Sakura Yoga Retreat and Health Spa - Lifestyle Photography

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Zen...
Blankets will keep you warm during meditation


Sensitive Instruction
Nestled in hills of Cambridge, New Zealand, Gwen and Lloyd have created a quiet haven perfect for reflection, relaxation, recovery or meditation.

Whilst in the final stages of preparation for the official launch of their retreat and bed & breakfast website, you can keep up to date on their Facebook page, here.

These images are from the Yoga room, stay tuned for further posts which will include the rest of the property and local attractions such as Hobbiton and Blue Springs.

Namaste...


Nina Beilby is a professional photographer based in Chatswood, Sydney, Australia. You can see more of her work at www.ninabeilby.com.au. 

Social Media:  Facebook |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram

Thanks for visiting!
Location: 1422 Maungatautari Rd, Maungatautari 3494, New Zealand

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Previous Posts

Mum - its been two years now

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Today, it has been two years since mum passed but I still think of her every day. Sounds silly because I'm a grown woman but I feel like an orphan. That last person you know who will undoubtedly and unconditionally love you forever, gone. August 2015 with an Oxygen Tank at home now Mothers Day 2014 Unlike my Dad who was struck with a massive heart attack, Mum's demise was slow and painful.  Diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or the more familiar condition Emphysema. They gave her 4 years. She lasted 5. There were her countless daily medications.  The immunosuppressant Prednisone, Morphine for pain, Ventolin to ease the airways, Bactrim to ward off infection and Seroquel for depression and more.. On occasion, all this was not enough. Her lungs would collapse and we had to call the ambulance.  She'd have interesting reactions to certain drugs. Hallucinating about being surrounded by angels then whispering to me th...
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Rustic Australian Countryside - The small town of Rylstone

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One of the Dam's looking toward Kandos  On the property, Lindoway looking back toward The Shed  It happened. A rare weekend when I wasn't shooting for a client! So I threw the camera in the car and headed three hours out of Sydney to  the Central Tablelands.  I visited a friend's property, Lindoway, in  Rylstone ,  a small town with a population of 615 people and at least 10 times that in sheep! View toward the town of Kandos There are 65 sheep on Lindoway and this is as close as I could get as they are quite skittish. The leader sheep lets out a massive Baa (he tried to sound scary but Baa still sounds cute to me) then they all take off.  Today is particularly warm 30 degrees celsius but it did cool considerably in the evening.  There don't seem to be any mosquitos but the flies certainly make up for it. The great Aussie salute probably originated here! So many flies... There are alway...
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Cambodian kids bring tears of joy! - Our visit to a remote school in Thailand

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Steps With Hope Desperately in need of funds to continue their support of this little school in Thailand, Founder of  Steps With Hope , Jen Spoor, hosted a Mother's Day High Tea. After her presentation, I said to Jen, "if you want to make a bigger impact, you need better photos".   So that was that and I committed to visiting the school on their next trip.   Meet The Kids If you're like us, you will want to meet the kids right away. There are about 70 children currently attending the school with three classes starting at Kindergarten age.  These children come from poor Khmer families, remnants of a recovering population that has endured one of the darkest times times in its history.  Around 3 million people slaughtered and many more terrorized by the Khmer Rouge has left a devastated people still clawing its way back to normality.  Families reside in makeshift huts just over the border in Cambodia. The children walk across...
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How To Setup a Remote Triggered Photo Booth

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Beautiful Teen Girl Portrait- Funny Faces-Too Much Fun!

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After a few hours of shooting, set changes, outfit and hairstyle changes, we decided to blow off some steam. Just in the casual shirt she came in, Shelly sat for some fun natural shots. We were trying to get the fan going to blow back her hair but it was a mess and we just ended up laughing. The real fun started when Shelly began pulling some amazing expressions. It strikes me how beautiful she remained even when she contorted her face so!
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The Love Story Part 1 - A Chance Meeting.

