Behind the Lens at Elephant Hill Winery Restaurant

Photographing Elephant Hill Winery Restaurant for Cuisine Magazine (in the summer issue)  was one of those jobs that makes me love what I do. The Hawke’s Bay icon is known for its food, wine, and stunning setting.

I had had the pleasure of photographing Elephant Hill a few days earlier with Alice from Kin for Elephant Hill’s website and social media.  I got to know the staff and coming back for a second shoot was a real treat.

One thing that I enjoyed witnessing was the team’s passion for what they do, which is evident in every detail—from the carefully curated wine list to the seasonal menu that showcases the best of the region. As a photographer, that kind of dedication makes your job easier. Chef Conor Mertens is very talented at choosing beautiful local ingredients, and cooking and plating them in such a way that they look like a piece of art on your plate.  

The front of house, mainly Italian and French was super lovely to be around (a treat for me because I got to speak my own language for a bit that day) and the natural light in the dining room was a dream to work with.  I’m not even going to mention the views….

I focused on capturing the essence of the place: the colours of fresh, local produce; the precision of the plating; the way the light catches a glass of wine. 

But it wasn’t just about the food. The atmosphere—warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish—was just as important. I wanted the images to reflect the experience of dining there, not just the dishes on the table.

What stood out most? The people, as always.  They welcomed me so warmly and were super easy to work with.