NZPhotographer Issue 23, September 2019

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET STARTED
WITH PHOTOGRAPHY?
My Grandfather and Aunty have always been
avid photographers and my Mum was always
taking family snaps but it was my art teacher
(Gary Shuker at Rutherford High) who taught
me the fundamentals of photography like
form, composition, lighting, and developing
black and white film.
Later on, when I had a family of my own,
I was always taking family snaps but started
stretching my skills by taking landscape and
macro shots.
Wanting to improve and learn, I joined a local
camera group called Focus Photography in
2016 which then merged with the Whitianga
Camera Club in 2018. We have some amazing
accomplished photographers within the club
who are happy and willing to share their
time and knowledge with monthly workshops
covering topics includiing astro, portraits, and
long exposure.
HOW DO YOU PUSH YOURSELF TO
IMPROVE AND TRY NEW THINGS?
With the monthly challenges from the
Whitianga Camera Club, I have been pushed
outside of my comfort zone, exploring new
techniques and styles of photography. Who
knew that I would enjoy astrophotography
and wandering around at 4am trying to take
photos of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower
back in May (and yes did manage to capture
a couple)!
WHAT CAMERA DO YOU HAVE?
Currently, I’m shooting with a Canon
Powershot G3 x which is a bridge style
camera. While it does have some restrictions,
at the moment it suits me fine as it’s ideal for
travelling – I don’t have to worry about having
the right lens with me (it has an incredible long
range zoom) and it’s able to perform most
tasks a DSLR can.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE GENRE OR
PREFER A CERTAIN STYLE?
As yet I don’t have a preferred genre as such
but I do tend to take more landscape and
nature photographs. However, I am interested
in developing my skills in street photography.
TELL US ABOUT THE DAY YOU TOOK THIS
WINNING SHOT…
We were fortunate enough to be staying
at the family bach at Muriwai which is
a quintessential kiwi bach from the 60’s.
I decided to hit the beach for a long walk
with my camera on a stunning June afternoon
as the tide was dropping. My idea was to
work on capturing people on the beach in a
more abstract way. The light was incredibly
beautiful. As I was leaving the beach
I climbed the sand dunes behind the surf
club watchtower to capture the sunset and
silhouette of the tower and was rewarded
with a glorious golden sunset where the sky,
sea, and sand were ablaze. It wasn’t really a
planned shot but one I thought summarized
Auckland’s west coast.
ARE YOU HAPPY WITH THE PHOTO? IS
THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD HAVE
LIKED TO HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?
I like the effect and colour of the image as it
was on the day but I should have used a filter
so the sun wasn’t as glaring but alas, I didn’t
have them with me.
HOW DID IT FEEL FINDING OUT THAT
YOUR PHOTO HAD WON THE PEOPLE’S
CHOICE AWARD?
To be honest I was surprised but totally thrilled
at the same time as there were some amazing
images in the competition.
HAS WINNING PEOPLE’S CHOICE
GIVEN YOU A SENSE OF NEW FOUND
CONFIDENCE?
Actually, it really has. I guess I have always
been my own worst enemy with self doubt but
this is my second win of the year as I also had
a photo shortlisted in the still life category of
the Sigma amateur photographer of the year
competition.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE FOR
FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO MAY
BE HESITANT ABOUT SUBMITTING THEIR
WORK TO COMPETITIONS?
Don’t stop learning and keep trying and
experimenting with different genres, ideas, and
techniques. For those just starting out, get off
Auto mode and start using Manual – Have fun!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ONLINE?
Nowhere yet as my photography has just been
for me up until this point but who knows what
the future may hold!
September 2019
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