NSM 300gsm, (New Silk Matt – which is a high quality coated paper).
This heavy grade card facilitates the images being used for postcards or mounted for insertion into a picture frame.
Spiral bound on short (top) edge with calendar hanger (white spirals)
Printed locally
$25NZ retail inc. GST (shipping, depending on where-to, maybe extra)
Californian poppies abound throughout Central Otago from November on-wards. Also known as Cemetery Poppies. Because that’s where the old timer gold miners often planted them.
They’re very well suited to Central Otago, but you will find them flowering all throughout New Zealand. Despite the fact they’re related to the opium poppy, they do have very different effects and are not narcotic like the opium poppy.
You can for example add fresh flowers to hot water for a relaxing herbal tea before bed, or you can dry the flowers to use them in a tea blend.
An old and well preserved rabbiter’s hut on Long Valley Ridge Road en-route to the Serpentine Church (see below). Incidentally it became known as the Serpentine, after the winding path of nearby Waimonga Creek.
Driving or biking on this road reaches a significant and isolated scenic reserve. There is a great feeling of remoteness. Further on it shows many of the gold extraction technologies of the 19th century: a stamper battery, water wheel and church.
Very dry 4WD conditions are necessary or it’s an all-day walk or mountain bike ride.
Black Peak/the Harris Mountains as seen from Lismore Park in Wanaka. It’s often mistaken by visitors for Mt Aspiring (which cannot be seen from the town itself, but can be on the start of the road up the Cardrona Valley towards the Crown Range).
Clynes cottage 1896 lower Nevis Valley. Built originally for gold mining.
Surrounded by golden grasses, rose hip bushes, native matagouri, and the occasional willow for shelter the cottage is a rustic relic in a landscape marked by the remnants of gold mining. What truly makes this image precious is its evolution – from a miner’s abode to a cherished holiday home, embodying the timeless Kiwiana style. This transformation mirrors Central Otago itself, adapting to the kinder summers while preserving its historic charm.
“The CMEs all arrived largely at once, and the conditions were just right to create a really historic storm,” Elizabeth MacDonald, a space physicist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, said in the statement.
11 May 2024. 5.57 pm SW view from the Snow Farm, Cardrona Valley. approx 1000m above sea level.
I had an inkling that there would be an auroral display on this night, so I stayed on the mountain in my camper truck. And on sunset photographed the fence, not realising that the arc would manifest in the west later (and the east). So as there was such a difference in light strength I was able to merge the two exposures later to get this effect.
The Serpentine church is one of those places that many have heard about, but don’t quite know how to get there.
“Cost £100. Contributed by the diggers. It stands at an altitude of 3100 feet – when built the highest church in New Zealand.
The first service is described as follows, “the minister being late the congregation of miners, after waiting for some time, went down to the hotel for refreshments and drank deeply to keep out the keen July air, keener then ever at this altitude.
The service opened with the well-known psalm and an encore was demanded by the congregation. The preacher after expressing very strong disapproval, went on with the service which was however abbreviated”
Not many services were held because of the small number of inhabitants, and the difficulty of access.”
This post explores the power of emotions in photography and provides practical tips for harnessing the photographer’s creative potential.
Emotions are a vast and intricate part of human existence, comprising a multitude of nuances. As photographers, understanding and harnessing these emotions can be a powerful tool in creating compelling images. In this post, we will explore the concepts of transforming emotions into captivating photography and how our emotional experiences can elevate our photography to new heights.
Emotions in Focus
Let’s simplify the vast spectrum of emotions into five primary categories: Sadness, Anger, Happiness, Fear, and Relaxation. Each of these categories contains numerous subtle variations, much like the layers of human psychology.
Connecting with Emotions
A personal breakthrough in my creative journey occurred when I consistently practiced yoga. Gradually, I noticed an improvement in my ability to perceive and capture potential photographic moments. However, it took some time for me to connect the dots.
