‘Bare Truth’ is a compelling collection of portraits of New Zealand men. The extraordinary photographs expose the men who are very humble, courageous and vulnerable. Their edgy portraits are presented in monochrome which emphasizes their shape and form. The simple background eliminates distractions so the viewer can focus on their bodies and facial expressions.
The combination of using a soft directional light while adapting a special post-processing technique, enables me to enhance their body features so the images are raw and crisp. It is important to me to capture a highlight in their eyes so they look directly at the camera – the eyes are the first thing we notice and must be sharp.
The idea of creating a series of photographs showing men who expose their bust evolved gradually. The biggest challenge was finding the first person to agree to pose. After a few rejections and setbacks, I created a portrait with a close friend and became really engaged with looking into his eyes.
At first I asked only close friends to participate. After gaining valuable experience and formalising a consistent look, I expanded the portfolio and became confident in approaching total strangers. Having a few examples helped me to overcome objections until the project gained a critical mass with dozens of portraits. I focus on capturing a variety of ethnic groups, poses, age groups and body sizes.
I gradually became more selective and started approaching people who looked more interesting to me – people whose face and body tell a story. I capture around 50 photos of each man and use a selection process in order to choose the image which best represents his personality. While some people are very comfortable posing without their top, others feel this is completely outside their comfort zone and a few view it as a therapeutic experience.
The project gained further momentum after winning prestigious awards and becoming a Finalist in the Portrait Classic category of the 2015 Iris Awards form the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography which then awarded me the title: ‘2015 Auckland Photographer of the Year’. The portfolio was first selected to be exhibited at Northart Gallery during Auckland Festival of Photography. It was later selected to show at the annual Head On Photo Festival in Sydney during May 2016.
Many thanks to Ron Brownson, Senior Curator of New Zealand and Pacific Art at Auckland Art Gallery, who critiqued my initial project during 2015 Auckland Festival of Photography and inspired me to continue and expand it.
Click here to order your Bare Truth coffee book today: 70 pages, 8×10 inch, soft cover, using beautiful luster paper.
William
Gregory
Andrew
Ken
Fraser
Joseph
Chris
Alwyn
Ross
Yaman
Nicky
Grant
Catalin
Yusuke
Tony
Dave
Vai
Steven
Bhima
Toops
Massimo
Richard
Hohepa
Garth
Lance
Lucio
Richard
Alejandro
John
Tom
Desmond
Glenn
Brian
Allan
Jared
Kalev
Sean
Tai
Alan
Travis
Dean
Adam
Sililu
Neville
Dave
Martin
Dion
Rodney
Alen
John
Martin
Alp
Anil
Matt
Calin
Terry
Breen
Jim
Keith
Ed
Stephen
Gal
Kahui
Jay
Alan
Toni
Tomer
Stuart
Perry
Glen
Jeff
Sean
David
Omer
Adam
Jester
Larry
Tony
Steven
Raanan
Ofek
https://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_5367-Edit.jpg483725Ilan Wittenberghttps://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpgIlan Wittenberg2015-05-22 00:00:002015-05-22 00:00:00Bare Truth
I’m honoured and delighted to be awarded the distinction Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand for my portfolio of 18 prints: ‘Merchants of Jerusalem’. A successful Fellowship portfolio demonstrates an outstanding ability, a photographic skill with a unique style and a maturity of vision, freshness, individuality, artistry and mastery of the photographic craft. The portfolio must have a theme, a thesis-like approach to a consistent subject matter and the presentation must be of the highest level, displaying excellent arrangement skills so the images hold together cohesively. The letters FPSNZ denote one who stands in the front rank of photography and I can now use these letter after my name.
Portfolio exhibition
https://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/20150502_130712.jpg453725Ilan Wittenberghttps://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpgIlan Wittenberg2015-05-04 00:00:002015-05-04 00:00:00Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand
https://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/IMG_9752-A3.jpg12801920Ilan Wittenberghttps://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpgIlan Wittenberg2015-04-21 00:00:002015-04-21 00:00:00Cann Family Portrait in the park
https://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_8886-Edit.jpg483725Ilan Wittenberghttps://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpgIlan Wittenberg2015-04-01 00:00:002015-04-01 00:00:00Browns Bay Traditional Barbers
https://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpg00Ilan Wittenberghttps://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpgIlan Wittenberg2015-03-22 00:00:002015-03-22 00:00:00Danielle and Andrew
Awesome to be awarded a Gold medal from international association of art photographers for ‘The Scholar‘ in the Addiction section of the Open-air Photo Award international photographic competition.
https://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/DSCF0300-Edit.jpg434725Ilan Wittenberghttps://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpgIlan Wittenberg2015-03-17 00:00:002015-03-17 00:00:00iaap Gold Medal
Honoured to be awarded a PSA Gold Medal for ‘Twins in Boots’ in the Nude section of the Open-air Photo Award international photographic competition which received 922 images by 122 authors from 39 countries.
https://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_4897-Edit-91.jpg1087725Ilan Wittenberghttps://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpgIlan Wittenberg2015-03-14 00:00:002015-03-14 00:00:00Twins in Boots
Being an active member of the North Shore Photographic Society where I present my images on a regular basis. In 2010 I won the bronze medal in the Architecture section of the North Shore National Salon of Photography with the image ‘Britomart One’. In 2011 I won a silver medal in the set subject Power with the image ‘The Tower’. This is also when I joined New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography [NZIPP] to win five bronze in the prestigious nzipp Iris Professional Photography Awards 2011. These images demonstrate high standard of professional practice, craft and skill and are important recognition by my fellow photographers.
