Methven beat Southern, 2010 Watters Cup rugby

Whenever there is something interesting going on in Methven, if I go I usually can’t help but take a camera and do some visual push-ups.  I just enjoy photographing nearly everything (except weddings). These photos don’t usually have any apparent use – so I’m thinking about making a home for them on my website, sort of a visual diary of local life.  The page is not officially part of my website yet but can be found here for now.  The initial photos are from yesterdays Watters Cup rugby final where Methven had a good win over Southern.

Raewyn Hillier on Latitude cover Winter 2010

Another cover on Latitude mag: over the last couple of months I’ve had fun photographing Raewyn Hillier.  She is a very interesting woman, recently seen with husband John on a  ‘Country Calendar’  episode featuring their high country hunting / guiding business.  I also photographed her working with Erewhon’s clydesdale horse team, riding her Harley and working at her day job as a flooring consultant in Christchurch.  It’s worth buying the mag just to read this article and see my photos of her!

Nancy Tichborne, artist and gardener

If you have any interest in expansive gardens find a copy of this month’s Latitude mag. I photographed 3 of the gardens featured, including the cover shot of Nancy. It was a bit of an eye opener for me seeing just how creative (and maybe a little obsessed!) gardeners can become, I suppose it is just like any other creative outlet you become passionate about.

Life imitates art, Methven Rodeo

Cowboys from all around descended on Methven today for the annual rodeo.  This bull earned my respect for the best impersonation of the graphic on the wall.

I spent last weekend in Wellington at the annual NZIPP (NZ Institute of Professional Photographers) conference.  As well as a series of interesting speakers, trade displays and catching up with other photographers from around the country there were the Iris Awards. Full time photographers can submit work to be judged.

I’m ambivalent about entering awards because I firmly believe the only opinions that matter are those of the photographer (and client if a commercial job).  While there are some obvious elements of technical skill and innovation in some work, the emotional response of  like or dislike from any images is rather subjective.  In short, I make photographs that please me – if other people like them, that is a bonus. But the process of entering awards not only involves much valuable self-criticism but also gives the opportunity to analyse what everyone else is up to.

My entries in the Landscape and People categories picked up bronze awards which I was happy with as the judging seemed to be particularly tough this year.  Out of over 1200 entries only around 20 made gold standard.

The most enjoyable part for me was seeing what everyone else is doing in the people category.  While I have leant more towards landscapes in the past I’m hatching plans to photograph people more.  One at a time though, not family groups, weddings etc.  What I enjoy most and am best at is working with people one on one, coming up with images that are beyond your average portrait, unique to the individual. Often more art than portrait. Such as the one below, one of my award winners last weekend.

Blues at the Blue

Wayne Pannett and the Back Road Blues band played to a packed house at the Blue Pub last night – I put a few images on my ‘Projects’ page here.

Methven A&P show

Ferris wheels and highland dancing – it must be showtime!

Saturday was a great day for the keen individuals who took part in the Teva Big Day at the Office race.  It starts in Methven with a 40 km bike ride to the hills.  Next is a 24 k run through a sub alpine track around Mt Somers.  Back on the bikes for 30 km along the foothills, then in to kayaks for a 9km paddle along the RDR before the final 3.5 km run to finish at the Blue Pub in Methven.  

Teva multisport bike riders, Methven

Austen Deans

Race on down to your nearest bookstore and buy the latest issue of Latitude magazine (no.6, Summer 2008).  It is one magazine that actually has substance rather than being just a vehicle to sell adverts.  I thoroughly enjoyed spending a couple of days with Austen Deans photographing him for an article including the cover shot.  He is a real inspiration, still following his passion and remaining full of life at 93. 

Also in this issue is my regular ‘Insight’ spot where I have one of my current favourite images.  This issue it is from my series of photos around woolsheds, have a look at the Projects page on my website to see more.