That was Luke's only rule. Not because he was in denial.  Not because it wasn't real.  But because, for one night, he wanted to simply be Luke.

A husband.
A dad.
A son.
A mate.

A man celebrating his 40th birthday, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Just a few months earlier, life had taken another unimaginable turn.

Luke had first been diagnosed with bowel cancer in his mid-late thirties. He was fit, healthy and with his whole life ahead of him, cancer was the last thing anyone expected. In a turn of events, he was suddenly diagnosed with bowel cancer. He fought hard through treatment and beat it.

Then, late in 2025, it returned. This time it had spread to his lung. While batling chemotherapy, Luke quietly turned forty, far too unwell to celebrate the milestone.
Once again, he faced treatment with determination, and once again, he received the news everyone had been hoping for- his scans were clear.
For a brief moment, life began to look forward again.

Then, in May 2026, everything changed. The cancer had spread to his other lung.
This time, he was told there would be no more curative treatment.

Luke was given the devastating news that his cancer was terminal.

Like so many families facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, those initial days after the diagnosis were incredibly difficult. The future suddenly looked very different. But somewhere amongst the grief came a decision.
If time had become precious, then every moment deserved to count.

Luke started writing a bucket list. There were motorbikes. Fast cars. Experiences he'd always dreamed of. And right near the top…Celebrating the 40th birthday cancer had stolen from him.

What happened next is something I'll never forget.
More than 300 people - family, friends and supporters came together to make it happen.
In the short planning phase, the original venue quickly became too small. People volunteered their time. Donations were made towards the catering for a large crowd. Entertainment was organised - for the adults and the children. Everyone wanted to give something back to a man who had given so much of himself to others.
On a crisp winter night in June, Luke's 40th Birthday kicked off. It was an evening was filled with laughter, music and stories. A rugby game played projected on the big screen. "Hands Off" - one of Luke's favourite cover bands from years gone by were set to play live - setting the vibe for an incredible night.
This night really kicked into full swing when everyone gathered in the industrial shed (courtesy of Vernon Developments Ltd) for speeches.
Luke spoke with honesty, gratitude and humour. His father shared memories that had everyone smiling. Then Luke's wife, Cushla, stepped forward to take the mic. Unknown to Luke, until this moment, she had secretly been taking their two young boys to Haka practices. As her speech came to an end, a small group of men- those closest to Luke - stood alongside their boys. Together, they performed a Haka just for Luke.

It wasn't simply a performance.
It was love.
Strength.
Respect.
Brotherhood.
It was a moment his family will carry forever.

My role throughout the evening was a simple one.
To quietly observe.
To document the moments as they unfolded naturally.
No flash.
A long lens.
No interruptions.
Just genuine connections captured, documenting the ambient light & atmosphere so when these photos are revisited - I hope the viewers are reminded of how it felt to be there.
It's visual log of attendance for their children to look back on to remember who was there for their Dad in his time of need. For their children to see just how loved their Dad is and just how many people are in their village.

Later, Cushla sent me a message to thank me for the photos, and mentioned she'd only noticed me once during her speech. That - to me, is one of the greatest compliments I can receive as a documentary photographer.
The photographs tell the story of the evening. Not because I directed it - but because I was trusted to preserve it exactly as it happened.

It isn't about photographing illness. It isn't about documenting loss.

It's about preserving love while the opportunity still exists.

Whether it's a terminal cancer diagnosis, time in palliative care, a time of uncertainty fighting a cancer diagnosis, a celebration of life, or simply gathering the people who matter most, these photographs become a family's history. They preserve the laughter, the embraces, the tears, and the moments that words can never fully describe.

As an End Of Life Photographer serving Auckland, Waikato, Greymouth & Hokitika, it is an incredible privilege to create these memories for families during life's most significant chapters. They are photographs that will be treasured not only today, but by children, grandchildren and generations still to come.

Luke's story is one of courage, resilience and choosing joy, even in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

It was never about saying goodbye. It was about celebrating a life that is still being lived.

If you or someone you love is facing a terminal diagnosis, navigating palliative care, or planning a meaningful celebration of life, compassionate photography offers a way to preserve the moments that matter most.
If you'd like to learn more about the compassionate photography services I offer in Auckland, North Waikato, Greymouth & Hokitka -  or if you'd like to have a quiet, no-obligation conversation about a compassionate photography session, I'd be honoured to hear from you.

Because while we can't hold on to time, we can preserve the moments that define it.