Please give a warm welcome to long-time Unraveler, Helen Dol who is now an Unraveled Expert Artist. Not only is Helen an incredible photographer, but she is also a very kind, welcoming and helpful member of our community. Her work is minimalistic yet bold, joyous yet calming and always full of heart.

Helen is a lifestyle photographer based in the Nor-west of Auckland, New Zealand. She is a boy mum, down to earth and loves to help. Helen was originally trained in film while living in Melbourne, Australia. Fast forward twenty years, being persuaded by fellow photographers to pick up the art again she has dived head first into the digital world and hasn't stopped. Helen is a lifestyle photographer and taking her first steps into BrandStory photography.

For more inspiration:

Instagram | Website | Facebook

Here is Helen, Unraveled…

What inspires your art? 

I have a fond memory looking through printed photos, I still love looking back at all the old family photos. Especially the ones of my dad. I also get inspired by watching people interact with each other and kids playing, my all time favourite.

What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens? 

My favourite Camera is my new baby Zora the Z6. I also have a D750. My favourite lens is my Tamron, 35 mm 1.8, along side the Tamron 85 mm 1.8 and Tamron 70-200 mm 2.8. My only native lens is Nikon 18-35mm. I will use a godox TT685 along with a magmod.

What other ways do you express your creativity?

I love all craft, be it knitting, or anything I can make myself.

How do you de-stress at the end of the day? 

At the end of the day when everyone has gone to bed, I sit in silence and catch up on social media, read, watch TV or Unraveled courses, along side my scruffy dog.

What kind of music do you listen to while editing? 

I like peace when I edit, I feel it connects me with my images.

What is your favorite book? 

My Z6 manual. haha no, The last book I read that I still think about is pillars of the earth by Ken Follett.

Name one movie that inspires you. 

I always think about this when I read other interviews, I honestly do not know which movie. I love Money Heist on Netflix.

How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps? 

I take a break, I break from shooting and being on social media as it can mess with my thinking.

What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?

Editing and getting over a hurdle I had with not putting myself and my work out there for the world to see.

What is your favorite pizza topping?

Cheese, is that a topping?

What is your most favorite kind of light and why?

I love overcast and really dark sheds or spots with just a little spot of light.

Who is one of your favorite photographers? 

Lizzie Gilmour, love her fine art portraits. Si Moore, amazing film double exposures. I love Christall Lowe for her food photography, she is also a awesome person. I have so many, I could fill the whole box.

What is your favorite course or lesson at Unraveled? 

Hands Down Teri Hofford, Boudy Positive: Beautifully Authentic Boudoir and Intimate Male Portraiture
With Kevin Lowery