Creating beautiful digital experiences has always been at the heart of my work, but beyond web design, I have another passion: capturing the essence of New Zealand through photography. After decades in Auckland, moving back to the Taupo region has deepened my appreciation for the unique landscapes around me. From the rugged native forest to serene lakes and mountain views, this region has endless beauty waiting to be captured.
Mike Little Photography is where I bring this passion to life, allowing me to share my love for our country’s landscapes through carefully curated photographs. This site not only serves as a gallery but as a platform where anyone who resonates with the beauty of New Zealand can own a piece of it through high-quality prints. Creating this space has been a rewarding project that blends my expertise in web design with my dedication to photography.
The Vision Behind the Site
Mike Little Photography was born out of a desire to showcase New Zealand’s landscapes in a way that speaks to both locals and international admirers. Living in the Taupo region, I have access to some of the country’s most inspiring natural scenery. However, I realised that many people don’t have the chance to see these views in person, so I set out to capture them and share them online.
My goal for the site was not just to display these landscapes but to create a viewing experience that mirrors the calm and awe of seeing these locations in person. Each photograph is carefully selected to reflect New Zealand’s diverse beauty. Through my photography website, I aim to bring a little of that magic into people’s homes and offices, letting them experience the same peace and inspiration I feel when capturing these scenes.
I also love Flat White coffees, and each generous customer purchase allows me to continue my addiction!
Technical Aspects of the Website
I built the Mike Little Photography website using WordPress and Elementor Pro – much like the Creative Digital site. For the shopping and payment functions, I used the popular ecommerce plugin Woocommerce. Woocommerce makes it very easy to setup an online store. Using years of experience using the plugin, I am able to create advanced customisations as well.
Favourite Photographs
I shot the photo below on a very cold winter morning (-4 degrees at the time) at Wharewaka Point, Lake Taupō. The sunrise used such a beautiful palette that morning. Mt Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe & Tongariro can be seen in the background. The clouds above the mountains are Altocumulus Lenticularis or wave clouds – these often appear in the mornings here at the lake.
Aroaroā in the Māori language means loneliness or longing for absent friends and on the day I shot “The Taupō Tree” below, I could not think of anything else to describe this beautiful and incredibly moody scene. Yes… Wanaka is not the only place with one of these special trees.
So, if you have spare space on a home or office wall that needs filling… feel free to see if there is anything that may suit on Mike Little Photography. If you are interested in setting up your own online store, reach out to me today – I’d love to chat about your options.
