Photoshots Blog by Tony Stewart

Black or white? Growing up that was the only choice of coffee you had. To think how far we have come now. I often laugh at the change, and chuckle at the thought of what our grandparents knew as coffee – bitter instant powder far removed from today’s espresso. (Does that make me snobby??!!).

I laughed even more at this. Not one, but two espresso machines on holiday. My brother in law brought his with him while away.

Espresso Photo

One of the best things about Christmas is time with family. Yesterday, it was my boy spending time with his Great-Grandad in his shed. How blokey & Kiwi is that?!

Cheap plastic toys are nothing compared to making a wooden boat with Great-Grandad. I think the smile tells it all. (Well both of them actually!).

Just headed off on the Cook Strait ferry today to Wellington. While not stormy as such, the swell was officially ‘moderate’. That is seaman’s talk for what everyone else believes is severe.

With a number of green gilled passengers, I had to find some humour in the following. Just what you dont want to see at times like this. Toilets out of action, and no sea sick bags!

At a time like this, as tourism & domestic travellers starts to peak, I think Ferry management could well review their customer service!

PS – After talking up ‘Paiha Bombs’ in my earlier post, guess what we left at home!

I often laugh when clients talk about a perfect wedding. The thought of blue sky, sun, no wind, the dream of a fluffly white dress… Aside from the dress, it is often a photographer’s worse case scenario. The allure of soft lighting from dull clouds or impeding rain does not have too much to offer clients on their big day.

Nevertheless I promise to be happy for my clients, in return if they are happy for me. Eitherway, one of us is a winner!!

Yet, with 28deg heat, a classic Canterbury Nor’west, bright sun, it really isn’t an easy task. Yet as I see it, the true challenge of a professional photographer is to know that you can come up with the goods regardless.

Many new photographers get into the industry through encouragement from friends and family. While valid enough, you need more than a few well caught snaps that impress the ones you know. It is certainty and reliability that I think makes a professional. Every time, no excuses. Not just when it is cloudy. Not just with folk you know. But worst case conditions – 28deg heat, a classic Canterbury Nor’west, & bright sun!!

Big thanks to Eamon & Elizabeth who managed to survive yesterday. You worked hard for a top effort at Hororata & Terrace Downes.

Just checked out a new bar, having taken pictures for a contractor involved in the revamp. The old Viaduct bar on the Strip in Christchurch has now been revitalised as the Bangalore Polo Club. Wow, it is pretty cool.

Great work Linda & Lewis, and their design team. It really is stunning. After a 13 week refit, lavish, luxurious, eye-catching, exotic are all words that come to mind.

I’ll attach some shots here. Well worth checking out next time you are in town. I think the Strip is looking like it is in for a change. The pitch is back to a more mature crowd – bring it on I say.

Check out www.superlight.co.nz for the magic work they have done with LED ribbon lighting.

I had a neat day out on Sunday. With nine others, we headed out fishing on a charter boat. (Big thanks to Ted and Rob, Oamaru Fishing Charters).

Leaving the Oamaru jetty at 7am, the day couldn’t be any more perfect.
It was a break away from a busy work schedule, so I only managed a few shots that I will share here!

Back by 1pm, we had a full load of Sea Perch and Blue Cod. Great to fish 12 km out to sea, but only having to wind 45m of line.

Actually one of the things I enjoyed most, was the birdlife. I didnt have a telephoto lens with me, otherwise I would have loved to show you more of the albatrosses, mollyhawks, & gulls. Truly hypnotic to see their grace in flight.

Credit must also go to the ‘Paihia Bombs’ for seasick tablets that work a treat. You can buy these mail order from;
Paihia Pharmacy, 2 Williams Road, Paihia.
Ph (09) 4027034

Though for some, tablets probably wouldn’t have helped. There’s something about boys and fishing, that also involves copious amounts of beer!

From my wife Jacqui’s birthday party at the weekend, guess the theme!
(It’s not army). It was a tricky one for blokes, but we all got there in the end.

I might just keep the new look (minus the khaki’s of course).

I had the good fortune to shoot for Gen-i and Telecom earlier in the month. They had a great Xmas bash for CHCH staff, with an amazing fit-out of the CHCH Convention Centre. The set was a real show stopper with a SUPER effort on the Wild West Theme.

I am glad it wasn’t me cleaning up all the straw afterwards!

Just had a smashing day on Thursday. I was at Tiffany & Tim’s wedding in Sumner, with many guests from all over NZ & Australia. Our summer caught the overseas guests a bit by surprise, the poor things. Thermals and puffer jackets were nearly the dress of the day for some!

It is so nice to share such a special day with lovely people. To me that is a truly remarkable benefit being a wedding photographer. Thank you to both families for having me along. Here are some of the photographs to share.