Photographer Profile
ABOUT ME
I’m a photographer living on the West Coast of the South island, New Zealand. I was born here and spent my formative years here before leaving to follow a career in the health services. From an early age I’ve enjoyed photographing the things around me and particularly the beautiful landscape we have here, along with the flora and fauna that are part of it. Now in retirement (as of July 2022) I am able to devote more time to my love of photography. Some years ago in order to refine my life-long interest I studied for and gained a Diploma in Digital Photography.
While I have historically seen myself as a landscape and nature photographer, in recent years I developed an interest in photographing the boats that come in and out of the Port of Greymouth. It is a river port hosting a fishing fleet. The Grey River flows into the Tasman Sea which can be extremely wild at times and negotiating the Grey River bar can be a big challenge for the fishermen.
Living where I do, surrounded by incredible natural beauty that is readily accessible, it is almost inevitable that my landscape photography will be dominated by the scenery to be found here on the West Coast – the lakes, rivers, mountains and coastlines that make up this land. Similarly my nature photography focuses primarily on the interesting, varied and often unique flora and fauna that are native to this land – the birds, plants and other lifeforms that are found here. I hope you enjoy my collection.
MY MANIFESTO
A set of principles, beliefs and self-imposed rules that guide my photography.
- Every day something happens that is worth photographing. So photograph it.
- Every photo is a potential masterpiece – so photograph it with that in mind.
- Always shoot in RAW format. Remember that it may be a masterpiece and you want to maximise your opportunity to create the very best image from it.
- If in doubt, shoot. Hesitate and the opportunity for a great photo may pass.
- Stability is important so don’t ask whether you should use a tripod but rather ask is there some reason you shouldn’t.
- If you are wondering if it’s worthwhile setting up the camera, it probably is.
- Look at the picture from every angle – up, down or sideways may offer a more interesting angle.
- When photographing scenery look around for an interesting foreground. Moving a few feet to the left or right can turn an ordinary photo into an eye-catching image.
- Prepare for the worst possibilities. Weddings aren’t cancelled because of rain and you still have to photograph them even if you don’t have cover for yourself or your camera.
- The best photo opportunities often seem to present when you’re not ready for them. The solution is to be always ready.
- Consider getting closer or getting further away. There’s often another photo beyond the one you’re taking.
- Make the most of natural light whenever possible. It’s not called ‘natural’ for nothing.
- Make the best of the equipment you have. Some photographers became famous using very basic gear.
- Have a checklist of things you need for a photo shoot. There’s nothing worse than finding you don’t have the right lens or you’ve filled the card and don’t have another.
- Always look after your gear. Remember Murphy’s Law. A few seconds securing the camera bag can prevent spilling a lens onto rocks.
- No matter how many photos you already have of a subject the next one could be the best yet.
Photos by Kate
