Soul-I-Tude

Time to add another Image, this was one of those moments when just being aware of my surroundings and watching carefully I saw this man in a cathedral. It is such a poignant moment and I can't help but wonder what was going through his mind.

Opera Night Deco series

Another image from the Art Deco series, this image taken in St James theatre Auckland. I like the mood from using the available lighting it adds to the romance. ISO 100 Transparency film 1/2 sec exposure 60mm lens on Hasselblad.

Rose at Farmers market

This image taken as part of a book my wife and I produced on New Zealand farmers markets. We traveled to 17 different markets throughout New Zealand photographing at the markets and also then doing interviews and portraits at the various stall holders places of growing or production. The portraits all taken on Hasselblad with 60mm lens on 400ISO b/w film using available light. Dedicated people producing wonderful produce!

Tiny one

6 days old, there is something magical about newborns, especially when asleep. This type of image is created best when the baby is only a few days old and they are still all curled up. The black background is a good contrast for the black and white image.

Mums Tum

Had a great workshop last Sunday, they are always full on and interesting as everyone who attends is at a different level, but we all benefit!
Mums Tum is a sweet shot taken about 1 month prior to the birth of Gwenna Rose who you see at 2 weeks in the image 'Baby sister' posted earlier. These sorts of images are popular as it is such a special time although most Mum's at this stage of pregnancy tell me they are 'over' it! Digital image with addition of noise and tone, natural daylight.

Photography workshops

I have been running 1 day workshops for keen amateur photographers. Usually I do one a month on a Sunday 10am-4.00pm, next one is this coming Sunday 11th. Will be another on 8th November and I'm considering holding a full weekend workshop depending on the level of interest. If you would like more details use the comment form. Keep shooting!

Bridegroom

Taken in the foyer of the hotel where he, his bestman and groomsmen were preparing for his wedding. I enjoy introducing a fashion element to some shots when it's appropriate and I think this is one of those times. He had recently returned from Dubai and was wearing a beautifully tailored handmade suit. On the way to his room I noticed this location and he was keen to follow my suggestion to try it.I think it is both elegant and masculine and he was absolutely delighted.

Busy Mum

A very busy Mum with 5 kids including a set of triplets! I must admit she did seem pretty relaxed about it all.... it certainly took a lot of my energy to get them all responding at the same time, their expressions tell it all!! Studio, straight digital file f8 125sec.

Rugby giant and Granddad

An image of Sir Colin Meads taken for a book I photographed called Granddads Grandmas Nanas and Poppas. Grandparents and their grandchildren all over New Zealand from North of Kaiatia to Stewart Island. He was very relaxed about the shoot as you can see by his dress code, although he did change for a family shot with all his grandchildren (10 I think}

Rear Reflections

This image always creates a smile, it's innocence is the appeal. Taken on location at clients home and another moment of serendipity. I often find that by just letting things flow and keeping an eye out some of my favourite images appear. natural lighting
from doorway, 35mm 1600 ISO 135mm lens with slight tone added.

Safe in Mum & Dads hands

A recent commission in studio. It is a nice subtle way to get Mum and Dad in the picture. 99% of adults (apart from models) tell me they hate having their photograph taken! or that they take terrible photographs to which I politely reply it will be painless and leave it to me! The back lighting (with a front fill reflector) I think gives the image it's special mood.

Deco Picnic

Another image from the Art Deco series. Great fun obtaining all the props for this shot from vintage and collectable shops. B/W 100 ISO film 150mm lens on Hasselblad.

Brothers

An image from a portrait commission taken last week. Simple soft lighting created by lots of natural light reflection from white walls and ceiling. Background trees sufficiently out of focus to not be a distraction. Straight digital image 800 ISO 300mm lens @f5.6

Eight months

This image taken using natural light coming through a doorway.I find it always seems to work better when I get down their level and shoot from the floor, it adds a nice perspective.

Boys Joy

This little guy was a Russian orphan who had been adopted. He was great fun to work with (even though he didn't understand much english), as his expression shows he was so excited about having his photograph taken.

Great Grandad

I thought this was a suitable image for Fathers day. Great Grandad was 99 when I took this and his Great Grandaughter 6 months. This photograph was taken a few years ago but it still is in my portfolio as it seems to touch peoples heartstrings whenever it is exhibited.

Fond Farewell

A sweet embrace maybe the last in the days of flying the machine... Using a shutterspeed that blurred the propeller heightened the sense of time, adding to the emotion of the image. From the Art Deco collection.

Deco fashion 5

Another in the series of Art Deco fashion. Original dresses provided by private collector. Style really is never out of fashion. ISO 400 B/W film Hasselblad 80mm Lens.

Violinist

From last Saturdays portrait commission, photographed at his home. Another simple uncluttered image using composition as the main element to make the photograph more appealing. The curve of the archway is repeated in the shape of the bottom of the violin.

Eventide Stroll

Another one of those moments when an image just seems to appear. I have played with this in photoshop, blurring background which I think makes the gentleman standout and adding the warm tone which just helps the sense of twilight both in time of day and time of life. 200mm @F5.6 digital.

Moment in time

I was looking at this scene and knew it needed something to add the 'X' factor.., and then this person appeared walking out of frame, so just a matter of waiting for the composition to work and press the button.

