A series featuring talented wedding vendors with incredible values collated during the Lockdown. Created to inspire, intrigue and showcase how truly amazing New Zealand small businesses and their founders are. (Make sure you read to the bottom to see the Lockdown checklist making us all giggle).
Next up is Rini Cheeseman from Pretty & Wild Photobooth - upping the game with an open air, scandi-style Photo Booth that takes professional quality images. With the ability to retake the photo if you choose, there is less waste and more cherished memories.
Photo Credit Pretty & Wild
Was there a moment when you realised this is what you wanted to do?
In typical new mum fashion, I was on maternity leave and trying to work out how I could have a side hustle as well as be a full time mum.
With my son at 4 months old, we had just been at my brother in laws 30th in the Central North Island and they had hired a photobooth.
On our drive home I had my AHA moment. I could start my own photobooth business. I love taking photos (I’m always lugging my DSLR camera around wherever I go), I would be working weekends/evenings, and my husband can look after my son. Sorted!
Photo Credit Pretty & Wild - an example of the Photobooth's stunning image quality.
Who or what inspired that moment?
We had hired a photobooth for our wedding down in Wanaka and I loved that. It wasn’t your typical photo ‘booth’ as such. It was open air, modern and I loved that you could retake bad photos so you end up with decent photos at the end.
So with that in mind, and a friend’s wedding looming, I designed my photobooth. Compact with professional equipment, able to take great photos, print quality photostrips and easy to transport.
10 days later we rocked up to our friend’s wedding and it was a huge success!
Why are you passionate about what you do?
I have always just loved capturing memories. Ever since intermediate I’ve always had a camera. I was and still am that one carrying the big heavy camera everywhere. The one people start to rely on to have photos from events and travel. I’m all about reminiscing but still enjoying myself and having a great time.
I wanted to offer great professional quality images, with great lighting and printouts to keep as a memento of that specific time, whether it be your wedding, Christmas party, birthday or school ball.
The images we capture both ‘pretty’ and ‘wild’ are treasured memories for a lifetime.
I wanted to offer great professional quality images, with great lighting and printouts to keep as a memento of that specific time...
Photo Credit Pretty & Wild
Biggest challenges you face in your business?
With limited budget getting my name out there has been a bit of a struggle. It can always be a hard sell to promote quality with the additional price tag that comes with that.
In saying that, referrals and exposure from my previous clients have been a big help as have the wedding shows I have exhibited in, where people can see the quality for themselves.
How can people be more mindful when choosing options?
Don’t break my props! (laughs).
Our service itself generates minimal waste, and with the option to accept or retake each photo our guests get great photostrips every time, reducing wastage even further.
Adding one of our customised albums is a perfect way to store your photostrips alongside guests' messages and ensure those precious memories are kept safe for years to come.
Our service itself generates minimal waste, and with the option to accept or retake each photo our guests get great photostrips every time, reducing wastage even further.
Any tips on having a more eco friendly wedding?
Renting or purchasing second hand wedding decor is a great start.
Electronic save the dates and invites are also great, but with my design background I must confess I just love the look and feel of a beautifully printed invitation, I do keep the ones I receive though :)
Photo Credit Pretty & Wild
Are you taking bookings at the moment?
Yes we are, we will do everything we can to accommodate our couples should anything change during this current pandemic.
When you're not working, you're….
Spending time with the family and running around after my toddler and creating memories. Currently he is loving helping me in the kitchen and I am cherishing all the time I get to spend with him. Lockdown has been great for that.
What you've learnt along the business journey
It’s scary and nerve wracking to put yourself out there. But at the end of the day it is rewarding when clients love the experience they have had, and enjoy the memories we have helped capture. That definitely boosts my confidence and makes me feel like I’ve made the right choice of side hustle for my family and myself.
It’s scary and nerve wracking to put yourself out there. But at the end of the day it is rewarding when clients love the experience...
Photo Credit Bianca Hawk - Wild Hearts
Thanks so much Rini.
I've been to weddings where Rini has been on Booth duty, and can vouch for the quality of the images, the hilarity and the uniqueness of creating a keepsake book for the couple as the day and night progresses. (Obviously it gets a little more wild and a little less pretty as the night goes on but thats all part of the fun!).
See below for the Lockdown Checklist - how many have you done??
