loved. I photographed highschool Balls, university hall balls, corporate functions, 21st's, university events and more over the course of three years. I learnt extensively about working with clients to perfectly capture their event, and finetune the experience to meet their needs.
In the meantime, I have produced imagery for clients such as Everyday Weekend, Ingrid Starnes, Rhye Intimates, Rubi Red Kitchen & Bar, Neighborhood Charity, Hej Hej and Marblue Jewels.
I had the pleasure of spending the last semester of my Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Marine Science, on exchange to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. I spent four months living on O'ahu in 2023, and this provided the perfect backdrop for me to continue my personal work, above and below the water.
Image Credit: Erin Isaacs
Image Credit: Caitlin Grace Photo
I have since moved to Exmouth, Western Australia, where I now work as an underwater photographer for Live Ningaloo on the Ningaloo Reef. Each day I photograph this incredible ecosystem, from the coral and small reef fish to whalesharks and other megafauna. This role brings me such joy.
I respectfully acknowledge the Baiyungu, West Coastal Thalanyji, and Yinikurtura people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water that I live and work on. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognise their continuing connection to the culture, land, and sea of the Ningaloo (Nyinggulu) region.
For any enquiries or questions, feel free to contact me:
media@ellawake.com
+61 49 333 7327
@ellawakephotography on Instagram