NZPhotographer Issue 30, April 2020

WHAT ARE YOU SHOOTING WITH?
For this shot I was using the small Fuji X100T with
23mm fixed lens, it’s an unobtrusive camera, ideal
for street photography. I also have a Fuji XT2 and
usually use a 35mm or 16mm prime lens.
Street photography is difficult in that you never
know what to expect. You are always anticipating
that special moment and it has to be captured
quickly so for this reason, I shoot on Aperture priority
mode, letting the camera select the shutter speed
so that I can concentrate on the subject.
TELL US ABOUT THIS PHOTO...
I remember this (photo) well as it was taken at
12.35am – at the beginning of the 24 hour project.
It was taken in downtown Queen Street, Auckland,
outside the iconic ‘White Lady’ pie cart, something
of an institution, which has been run by the same
family since 1948, and is a well- known gathering
place and food provider for late-nighters.
The 24 hour project is an annual global street
style project with an aim to ‘connect emerging
photographers, aspiring photojournalists, and visual
storytellers from every city of the world to document
humanity and make a difference by raising
awareness about global issues and empowering
NGO’s.’
Photographers take one photograph per hour in
their city, at the same time, throughout the world,
during 24 hours and share via Instagram. In 2019,
there were 4,880 photographers who took part in
826 cities of 100 countries and I was one of them.
Through the 24 hour website, I was able to contact
3 other photographers in Auckland who were
taking up the challenge. We met in the central city
at midnight, before each going our separate ways.
Before the start of the evening, I had made a list of
potentially interesting areas and Queen Street was
one of them. At first, I simply observed the scene –
there were a number of people about and so it was
necessary to look for the best vantage point, light
etc. I took a few initial shots and no one seemed to
be aware or take notice of my presence.
This couple, relatively isolated and in conversation,
caught my eye. They were oblivious to their
surroundings and my camera. It is ideal to isolate
your subject wherever possible so I was pleased to
get this natural shot of the young couple (backlit
by the pie cart), the position allowing for enough of
the background to give context.
The first part of the ‘night shift’ was definitely the
hardest as this was the time when I felt the most
tired. It was good to know the ‘support crew’
were there (the other 2 Auckland photographers
who were taking part) plus I did have company
throughout the early hours for some transport to
various locations but it was mostly coffee and
the challenge to complete that was sufficient
motivation to keep me going through the 24 hours,
along with always having something interesting to
photograph.
HOW DO YOU THINK THE 24 HOUR PROJECT
FOLLOWS THE #PHOTOGRAPHYFORGOOD
PHILOSOPHY?
As part of the 24 hour project there is a sense of
a worldwide photography community who use
their skills in a positive way and, although you may
not interact with all of your subjects, there is the
opportunity to talk about the project and charity
with people which helps to raise awareness.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE KNOW ABOUT YOUR
PHOTOGRAPHY?
My photography has definitely changed since 2016
when I exchanged my DSLR setup for a lightweight
mirrorless system. The lighter setup means I am
never reluctant to take a camera out with me all
day - I take more shots and have more fun.
As well as general street photography,
photographing protests is another interest of mine.
You can see my images from the Ihumatao land
occupation on FujiLove.com
DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF WISDOM TO
LEAVE US WITH?
The best camera is always the one you have with
you - not my words but I think they are true!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ONLINE?
www.gailorgiasphotography.com
albums.excio.io/profile/pixelmix
BEHIND THE SHOT IS PROUDLY
SUPPORTED BY
April 2020 5