Yoga, in essence, is about unifying and balancing our diverse aspects. It serves as a potent method for healing from trauma—a shared experience in the tapestry of life. Trauma can take various forms, and the process of grieving is often non-linear and unpredictable.
Suppressed Emotions
During traumatic events, we tend to relegate certain emotions to the background—often emotions like anger and happiness. We may even inadvertently stifle them, a pattern I experienced after my divorce two decades ago.
What I didn’t realize was that by suppressing these emotions, I was also inhibiting the positive ones. I lived in a state of emotional “grayness” for over a decade. I even told friends that I was no longer pursuing happiness but rather settling for contentment.
The Impact on Creativity
After experiencing trauma, we can become tense, hyperactive and/or withdraw into ourselves, which compromises our ability to learn from the event and ongoing experiences. Despite maintaining our heads, we may unknowingly become stubborn and inflexible, and depressed. All the attributes that can stifle creativity. As photographers, it impairs our ability to see without overthinking.
Navigating the Journey to Recovery
Healing from trauma entails a twofold process: first, restoring our executive functions, and second, rebuilding self-assurance in our ability to embrace playfulness and creativity. To embark on this journey, we delve into the realm of our emotional mind, where we undertake a form of therapy that focuses on recalibrating our emotional responses. This therapy helps fix any faulty alarm systems and reinstates the emotional brain to its natural state as an unobtrusive background force that safeguards our overall well-being.
<< this gives an outline of a therapy I’ve found very useful in so many regards in life.
An introduction and using breathing techniques while anxiously navigating rough terrain in a 4 wheel drive As I began my first session with my psychologist […]
Embracing Emotions
Traumatized individuals often fear experiencing emotions. Yet, to create images that evoke immediate emotional responses, we must embrace and feel these emotions ourselves.
Once we have honed our camera settings to the point of automaticity, we can operate on autopilot, allowing our intuition to guide our creative process.
A Captivating Example
The image below serves as a prime example of this process. I stumbled upon the scene recently and captured it without hesitation, even shooting blind into the sun, relying solely on instinct. Only later, upon reviewing the image at home, did I realize that I had subconsciously framed it to lead the viewer’s eye to the red kayak—a departure from the conventional “leading line from the bottom left corner” rule.
In conclusion, our emotions are a wellspring of creative potential in photography. By acknowledging, understanding, and embracing them, we can craft images that resonate deeply with viewers, evoking instant emotional responses. So, don’t shy away from your emotions—let them guide your photographic journey.
More ideas on transforming emotions into captivating photography by harnessing the power of emotions:
In the world of photography, capturing an image is more than just freezing a moment in time; it’s about conveying a story, evoking emotions, and creating a lasting impact on the viewer. One of the most potent tools at a photographer’s disposal is the ability to leverage emotions to craft compelling narratives.
1. Emotions as Storytelling Catalysts
Emotions are universal, transcending language and culture. They provide a common thread that connects us all, making them a potent catalyst for storytelling in photography. Here’s how emotions can be harnessed to tell captivating stories:
a. Elicit Empathy: Emotions, when skillfully captured, allow viewers to empathize with the subjects in your photographs. Whether it’s the joy radiating from a child’s smile, the determination etched on an athlete’s face, or the vulnerability of a street portrait, emotions enable viewers to connect with the people and situations depicted in the image.
b. Convey Mood and Atmosphere: Emotions are intrinsically tied to mood and atmosphere. By understanding how different emotions manifest visually, photographers can manipulate lighting, composition, and color to convey a specific mood or atmosphere in their images. For instance, a photograph bathed in warm, golden light can evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia, while stark contrasts and muted tones might create a sense of melancholy or tension.
<< An example of using photography to tell a story about New Zealand’s braided river birds. How data is collected on the numbers of endangered species.