In 2012 I won twelve awards with North Shore National Salon in the categories Open Color, Open Monochrome, The Family of Man, Abstract and Urban Environment (the Bronze medals were awarded to the images: ‘Twins in Boots’ and ‘Kenwood’). This year I also won four Bronze and three Silver awards from NZIPP and have been awarded the distinction of Associate as well as being accredited as a Qualified Portrait Photographer by NZIPP. The title of Associate Member denotes a high standard of creative flair and communication.
In 2013 I won twelve awards at the North Shore National Salon in categories: Open Color, Open Monochrome, Vegetation and Portrait. My two Bronze medals were awarded to the images titled: ‘Looking Up’ and ‘Piazza del Campo’. In 2013 I have also been awarded the Distinction Master of the NZIPP! The title of Master denotes a superior standard of creative flair and strong communication. NZIPP Distinctions are recognised across the world as a benchmark of excellence. Members who enter the annual Iris Awards earn points towards each level of distinction. My achievements in 2013 include two Bronze Awards, six Silver Awards and one Silver with Distinction. In addition, I became a finalist in the Portrait Classic category.
I also have achieved success across the ditch in AIPP [Australian Institute of Professional Photography] annual awards: I was awarded two Silver Awards in the Illustrative category and a Silver Distinction Award in the Portrait category, denoting superior in imagination craft and skill.
Conducted by some of Australia’s most recognised photographers, judging for the awards took place over three days at the industry’s annual show. Each of the thousands of images entered was critiqued in detail by an esteemed judging panel. The awards were judged according to originality, creativity, technical skills, quality of printing and presentation. The Awards are the most sought-after accolade in Australian professional photography and the standard rises each year due to the fierce competition. The Australian Professional Photography Awards are open to all Australian and overseas professional photographers. Entries are judged in sub-categories covering specialised forms of professional photography including: Commercial, Self-Promotion, Wedding, Science, Environment & Nature and Landscape. The awards represent the best of the best professional photography in Australia.
https://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/DSC1227-Edit-2.jpg1280996Ilan Wittenberghttps://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpgIlan Wittenberg2015-02-25 00:00:002015-02-25 00:00:00Man with a Beret
https://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpg00Ilan Wittenberghttps://ilanwittenberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Ilan-Wittenberg-Logo-version-4.jpgIlan Wittenberg2015-02-17 00:00:002015-02-17 00:00:00Joseph Bar Mitzavha Party
Goosebumps
Bare Truth
‘Bare Truth’ is a compelling collection of portraits of New Zealand men. The extraordinary photographs expose the men who are very humble, courageous and vulnerable. Their edgy portraits are presented in monochrome which emphasizes their shape and form. The simple background eliminates distractions so the viewer can focus on their bodies and facial expressions.
The combination of using a soft directional light while adapting a special post-processing technique, enables me to enhance their body features so the images are raw and crisp. It is important to me to capture a highlight in their eyes so they look directly at the camera – the eyes are the first thing we notice and must be sharp.
The idea of creating a series of photographs showing men who expose their bust evolved gradually. The biggest challenge was finding the first person to agree to pose. After a few rejections and setbacks, I created a portrait with a close friend and became really engaged with looking into his eyes.
At first I asked only close friends to participate. After gaining valuable experience and formalising a consistent look, I expanded the portfolio and became confident in approaching total strangers. Having a few examples helped me to overcome objections until the project gained a critical mass with dozens of portraits. I focus on capturing a variety of ethnic groups, poses, age groups and body sizes.
I gradually became more selective and started approaching people who looked more interesting to me – people whose face and body tell a story. I capture around 50 photos of each man and use a selection process in order to choose the image which best represents his personality. While some people are very comfortable posing without their top, others feel this is completely outside their comfort zone and a few view it as a therapeutic experience.
The project gained further momentum after winning prestigious awards and becoming a Finalist in the Portrait Classic category of the 2015 Iris Awards form the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography which then awarded me the title: ‘2015 Auckland Photographer of the Year’. The portfolio was first selected to be exhibited at Northart Gallery during Auckland Festival of Photography. It was later selected to show at the annual Head On Photo Festival in Sydney during May 2016.
Many thanks to Ron Brownson, Senior Curator of New Zealand and Pacific Art at Auckland Art Gallery, who critiqued my initial project during 2015 Auckland Festival of Photography and inspired me to continue and expand it.
