Capturing New Zealand's Beauty: An Interview with Melissa Palmer of Nectar Photography

At Little Batch Wax Co., we believe that scent has the power to transport you to beautiful places and cherished memories.

That's why we're thrilled to collaborate with the talented Melissa Palmer of Nectar Photography, whose stunning images grace the postcards in our monthly candle subscription boxes.

Join us as we dive into Melissa's world of photography and discover the art behind capturing New Zealand's natural beauty.

Question: How did you first discover your passion for photography, and what drew you to capturing New Zealand's landscapes in particular?

Answer: I first discovered my passion for photography during high school. There I achieved Top in New Zealand for my photography course for two years running and found my love for this art form. Those early days were full of discovery— it excited me all the creative possibilities it opened up. Photography allows me to creatively communicate and connect with people on a deeper level. (Here's a link to one of Melissa's very first projects from 2011).

After high school, I studied photography at a University in Kona, Hawaii. At 18, I started my wedding and portrait photography business (Nectar Photography), and now, a decade later, I'm incredibly grateful to do what I love full-time. Photography has helped me grow both personally and creatively, and it's allowed me to meet and connect with so many amazing people. I truly love my job. :)

Though I specialise in photographing people, I also enjoy capturing New Zealand's landscapes. Lately, I've been enjoying capturing the landscape in the Franklin area. Having grown up in Onewhero and being born in Pukekohe, its a place I feel very connected to. I'm often inspired by the beauty of the natural scenery that surrounds me.

Question: Beautiful! Can you walk us through your process of selecting and photographing a scene for the Little Batch Wax Co. postcard covers?

Answer: Firstly, I love collaborating with Beth from Little Batch Wax Co. She's one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I know, and that warmth shines through in both her products and the experiences she creates within her business.

Our process usually starts with a conversation, like last night when Beth described her new summer scent. We discussed the emotions that the scent evokes and brainstormed colours and visuals that could complement and unify the experience between the candle and the photograph. After the call, I either find a photo from my collection that matches the feeling we want to convey or I head out at a specific time of day to capture something new that aligns with the mood we're after.

Question: I love working with you! You always nail the brief and I'm constantly torn between which photograph to choose. Okay, next question: what is your favourite location in New Zealand to photograph, and why does it resonate with you?

Answer: It's hard to choose just one, however lately, I've been drawn to Port Waikato, a rugged beach on the West Coast. There's something wild and untamed about the landscape—it feels like stepping into Jurassic Park. The energy of the waves crashing against the rugged rocks, combined with the wind sweeping through, makes me feel alive and refreshed. It's a place where I can reconnect with nature and find inspiration. Plus, after a shoot, I always look forward to eating some of the best fish and chips around—it's the perfect way to end a photoshoot! :)

Question: Yes! Love Port Waikato, so wild. Now, for our readers who are interested in improving their own nature photography skills, what are three tips you'd recommend?

Answer:

Learn the Rule of Thirds...

The rule of thirds is a simple yet powerful composition tool. Imagine dividing your frame into a grid of nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place key elements of your scene along these lines or at their intersections. In landscape photography, for example, you could position the horizon on the top or bottom third line, creating a more balanced and visually appealing image.

Create Layers in Your Images...

To add depth and dimension to your photos, think in layers. Include a clear foreground, mid-ground, and background. For instance, you could photograph through some leaves in the foreground, have a subject in the middle distance, and capture the horizon or mountains in the background. This layering technique helps draw the viewer's eye into the scene, making it feel more immersive.

Experiment and Play!

Approach your photography with a sense of curiosity, like a child discovering something new. Think about what landscapes personally resonate with you and go out with your camera, ready to explore and play. Things rarely turn out exactly as you imagined, so be open to experimenting and thinking outside the box.

And a bonus tip: Light is Everything!

Lighting can completely transform a landscape. The same scene will look different depending on the time of day and quality of light, creating varying moods. Pay attention to how light interacts with the landscape, and shoot when it enhances the scene—dawn and dusk are often the best times for this, as the soft light creates a magical glow.

Question: Wow thank you for those tips! Can you please tell us a bit about your cinemagraph projects? And how can our subscribers stay in touch with you and future projects?

