My photography stands out from the rest with a unique creative style that draws from a strong fine art background, having a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Elam, Auckland University (1986). I have been using light, design and composition for over 20 years and this comes through in my photography. More recently I have become a qualified member of NZIPP in Portraiture and Weddings. NZIPP is the only professional photography body that requires it's members to be consistently judged to a high professional standard before becoming qualified.
"Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder" - whether we see rustic charm or death and decay in an old dilapidated building is a choice that we make. I see beauty everywhere - the patterns left behind by the tide, colours reflected in a pool, the power in the curve of a horses neck, the wisdom in his eye, the loyalty in the way a dog's attention follows his human, the joy in a child, the promise of the future for a new bride, the love and intimacy between family members, the blossoming love between newly engaged couples. These are the things I see and express in a creative way in my photography. The things I want to make into lasting memories that can be passed down through the generations.
My style is very much portrait journalism. I look for the beauty in real life and capture it. I don't spend too much time in posing or constructing a scene, although I am always looking for the best available light and interesting surroundings. If I think something will look really good I will discuss it with you. It can be awkward in front of the camera and I spend a lot of time on keeping you at ease.
"I don't have to be the best (yet) as long as I am better than last week"
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EDUCATION |
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2011 |
Heather Waraksa- Cinematic Inspired Fashion |
Image College |
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Family Portraiture |
Lisa Crandall |
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2010 |
A-Tonic |
NZIPP |
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NZIPP workshops – various |
NZIPP |
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Jerry Ghionis Seminar |
Image College |
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NZIPP InFocus Conference |
NZIPP |
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Innerlight Workshop Waikaremoana |
Tony Bridge |
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David Beckstead Seminar & Workshop |
Image College |
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Lightroom Workshop |
Harry Janssen |
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Painting with Smoke - Raku Firing |
Auckland Studio Potters |
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2009 |
Mask Making with Magdalene |
NZBody Art Workshop |
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Body Painting with Yolanda |
NZBody Art Workshop |
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Life Drawing with Irene Potter |
StuDee-O |
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2008 |
Watercolour with Michael Cuthbert |
StuDee-O |
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Ceramic Construction |
Western Potters |
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2007 |
Photography with Kim Langrish |
StuDee-O |
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Acrylics with Michael Cuthbert |
StuDee-O |
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Ceramic Decoration with Sarah Boyle |
Western Potters |
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Life drawing with Irene Potter |
StuDee-O |
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Woman’s Art (acrylics) w. Irene Potter |
StuDee-O |
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Soft stone sculpture |
StuDee-O |
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2006 |
Beginners Ceramics |
StuDee-O |
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2002 |
Soft Stone Sculpture |
James Wright |
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1999 |
Introductory Course in Graphic Design |
Auckland Technical Institute |
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1985 |
Scholarship to attend “Focus on NZ”
Photographic Conference, Queenstown |
Elam, University of Auckland |
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1983-6 |
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Photography |
Elam, University of Auckland |
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1982 |
“A”Bursary Art English Maths Biology |
Otahuhu College |
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EXHIBITIONS AND AWARDS |
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2011 |
Silver with Distinction Award |
AIPP APPA |
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ProGear Trophy for Best Image in Show
Gold Medal Digital Open Colour Category |
North Shore National Salon of
Photography |
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Strathallan Art Festival Exhibition |
Strathallan College |
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2010 |
Canon Creative Asia - 3 Bronze Awards |
Malaysia |
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Iris Awards - 1 Silver, 6 Bronze |
NZIPP |
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North Shore Salon - Highly Commended |
PSNZ |
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Photography - Judges Choice |
Franklin Arts Festival |
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2008 |
Ceramics - First and Second Place |
Franklin Arts Festival |
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Ceramics Open – Merit |
Royal Easter Show |
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2007 |
First Place - From the Sea |
Tuakau Wearable Arts |
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Supreme Award - Trash to Fashion |
Tuakau Wearable Arts |
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Ceramics Amateur - Merit |
Royal Easter Show |
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Ceramics - Merit |
Franklin Arts Festival |
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2005 |
Photography - Judges Choice |
Franklin Arts Festival |
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2003 |
Contemporary Painting - Second Place |
Franklin Arts Festival |
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“A Good Place To Be” solo exhibition |
Franklin Arts & Culture Centre |
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2001 |
“Chariots of Fire” group equine exhibition |
Franklin Arts & Culture Centre |
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2000 |
“The Year of the Dragon” solo exhibition |
Franklin Arts & Culture Centre |
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“Equus Celebre” 2 pers equine exhibition |
Franklin Arts & Culture Centre |
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Contemporary Painting - Merit Award |
Franklin Arts Festival |
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1987 |
Elam Group Exhibition |
Oedipus Rex Gallery |
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1986 |
“And they’re Racing” solo exhibition |
Real Pictures Gallery |
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PHOTOGRAPHY WORK EXPERIENCE |
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1988 - current |
Wedding and Portrait Photography
Limited Commercial Photography (involving live subjects)
Fine Art Photography |
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1988 - 2002 |
Equine Photography
Horse Shows and Portraiture |
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1987 - 1989 |
Freelance Photography for Onehunga Outlook Newspaper |
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BODY OF WORK |
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2009 - current |
Study of Kaimanawa Wild Horses |
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2010 |
Study at Lake Waikaremoana |
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1985 - 1993 |
Farming in New Zealand |
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1988 - 1990 |
Study of Thailand |
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1985 - 1986 |
Harness Racing in New Zealand |
