I am very lucky to have a special group of friends. I’m a week home now, after an epic trip to Karamea and the Kahurangi National Park. Another amazing adventure with ‘The Giants’, a dedicated core of 8 photographic colleagues from all about New Zealand. In what is now an annual adventure, this years pick was a journey through the underworld of Kahurangi National Park. A total buzz with all the physical and mental challenge we had hoped, including camping underground amongst glow worms.

Glow worms at camp.

The concept of ‘In Pursuit of Giants’ has evolved, to become something that each of us now embraces with excitment. Initially a bit of a laugh centred around a hunting trip, we are now four years into adventures designed to take us places we would not normally explore. Not only in terms of scenery and opportunity, but also mental and physical exploration. While we never actually set out to design an annual ‘adventure’, we now a self directed mandate to push ourselves annually. The result is not only a creative journey, but also one of personal growth. Professional development crossed with a holiday if you like. We talk a lot of nonsense, have a few drinks, and enjoy a LOT of laughs. All while we take photos, share ideas, video our adventures, and explore what we truly believe is Gods own country.

I get asked to photograph many functions, and this genre is a big part of what I do. Just what I produce, will depend on just what the client needs. While each event will have its own ‘flavour’, there are certainly many commonalities.

Whether it is a corporate mix and mingle, an industry awards night, or fundraising dinner, it will ultimately come down to what the client requires. It is my experience there are several common requests, that will cover off most requirements for most events that I photograph.

a) Produce a record of the occasion, with everyone who was there, the food, the entertainment…

b) Produce material for social media or newsletters, showing how much people enjoyed themselves!

It’s about happy people, and how well they were looked after (before they REALLY start enjoying themselves, if you know what I mean, when there’s an open bar!!!).

This is a really pivotal one to get right.The ability to break into groups politely, to request photos is a skill not to be underestimated. Especially if dignitaries, VIP’s and ‘busy important people’!

The skill of an experienced event photographer will come into its own right here, being able to minimise the disruption to people who would rather be socialising. While politely commanding some attention so all are looking in unison, without blinking, etc! More importantly it comes down to personality. I hope I can work with anyone, from a room full of 2yr olds, through to the Prime Minister. All will be treated respectfully, and with a smile.

Yet most dignataries, councillors, government ministers, CEO’s and the likes, are well used to being asked, and realise the importance of publicity. I must add, this is often without being seen with alcoholic drinks, so this is something I am mindful of when showcasing people at this level.

c) Capture the special awards / groups so we have all the important people, awards, VIP’s & sponsors recorded.

d) Detail the set up, so organisers can have that noted for future events.

Sometime too, to send as thanks to sponsors, as authentic content for future event pitches (ie next years conference), and quite often as a record for event staff planning future spaces and decor.

Candid or Posed?

In terms of style, it isn’t uncommon to provide a balance of candid, natural and posed. People love the idea of natural, relaxed. Which is a good job, as I tend to do both!

Key questions I always ask to assist this process are:

– is studio style lighting needing to be set up at a static base, or is coverage all roving?

– how many people / tables / awards are you anticipating?

– who are the main presenters, VIP’s and sponsors that I need to look out for?

– what do you require imagery for, and when? Social media especially will require a quick turnaround, so is always good to have that booked in my schedule as well.

– is there anybody else shooting / recording? Quite often there may be others tasked for specific requirements (ie Snapchat, real time IG, live feeds,…) so it pays not to double up.

– do you have a detailed runsheet? Luckily nearly all corporate events are professional run, and the role of a experienced event planner should never under-estimated for a successful event. Certainly a detailed timeline of events is great, knowing who is doing what, when, so I don’t miss anything,

I hope that helps outline a little about how I work in the event space, and that this may prove helpful should you be looking at how a professional photographer can add value to an event.

The Power of Wharariki

After a very quick visit last year, I vowed to return to the Archway Islands at Wharariki Beach, on upper West Coast of the South Island. It was of course made ‘famous’ as the Windows 10 screen saver. It has an intriguing ruggedness, and is a landscaper photographer’s magic spot. So this year I took a couple days extra out from camping in Kaiteriteri, and headed up. Im so glad I did, and in the coming weeks I will add a series of photos online in my Fine Art gallery. A few teasers are here in the meantime.

Yet little did I expect, then when wrapping and heading back, there was a stranding of Pilot Whales, at Pakawau in Golden Bay to the base of Farewell Spit. About 30 whales had came ashore the night prior. When I passed mid morning, DoC, Project Jonah and local iwi were well involved trying to keep the whales hydrated.

I had never witnessed such an event, though knew this area has always been fraught with stranding. No-one really knows why. Though the shallow draught of Golden Bay, with its fast moving tide is generally thought to catch whales out, as they underestimate its depth. Scientists also think its sandy base is not being overly receptive to whale sonar, making it a double trap. In this case, Project Jonah staff were quite perplexed why the whales seemed confused when refloated, and somewhat reticent to head back out to sea. In this particular case they thought a sick matriarch whale may separated itself, perhaps even coming ashore to die. The rest would seem to have followed, and would also explain why they wanted to stay close.

Pre Christmas Special

If you need any incentive at all, here it is!! Receive a 20% Discount on all Fine Art prints $200 or above, when ordered before 30th November, using the code XMAS20.

This would be perfect for someone leaving work, or a retirement gift. It could be as simple as refreshing your lounge decor. Or given the season, a treasured gift for someone special at Christmas. You can choose!

There are close to 350 photos to view. Some are limited editions, and others are open. These can be supplied as straight prints, or completed wall art all ready to hang.

Printing is done here in New Zealand, by Queensberry, in Auckland. They will ship to you direct, with secure delivery included as part of all wall art.

All processes (prints and canvasses) use archival processes, and final frames are all professionally cut.

Framed Fine Art Photographic Prints by Tony Stewart, Crafted by Queensberry.

I recently received some fine art prints back from my Auckland lab, that are just exquisite! I am most indebted to Queensberry for their professionalism in producing my fine art products. Not only for the quality of printing and framing, but for their careful packaging as well. (Something easily overlooked when sending fragile prints and glass around the countryside!!).

It is so important that when supplying high quality photos like the wall art seen here, that the relationship between photographer and printer is well understood. They know what I like, and I trust them to produce the very best printed product, that gets sent direct to clients all ready to display. While that seems simple, the partnership with Queensberry is the result of investment at many levels. Hopefully my kit and skill set complement the investment that Queensberry have made in all their products and machinery. Using the best materials available, I know their print and framing process is quality checked along many waypoints. Knowing that my skill set is best left to crafting photographs, I have complete faith that they are the experts in printing and framing.

By the time clients receive their wall art, they will have received a stunning piece of art, overseen by a number of clever professionals. It really is a team effort.

I hope you can see the skill, passion and dedication oozing through these prints!!

Rakaia

Printed on Fine Art paper, unmatted with large white border, standard black frame 10x30in, within glass.

Home Hills Cookhouse.

Printed on Fine Art paper, unmatted with large white border, standard black frame 10x40in, within glass.

Finished products on the work table at Queensberry.

With our professional awards now wrapped up for another year, it gives me much pleasure to share some of the new work that I created.

Wrapping up two weeks ago now, was the Sony NZIPP New Zealand professional photography awards. In somewhat of a departure from my usual landscape work, I played about with a new technique, known as the Pep Ventosa effect. In essence, a series of multiple exposures recorded in camera, taken about a centralised point. I then added a flip layer in some for effect.

While not a category winner, I was most fortunate to take home a mix of 13 Gold, Silver Distinction, Silver and bronze accolades.

I hope you can enjoy some here.