Can you please tell us what you do and a little bit about yourself? 

I'm Sammy, a Photographer and a Mum. I spent over 10 years as a Snr TV Producer at DDB, an Advertising Agency in Auckland and before that in Sydney. We moved to Paris for my husband’s business which reignited my love for Photography and inspired a career change. I'm now a freelance Photographer and I work at HiP Paris, a platform that shares unique insights and experiences about Parisian life.

Can you tell us what a typical day or week living in Paris looks like? 

A typical week includes school runs, French classes (it’s such a hard language to learn!), meetings, attending events, and shooting for myself or HiP Paris. I try to walk as much as possible, it’s the best way to see the city and find inspiration. On Fridays I have 'petit déjeuner' at a local café and people-watch, Paris is the best city for that. Weekends are dedicated to family time, with the kids’ activities and visits to the local markets. In the summer, we love parking up along the Seine for picnics with the kids. Then, of course, there are all the exciting things like supermarket shopping and trips to the laundromat, followed by lugging my trolley up five flights of stairs.

What do you love the most about Paris? 

It’s an incredibly beautiful city, I love the history, the culture, the vibe, especially in summer which is unreal. There is always something happening, even if you have been to an area multiple times there is still something new and interesting to see and discover. I love the terrace dining and people watching. The food is amazing. Also the light. The way the Parisian light hits the architecture is magical. Ha that didn’t really answer the question but it’s too hard to choose.

Can you tell us some secret places you have to visit in Paris that only the locals frequent? 

Definitely the Coulée verte René Dumont. It’s an old railway line that has been transformed into a beautiful, elevated park. You walk above the streets, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning architecture. It actually inspired the New York Highline. It stretches from Bois de Vincennes all the way to Bastille, making it perfect for a Sunday stroll as afterwards you can visit the Bastille Markets, which are amazing.

The Canal Saint-Martin is also a local favourite. It's such a cool area, with a really relaxed vibe. You can sit on the edge of the canal in the sun eating lunch or people watch at the cafés. It's a great place to escape the tourist crowds and experience a more local side of the city.

Oh and my friend recently told me about a vintage store that is underground and you have to have a code to enter so that sounds exciting. If any friends of OHEN come to Paris then do get in touch.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about life in Paris?

That it's always romantic and glamorous. It's beautiful, yes, but it's also a real city with real challenges. It can be expensive, and navigating the bureaucracy is very tricky. 

Another misconception is that Parisians are rude, but I haven’t found that to be the case. It's really about cultural differences. They value politeness, starting with a simple “Bonjour” makes a big difference. Their directness can seem abrupt, but once you understand the norms, interactions are much friendlier. Although I have had one or two run-ins, that's a story for another day.

What has been the most surprising or unexpected part of adjusting to life in Paris with young children?

Living on the fifth floor without an elevator has definitely been a challenge! Our daughter was 2 when we arrived and for about 6 months or more she didn’t want to walk up by herself. Living in an apartment has also been a huge adjustment for the kids. Back in New Zealand, we were fortunate to have a backyard. Now, living in a city where outdoor space is limited, we realise how precious that was. It's definitely made us appreciate the space and freedom of New Zealand even more.

What’s the biggest piece of advice you’d give a young family looking to move? 

My biggest piece of advice is: Just do it. Taking that final leap can feel daunting, but if you’ve been thinking about it, don’t hesitate. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it. One other thing I would say is to give yourselves as much time as possible to experience life in another place. It takes longer than you think to settle into a new country and culture, especially if there is a language barrier.

What aspects of Parisian life do you hope will leave a lasting impression on your children as they grow up?

Definitely the exposure to a different culture and the language, we will work hard to ensure they always keep their French and hopefully their cursive writing lol.

 

What first drew you to the art of photography, and how has it shaped your creative identity?

I was initially drawn to photography by the magic of capturing and preserving fleeting moments. I was mesmerised by the darkroom process (showing my age ha), watching images slowly appear. While I originally wanted to pursue Photography, I can't really draw so a full arts degree was out, so I studied Film and TV instead, still driven by the desire to capture moments. Now, returning to Photography, I sometimes wonder how different my path would have been if I had started there. But as a Producer I learnt the importance of storytelling and attention to detail, and I think those skills continue to influence my Photography.

 

Is there a particular subject or theme that consistently captivates your lens and creative imagination?

I'm drawn to the beauty that can be found in everyday life. I love telling the stories of people and places, capturing moments, the subtle interactions, and the textures and patterns that often go unnoticed. I'm also captivated by the energy of urban environments, where I enjoy exploring hidden corners and capturing the rhythm of city life. The interplay of light and shadow, the unique textures of urban surfaces, these details inspire me.

How has living in Paris changed or inspired your approach to your art?  

Paris is a Photographer's dream. The city itself is a work of art. The history, the architecture, the light, it's all incredibly inspiring. Living here has pushed me to experiment more with composition, to pay closer attention to detail, and to really try and capture the essence of a place. 

 

Your imagery has been continually re-shared and reimagined in various art forms, which is such an incredible compliment. What new directions or projects are you envisioning for your photography journey next?

It is such an incredible compliment and honour. It's so inspiring to see how others interpret my work. Right now, I'm focused on some exciting changes happening at HiP Paris, which I'm thrilled to be a part of. I also have a personal project I’m working on, I just need to refine my technical skills a bit more which I’m working on. I'm also exploring options for selling my prints in a way that gives back, whether it's through supporting charitable causes or simply ensuring a portion of the proceeds benefits something meaningful.

 

What do you think has had the most profound influence on shaping the woman you are today? 

My family and friends have definitely had the biggest influence on shaping who I am. I’m lucky to have a really close family and an amazing group of friends who are always supportive and encouraging. Becoming a mum has also had a huge influence on me. It’s forced me to slow down and really focus on finding balance in my life.

Who is your current muse? And why? 

I don’t really have just one, from a photography perspective my current muse is Vivian Maier. An American nanny, whose extraordinary street photography was only discovered after her death. I also draw inspiration from the people in my life. I’m lucky to be surrounded by incredibly hardworking and talented family and friends, many of whom are entrepreneurs. Their passion and drive are a constant source of motivation for me.

What are your greatest loves in life? 

My greatest loves are my family, friends, and our family place in the Marlborough Sounds, it’s a peaceful escape that means so much to me. I love wine, plants and flowers and I also love travelling and experiencing new places and cultures.

OHEN is about giving women a little luxury everyday, how do you take care of mind, body and soul? 

I take care of my mind and body by walking, often aimlessly exploring the streets. It's a great way to clear my head. In France, they call it flâneur, which refers to the art of strolling without a specific destination. How good is that word. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more mindful about consuming less and focusing on quality over quantity. OHEN underwear is a perfect example of that, luxurious, comfortable and beautifully made.