Dewdrops

I really enjoy just wandering around with a camera, it keeps a nice balance between commissioned assignments and just having fun. This was shot at f4 on the 90mm shift and tilt lens which has the ability to focus very close with out filters. Straight digital file.

Brothers

A simple fun shot of two brothers having fun. The angle of the seesaw gives the image a more striking composition (leads the eye straight to the main subjects). Narrow depth of field gives a more three dimensional look to the photograph. 400 ISO B/W film 60mm lens on Hasselblad (equal to approx 28mm on 35mm camera).

Deco fashion 4

I really like the way the red of her lipstick is repeated in the Hotel stained glass sign in the background. Hasselblad 150mm lens transparency film.

Keiran

A good way to highlight his blonde curls was to photograph him against a black background and also use a backlight. To achieve a solid black background I placed Keiran about 2m away from the black curtains so that the light on his face wouldn't reach the curtains. Also blocking with a black screen/card any light from the backlight spilling onto the curtains.

Skater

Recent shot from portrait shoot, his Mum wanted something that was natural and this is what he naturally did! Straight digital ISO 400 @ 250sec.

At A Glance

This was shot using a 90mm shift and tilt lens (my favourite lens) which gives a very narrow depth of field, resulting in one eye being sharp and the other out of focus. I then used smart blur in photoshop and also bleached out the midtones. Original shot on 3200 ISO B/W film and scanned.

Sunset layers

Another recent image, I had located this view several days before so it was a matter of waiting until the right night and light appeared and then shooting the picture. Straight digital image slightly cropped to give the panoramic format, shot on 400mm lens .

The Future in our hands...

An image from a portrait commission of Mother and baby, 35mm 3200 ISO B/W film F8

Twilight Fishing

Twilight is a beautiful time of day to be taking Pictures, especially at this time of year. Digital image ISO 1200 @ f5.6 @ 3 weeks (just joking!).

Classic Beauty

This young lady is what I would term a 'Classic beauty', very natural and unassuming. Using the window light again just seemed to work best and the reflection adds just a touch of mystery. Digital file and I've added a bit of 'Noise' in photoshop just to add to the painterly mood of the image.

Deco fashion 3

Once again the lighting gives the image it's "X" factor. Natural sunlight that just happened... to be where I positioned the model. The use of camera tilt also increases the visual tension within the image. When looking for a location for this wardrobe change I noticed that the curls in the columns would match the curls in the hair, I think it adds another interesting element to the picture.

baby Sister

Two weeks old! It's such a magical moment in time. Natural daylight through open doorway and the high key styling gives a lovely delicate mood to the image. The big... sisters and brother were a delight to work with. Straight Digital image 1600 ISO F8.

I Spy

Another favorite of mine, great when kids personalities take over, but I had to be quick!

Sweet Reflection

Taken as part of a recent portrait commission. Sometimes it's the simple things that work best, natural window light is wonderful and easy to control. Straight digital file ISO 1600 F5.6 300mm lens.

Fishy

Excercising my imagination, good to play around. Shot this digital and also on film, this is digital version. Will be interesting to compare the results.

Follow the Leader

Spring time,(almost). Full frame 100 ISO B/W negative.

Go faster Dad

Taken last week for a new book project I'm working on. Shot digital, f5.6 @ 60th sec, ISO 50 (to allow me to pan the image and capture the movement). Straight file no manipulation.

Deco fashion 2

Taken inside Hotel foyer, natural light from doorway and tungsten light from Hotels interior really adds to the warm ambience and creates the mood of the Art Deco era.

Dreads

Fashion shoot for hair products company. Lighting the essential ingredient to this image.
Centre model and model on right lit from right hand side, whilst left side model mainly lit from left. Used lots of Gobos (Black cards on light stands), to control direction of lighting. Printed 90% straight from B/W neg only a little burning in in top corners to add a bit more drama.

Flowing Fog

Early morning a great way to start the day, out with a camera and just following my eye. Digital, straight file.

Flights of fancy

There is something wonderful about just wandering around taking images just for fun. A great stress reliever when you just concentrate in the moment and look through the viewfinder.

Speedo Swimmer

What I would call one of my "iconic" images. From a private portrait commission, also photographed him in the usual jeans and tee shirt. As he was a champion young swimmer it seemed appropriate to create an image depicting his determination and success. Printed straight from B/W negative.

Deco Fashion 1

From a series using original vintage clothing, will add more from series in future. Great fun to shoot, one of my most enjoyable assignments, wonderful to see the models transformed. Hasselblad 80mm lens, 100 ASA transparency film.

Balancing Act

Dad and daughter ( this is how held held his daughter! ) from a private commission.Shot on Hasselblad using 150mm lens and 400 B/W film. Printed full frame no image manipulation. I always strive to create final image in camera.

M.I.L.K images

Two of my images 'Boys best friend' and 'Sisters Secret' that have been selected for the worldwide M.I.L.K ( Moments of Intimacy, love and kinship ) publications. 'Boys Best Friend' came from a private commission portrait shoot. I saw Tom and Harry (the dog) playing and the idea for the shot came about when Tom was going for a dive and Harry was in the water, so it needed a bit of direction from me to make the composition work and a lot of talk from Tom to make Harry stay and not jump in!