Answer: I'm currently challenging myself with a monthly Self Portrait Project, where I take a theme or message that's resonating with me at the time and translate it into a moving photograph—blending still imagery with subtle motion in the form of a cinemagraph.

You can follow the project on Instagram, where I share behind-the-scenes insights into the planning, shooting, and editing process. This project has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone by being on the other side of the camera—a space that can often feel confronting—while expressing messages that are deeply personal to me.

A few highlights from the project so far:

• February's Cinemagraph, titled - 'Centred'

• April's cinemagraph, titled 'Seeking Light'

• July's cinemagraph, titled 'Kinship'

In Closing:

We're so honoured to feature Melissa's stunning photographs on our monthly postcards, and are in constant awe of her ability to translate our seasonal candle scents into visual masterpieces. Big thanks to Melissa for her work and her time to answer our questions today.

To stay updated with Melissa's latest projects and breathtaking captures, be sure to follow her on Instagram @nectar_photography. And don't forget to keep an eye out for her incredible work in your next Little Batch Wax Co. subscription box!

The Magic of Soy: 3 Reasons We Favour Soy Wax

Did you know the wax in your candle can make or break your entire candle burning experience? 😨

Whether you're setting the mood for a romantic evening, creating a relaxing atmosphere for self-care, or simply trying to make your home smell amazing, the type of wax in your candle plays a crucial role. It affects everything from how long your candle burns to the intensity of its scent and even its impact on your health and the environment.

As consumers become more conscientious about their purchases, understanding the differences between soy, paraffin, and beeswax candles isn't just for candle enthusiasts anymore—it's essential knowledge for anyone who wants to make informed choices about the products they bring into their homes.

Let's dive into the world of candle waxes and discover which one might be the perfect match for your lifestyle and values!

In today's blog, we'll explore the top three types of wax used in modern candle making, along with their pros and cons. We'll also share why we've committed to using only pure soy wax in our products. So, grab a cosy spot and join us as we take a look at the fascinating world of candle wax!

1. Paraffin Wax:

Pros:

• Inexpensive and widely available

• Excellent scent throw

• Holds colour well

• Easy to work with for candle makers

Cons:

• Derived from petroleum (non-renewable resource)

• Can release harmful chemicals when burned

• Not biodegradable

• Produces more soot than other waxes

1. Soy Wax:

Pros:

• Made from renewable resources (soybeans)

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

• Burns cleaner with less soot

• Often supports local agriculture

• Longer burning time than paraffin

Cons:

• More expensive than paraffin

• Can be affected by temperature (softer in warm weather)

• May develop a frosted appearance over time

1. Beeswax:

Pros:

• Natural and renewable resource

• Purifies air by releasing negative ions

• Pleasant natural honey scent

• Hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Most expensive of the three

• Limited colour options (naturally golden)

• Can be difficult to add fragrance
  

Read on to discover why pure soy wax is our top choice!

Here are 3 reasons why we ONLY choose pure soy wax in our candles:

1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Soy wax is derived from soybeans, a renewable resource. It’s biodegradable and produces less soot compared to paraffin wax, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

2. Longer, Cleaner Burn: Soy wax typically burns more slowly and at a lower temperature than paraffin wax. This results in a longer-lasting candle. The lower burning temperature also means less soot production, leading to a cleaner burn and potentially better air quality in your home.

3. Excellent Scent Throw: Soy wax has a lower melting point, which creates a larger pool of melted wax around the wick when burning. This larger melt pool allows for better dispersion of fragrance oils, resulting in a stronger scent throw both when the candle is burning (hot throw) and when it’s not (cold throw).

The sneaky marketing behind a soy wax candle...

Did you know when a candle states "soy blend" it is most likely 75% Paraffin wax and a very small amount of soy? If you're looking for a healthier candle for your home, make sure the label you choose says "pure soy wax". This means your candle of choice is full of only pure soy wax, and NO artificial toxic additives. Your lungs will thank you.

In conclusion: there’s an art to candle making that most people don’t see - from selecting the perfect wax to mastering the right pour temperature. It’s a blend of science and creativity that never gets old. ✨

What part of the candle-making process are you most curious about?

Ask away in the comments below ⤵