2. The Narrative Arc of Emotions
Much like a well-structured story, emotions in photography can follow a narrative arc. This arc can be a vital tool for photographers aiming to tell a compelling story through their work:
a. Introduction: Start by introducing the emotion or emotional state you want to convey. This can be done through the choice of subject, setting, or composition. For example, capturing the tranquility of a serene landscape or the anticipation in a pre-event portrait sets the stage for the emotional journey.
b. Buildup: Gradually intensify the emotion by using techniques such as framing, depth of field, and timing. Show the emotion evolving within the frame. In a candid street photograph, this might involve capturing the exact moment when surprise turns to laughter, or when sadness deepens into reflection.
c. Climax: The climax is the emotional zenith of your story. It’s the moment when the emotion is at its most palpable and resonant. This could be the peak of joy at a wedding ceremony, the tension of a decisive sports moment, or the vulnerability captured during a heartfelt conversation.
d. Resolution: Just as in storytelling, emotions in photography benefit from a resolution. Allow your image to provide closure to the emotional narrative. This could involve showing the aftermath of the climax or hinting at what comes next. A resolution helps viewers process and reflect on the emotional journey they’ve experienced through your photograph.
3. Connection Points on Transforming Emotions into Captivating Photography
In a rapidly changing world, where countless images vie for our attention daily, those that evoke emotions stand out. Emotions become the connection points between the photographer and the viewer. When viewers feel something—a smile, a tear, a sense of wonder—they engage more deeply with the photograph and the story it tells.
In conclusion, photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s about capturing emotions that resonate with viewers. By harnessing the power of emotions and weaving them into your visual storytelling, you can create images that not only capture the eye but also touch the heart and leave a lasting impression.
As winter spreads its icy fingers across the landscape, it unveils a realm of ethereal beauty that awaits the keen eye of a photographer. Capturing the essence of this magical season can be a captivating endeavor, especially when exploring the juxtaposition of fog, hoar frost, and the radiant sun in semi-urban, rural and recreational settings. In this blog post, we embark on a visual journey through the lens of a camera, discovering the unique concepts and techniques that elevate winter photography to an art form.
Embracing the Mystical Fog:
In a semi-urban setting, when the winter fog envelops the surroundings, photography takes on an almost mystical quality. The limited visibility adds an element of intrigue and mystery to familiar landscapes. Compose your shots with leading lines to draw the viewer’s gaze deeper into the foggy abyss, guiding them through the hidden beauty that lurks within. Experiment with monochromatic tones to emphasize the stark contrasts and evoke a hauntingly beautiful mood in your photographs.
To make the most of this atmospheric phenomenon, consider using a shallow depth of field to create a sense of depth and focus on the immediate subjects that emerge from the mist.
Macro photography can unlock a world of intricate details as the frost crystals form mesmerising patterns on leaves, branches, and other surfaces.
Capturing Hoar Frost’s Delicate Touch:
On frosty mornings, nature gifts us with an exquisite display of hoar frost delicately cloaking every surface. To capture this wondrous phenomenon, venture out early when the frost is at its peak, glistening under the soft light of dawn. Use a tripod to ensure sharpness and stability, and seek out contrasting backgrounds that allow the frost to stand out with stunning clarity. Play with exposure settings to achieve the right balance between the frost’s sparkle and the ambient light, giving your images an enchanting and dreamlike quality.
Dancing with the Winter Sun:
When the winter sun finally breaks through the shroud of fog, it bathes the world in a warm and golden glow, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking spectacle. The key to capturing this magic lies in understanding how light interacts with the environment during winter. Embrace the golden hour and blue hour, the times just before sunrise and after sunset, to infuse your images with a soft and enchanting light. Leverage long shadows and silhouettes to create dramatic and evocative compositions.
Suggested Gear List:
Insulated Jacket and Layers: Invest in a high-quality insulated jacket designed for cold weather. Dress in layers, so you can easily adjust your clothing based on the temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
Warm Hat and Gloves: A good beanie or hat that covers your ears is essential to retain body heat. Additionally, thermal gloves or mittens will keep your hands warm and dexterous while shooting.
