Behind the Scenes

I photographed this image as a part of my series We are Locals which was displayed in an exhibition on Wanaka’s water front in 2020. Although it seems very calm and serene in the photo the lead up was chaos. It was early morning and I heard there was fog on the river, I rang Ben and asked if we could go. He of course said yes so I headed out to Albert Town to pick him up. As I was driving in, I could see the fog was lifting quickly so I put my foot down to go and grab him. Having two little kids it was the usual morning chaos at Ben & Bel’s. Bel was trying to get them out the door to day care, and we were trying to get to the river. Between lost shoes, crying kids & some running we managed to get to the river just in time for the sun to pop through. Although it was freezing (I was complaining in my puffer and gloves from the shoreline) Ben found his quiet moment, focused on his breathing & apparently even enjoyed it.

Awards for this image:

International Runner up in the Head On Photo awards 2022

Honourable Mention IPA’s 2022

Silver NZIPP Award 2021

A bit of a glimpse

Stepping into the world of an advertising photographer is an exhilarating journey, marked by a blend of creativity, precision, and sometimes a fly by the seat of the pants attitude that unfolds discreetly behind the scenes. It sometimes involves an extensive collection of photography equipment, carefully selected to suit the unique demands of the project—ranging from top-tier cameras and lenses to an array of lighting setups, tripods, and assorted accessories, but sometimes just one simple camera and lens will get the job done. While the final shot may seem effortless, achieving it often requires relentless effort and numerous retakes. Through the lens of experience and an inherent understanding of composition, lighting, and storytelling, I like to think my eye guides the entire production. Every shot is meticulously crafted, reflecting my vision and creativity, striving to evoke emotions and deeply resonate with the intended audience. The perfect balance of technical prowess, artistic insight, and an unswerving commitment to excellence culminates in the captivating images that grace the world of advertising.

Here are a couple of BTS shots of me over the years…