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We met through friends and the attraction was instant. A tingling sensation aroused from its sleeping hibernation. A burgeoning sexual energy combined with a sense of knowing that together we would be compatible in every sense. He would quieten my uneasiness and I would feel safe. I would be the spark to his humdrum, the wisdom to his healing. He was recently separated, and I was a few years down the track after my own split and divorce. A horrific affair that ended up with lawyers and court hearings for over 5 years. It was an abusive marriage that lasted over twenty years and I was happy to be out of it. I had become a person that I no longer liked. Through it, my self-esteem around relationships had taken a battering. I had been on a few dates and quite frankly, was exhausted by the entire process. So you can imagine the exhilaration when this lovely man reciprocated my attention. He was safe too because he was an old classmate of my girlfriend's husband. I didn't have to do...
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Puppy Love - Beautiful Puppy Portraits and Lighting Setup

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I needed some sample images to show a client. I knew what I wanted to do. I had ideas flying around in my head (such is the life of a creative).  The only way to show someone else what is in your head is to create it so I asked my lovely neighbour if we could borrow Lulu.  Well, Lulu was a dream.  She stayed in the exact spot for the perfect lighting setup. (Doggy treats were definitely the motivating factor.) We also used funny noises and a squeaky toy to get the expressions. In all, we had most of the images within 15-20 minutes. The chair was a last minute thought but so glad as I'm really pleased with this shot. I was so excited by the images that I went out to Kmart and picked up a few more doggy/kitty accessories ready for my next shoot. Can't wait to meet my next mammal subject! FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Here is my lighting setup for the shoot. If you have any questions, pop a comment below this post.
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The Love Story Part 13 - The New Woman

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  As the train weaves its way through the vast green, undulating hills of Kent, I feel a mild flurry of anticipation. He has planned two days of adventure for us and after all of this time, I am finally granted a glimpse into his brave new world; his new apartment with recently acquired furniture and décor, the print of mine of our Tongariro Crossing that he had framed, his new sporty car, his local shops and pubs and the walking trails he takes each day. Anxiety reeks. He opens the door with cautious hesitation, and I see that he is nervous. “It’s not as nice as yours”. He says   We spend the morning wandering through the historical Knole, and its surroundings, an ancient woodland home to fallow and silka deer. Then a stroll through Shoreham, a quaint unaltered village where cobblestoned streets and crooked old cottages ooze tall tales of Tudor escapades and Shakesperean drollery; and finally a brisk walk around Sevenoaks Nature Reserve, a former quarry now a wildlife conserv...
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New Plymouth, New Zealand - Just Like Oregon, USA

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As I approach my upcoming New Zealand trip, I find myself reminiscing about our last little adventure.  Our travels led us from Cambridge on the North Island, South West to New Plymouth by way of Lake Taupo. The imposing Mount Taranaki  volcano and the quaintness of the seaside buildings, reminded us immediately of Oregon, USA .  It was like having Mt Hood and Cannon Beach all in one place. Of course, just add the super friendly New Zealander's and you have the perfect little get away. The State Hotel , an absolutely gorgeous quaint boutique hotel on Devon Street right in the heart of New Plymouth was our home for the next two nights. The Common Sitting room in The State Hotel, Devon Street, New Plymouth Hallway to our room, State Hotel The entrance to The State Hotel and our bedroom .  We found the perfect little Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant for dinner, Loving Hut , just down the street from the hotel. The food was not only fab...
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Beautiful Teen Girl Portraits and Family Portrait In The Studio

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Before Makeup and Hair These sessions are a favourite because the Teens transform in front of your eyes.  It's not just about the hair and makeup. I get guys in the studio too. It's because they have the freedom to express themselves for who they are and we have a lot of fun.  For this shoot, we did have hair and makeup by the amazing MJ Park . We also added a Family Portrait session in at the end. After makeup and hair You can see more of the shoot here. Nina Beilby is a professional photographer based in Chatswood, Sydney, Australia. You can see more of her work at  www.ninabeilby.com.au .  Social Media:   Facebook  |   Twitter    |   LinkedIn   |   Instagram Thanks for visiting!
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