Thermal Underwear and Socks: Keep your body and feet warm with thermal underwear and thick, moisture-wicking socks to avoid discomfort from the cold.
Waterproof and Windproof Outerwear: A durable and waterproof outer shell will protect you from snow, rain, and wind. Look for breathable materials to prevent sweat buildup.
Sturdy Winter Boots: Invest in waterproof and insulated boots with good traction to navigate slippery terrain and keep your feet dry and warm.
Hand Warmers: Disposable hand warmers can be a lifesaver in extremely cold conditions. Keep some in your pockets or camera bag for quick warmth.
Dry Bags: Use dry bags or waterproof camera bags to protect your camera gear from snow, rain, and moisture.
Lens Cloth and Cleaning Kit: Cold weather can cause condensation on your lenses, so carry a lens cloth and a cleaning kit to ensure clear and crisp shots.
Tripod Leg Warmers: In extremely cold temperatures, tripod legs can become uncomfortably cold to handle. Tripod leg warmers or foam covers can mitigate this issue.
Extra Batteries: Batteries drain faster in the cold, so carry extra fully charged batteries for your camera and any other battery-powered equipment.
Plastic Bags: Keep a few resealable plastic bags in your gear kit. They can be used to protect your camera in case of sudden snow or rain.
Headlamp or Flashlight: Winter days are shorter, and you might find yourself shooting in low light conditions. A headlamp or flashlight will help you navigate safely.
Snacks and Water: Carry some energy-boosting snacks and a water bottle to stay hydrated and keep your energy levels up during your winter adventures.
Navigation Tools: In remote areas, where GPS might not be reliable, bring a map and compass to navigate effectively.
First Aid Kit: Always carry a basic first aid kit in case of any injuries or emergencies.
Don’t forget to ensure your vehicle is fit for the purpose of winter driving. And be familiar with driving to the conditions.
Tell someone where you will be going and when you expect to return (and don’t forget to advise them you have!). Even better carry a personal locator beacon.
Remember, winter photography can be physically demanding, so taking care of your well-being is crucial. Proper preparation and the right gear will help you focus on capturing stunning winter images without compromising your safety and comfort.
Conclusion:
Winter photography in any setting, shrouded in fog and adorned with hoar frost, offers a treasure trove of opportunities for photographers seeking to capture the enchantment of the season. Through careful composition, a mastery of light, and a keen eye for detail, you can elevate your photographs from mere images to captivating works of art that evoke the winter’s mystical charm. So, grab your camera, embrace the elements, and embark on a photo quest to immortalise the fleeting beauty of winter’s embrace.
Sheep cross the Greenstone River, located a few kilometers down the (gravel) road from Kinloch, beside the lake.
The bridge serves as an access point to the popular Greenstone Caples round-trip tramping track, offering a moderate and relaxing 3-4 day hike.
Capturing the above image while crossing required two things from us:
(It was mind boggling watching about 2000 of them cross a bridge in an orderly manner. A tribute to the stock men and woman that pulled it off with total respect for the animal’s welfare).
positioning ourselves after receiving prior warning of the upcoming crossing from the farmer above.
being very considerate of their work with about 2000 sheep. Being mindful was crucial to avoid causing chaos or panicking the stock to their deaths.
As good Kiwi blokes, when we asked if we could hang around and take a photo, the farmer kindly offered us the best advice on where to be. We understood the importance of being considerate (and carrying venison home signaled they were of similar ilk, as it’s a cherished tradition in New Zealand).
Witness the beauty of dawn at Kinloch, located at the head of Lake Wakatipu.
Lake Wakatipu, an inland lake in the South Island of New Zealand, is perhaps better known by the name Queenstown, situated on its eastern shore. Kinloch is positioned at the head of the lake to the west, right beside the primary tributary, the Dart River. Access to Kinloch can be obtained by road through the township of Glenorchy.
Kinloch Lodge with the public DOC camping area in the foreground
