top of page

Pictured by Lucie

Welcome to my blog, I'm a Professional Photographer based in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand.

Archgola Lifestyle Photography in Hamilton

Archgola canopy at night while people are dining under it, at a Hamilton location, New Zealand.
Architectural Lifestyle imagery for Archgola, in Hamilton, New Zealand.

A Fresh Look for Archgola

Recently I worked on an exciting project with Archgola, a Hamilton-based canopy manufacturer, as part of their brand refresh with the talented team at Daymark.

Traditionally, Archgola has been known for its durable outdoor canopies, but this new chapter is all about more than just the product. The rebrand focused on showing how an Archgola canopy can transform everyday backyards into lifestyle spaces, where families and friends come together.

My role? To capture a set of lifestyle images that aligned with Daymark’s new branding direction and told this story visually.

From Product to Lifestyle

The brief was clear: move beyond product-focused photography and highlight the experience of owning an Archgola.

Instead of sterile product shots, the new imagery needed to:

  • Show people enjoying life under the canopy

  • Capture moments of connection: family time, shared meals, relaxation

  • Balance wide architectural views with intimate lifestyle close-ups

The aim was simple but powerful: when people saw these photos, they’d imagine themselves there.

Location: A Hamilton Home for Archgola's new Lifestyle Photography 

→ The shoot took place at a single property, chosen for its practical layout and relatable backyard setting. This gave us the perfect canvas to show the canopy in context, not as an abstract product, but as part of real Kiwi life.

Capturing Different Stories Throughout the Day

To bring the lifestyle angle to life, we planned scenes at different times of day:

  • Daylight → Family activities under the canopy, plus maintenance shots of the homeowner cleaning.

  • Dusk → A couple relaxing with a drink, enjoying the golden light.

  • Evening/low light → A small gathering around the table: food, conversation, and a birthday cake moment.

This approach meant Archgola could showcase their canopy as versatile across every setting.

The Talent

To reflect Archgola’s diverse audience, we worked with:

  • Three young couples

  • A couple in their 50s/60s

  • Two young children

These groups made the imagery warm, relatable, and aspirational without feeling staged.

Styling & Staging

To reinforce the lifestyle feel, we styled the space with:

  • A relaxed dining table with food, wine, and candles

  • Comfortable lounge seating

  • A birthday cake

The goal was approachable sophistication, imagery that feels real, but polished enough for advertising.

Editing for Brand Consistency

Alongside the lifestyle scenes, we delivered retouched canopy images to keep the product itself looking seamless and aligned with brand standards. This included:

  • Removing visible screws, bolts, and brackets

  • Polishing lines and surfaces for a clean architectural finish

  • Balancing colour and lighting for a premium look

These edits ensured the final images were not only lifestyle-driven but also technically strong for brochures, billboards, and the Archgola website.

Archgola canopy at dusk while people are dining under it and young kids are running around the backyard, at a Hamilton location, New Zealand.
Architectural Lifestyle imagery for Archgola, in Hamilton, New Zealand

The Final Output

Archgola received a versatile collection of 20 lifestyle images (JPEG + TIFF)

The content is being used across:

  • The new Archgola website

  • Digital and social media advertising

  • Print collateral

  • Campaigns and trade shows

Collaboration

This project was an awesome collaboration. Huge thanks to Daymark for leading the rebrand and providing a clear, inspiring brand direction. It’s always a privilege to work with a team who knows how to blend strategy with creativity.

For me, the highlight was capturing the human side of Archgola, showing how these canopies don’t just cover a space, but create opportunities for people to connect, relax, and celebrate.

Why the Archgola Lifestyle Photography in Hamilton Showcases the Power of Brand Storytelling

This Hamilton location shoot was a reminder of why I love brand photography: it’s not just about showing what something looks like, but about telling the bigger story of how it fits into people’s lives.

If you’re a brand in Hamilton, Waikato, or anywhere in NZ looking for lifestyle photography that connects, I’d love to help. 📧 Get in touch


Comments


Get in touch

Got a project in mind? Let’s chat!

  • Black Facebook Icon
  • Black Instagram Icon

Behind the Lens Access

Join my creative circle for BTS peeks, handy photography tips, and subscriber-only offers.

© Pictured by Lucie - Lucie Smeriglio Photography

Commercial & Brand Photography. Lifestyle, Portrait, Product & Food Photographer based in Hamilton, Waikato, NZ (New Zealand)

contact: picturedbylucie@gmail.comFAQ - T&C

bottom of page