Click here to order your Bare Truth coffee book today: 70 pages, 8×10 inch, soft cover, using beautiful luster paper.
William
Gregory
Andrew
Ken
Fraser
Joseph
Chris
Alwyn
Ross
Yaman
Nicky
Grant
Catalin
Yusuke
Tony
Dave
Vai
Steven
Bhima
Toops
Massimo
Richard
Hohepa
Garth
Lance
Lucio
Richard
Alejandro
John
Tom
Desmond
Glenn
Brian
Allan
Jared
Kalev
Sean
Tai
Alan
Travis
Dean
Adam
Sililu
Neville
Dave
Martin
Dion
Rodney
Alen
John
Martin
Alp
Anil
Matt
Calin
Terry
Breen
Jim
Keith
Ed
Stephen
Gal
Kahui
Jay
Alan
Toni
Tomer
Stuart
Perry
Glen
Jeff
Sean
David
Omer
Adam
Jester
Larry
Tony
Steven
Raanan
Ofek
Merchants of Jerusalem
Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand
I’m honoured and delighted to be awarded the distinction Fellow of the Photographic Society of New Zealand for my portfolio of 18 prints: ‘Merchants of Jerusalem’. A successful Fellowship portfolio demonstrates an outstanding ability, a photographic skill with a unique style and a maturity of vision, freshness, individuality, artistry and mastery of the photographic craft. The portfolio must have a theme, a thesis-like approach to a consistent subject matter and the presentation must be of the highest level, displaying excellent arrangement skills so the images hold together cohesively. The letters FPSNZ denote one who stands in the front rank of photography and I can now use these letter after my name.
Portfolio exhibition
Cann Family Portrait in the park
Gold UPI medal
Browns Bay Traditional Barbers
Browns Bay Traditional Barbers
Jan has been cutting hair since 1961!
Yana Kirakovskaya
Danielle and Andrew
Laoneet & Priya
iaap Gold Medal
Awesome to be awarded a Gold medal from international association of art photographers for ‘The Scholar‘ in the Addiction section of the Open-air Photo Award international photographic competition.
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
Twins in Boots
Honoured to be awarded a PSA Gold Medal for ‘Twins in Boots’ in the Nude section of the Open-air Photo Award international photographic competition which received 922 images by 122 authors from 39 countries.
Tomer is 21
Winning Awards
Winning Awards
Being an active member of the North Shore Photographic Society where I present my images on a regular basis. In 2010 I won the bronze medal in the Architecture section of the North Shore National Salon of Photography with the image ‘Britomart One’. In 2011 I won a silver medal in the set subject Power with the image ‘The Tower’. This is also when I joined New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography [NZIPP] to win five bronze in the prestigious nzipp Iris Professional Photography Awards 2011. These images demonstrate high standard of professional practice, craft and skill and are important recognition by my fellow photographers.
In 2012 I won twelve awards with North Shore National Salon in the categories Open Color, Open Monochrome, The Family of Man, Abstract and Urban Environment (the Bronze medals were awarded to the images: ‘Twins in Boots’ and ‘Kenwood’). This year I also won four Bronze and three Silver awards from NZIPP and have been awarded the distinction of Associate as well as being accredited as a Qualified Portrait Photographer by NZIPP. The title of Associate Member denotes a high standard of creative flair and communication.
In 2013 I won twelve awards at the North Shore National Salon in categories: Open Color, Open Monochrome, Vegetation and Portrait. My two Bronze medals were awarded to the images titled: ‘Looking Up’ and ‘Piazza del Campo’. In 2013 I have also been awarded the Distinction Master of the NZIPP! The title of Master denotes a superior standard of creative flair and strong communication. NZIPP Distinctions are recognised across the world as a benchmark of excellence. Members who enter the annual Iris Awards earn points towards each level of distinction. My achievements in 2013 include two Bronze Awards, six Silver Awards and one Silver with Distinction. In addition, I became a finalist in the Portrait Classic category.
I also have achieved success across the ditch in AIPP [Australian Institute of Professional Photography] annual awards: I was awarded two Silver Awards in the Illustrative category and a Silver Distinction Award in the Portrait category, denoting superior in imagination craft and skill.
Conducted by some of Australia’s most recognised photographers, judging for the awards took place over three days at the industry’s annual show. Each of the thousands of images entered was critiqued in detail by an esteemed judging panel. The awards were judged according to originality, creativity, technical skills, quality of printing and presentation. The Awards are the most sought-after accolade in Australian professional photography and the standard rises each year due to the fierce competition. The Australian Professional Photography Awards are open to all Australian and overseas professional photographers. Entries are judged in sub-categories covering specialised forms of professional photography including: Commercial, Self-Promotion, Wedding, Science, Environment & Nature and Landscape. The awards represent the best of the best professional photography in Australia.
Beautiful Kirsty
Man with a Beret
Joseph Bar Mitzavha Party
PCA Gold Medal
Boudoir & Lingerie
Portrait Classic Category