The Cave

Nude Photography Auckland

Silver medal for ‘The Cave’ at the 2021 North Shore National Salon of photography – Monochrome category

Between Two Rocks

Nude Photography Auckland

Gold medal for ‘Between Two Rocks‘ at the 2021 North Shore National Salon of photography – Scapes category

Chameleon Old world lizard

Chameleon, Old World lizards, Tanzania

Chameleon, Old World lizards, Tanzania – Bronze medal at the 2021 Photographic Society of New Zealand National Exhibition

Silver Lining Awards

Semi-Finalist – Stories category – Silver Lining Awards

Silver Lining Awards

Semi-Finalist status in the Stories category of the Silver Lining Awards

Juxtaposition

Award winning professional photographer Auckland

Silver Award for Juxtaposition  in the Portrait category of the 2020 Rise Photography Awards, Silver at NZIPP 2020 Iris Awards, Landscape in Camera category

Yawning Camel

Giza Pyramids, Cairo

Nominee at the 15th Annual Black & White Spider Awards

15TH ANNUAL BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS HONORS PHOTOGRAPHER ILAN WITTENBERG FROM NEW ZEALAND

LOS ANGELES, November 11, 2020 – Professional photographer Ilan Wittenberg of New Zealand was presented with the 15th Annual Black and White Spider Awards Nominee title at a prestigious Nomination & Winners PhotoShow.

The live online gala was attended by industry leaders and the photography community from around the globe who logged on to watch the climax of the world’s premier event for black and white photography. 15th Annual Jury members included captains of the industry from Musee de l’Elysee, Lausanne; Sotheby’s, London; Travel/Discovery Channel, New York; Kunsthaus Zurich, Switzerland; Portuguese Center of Photography, Porto; Aeroplastics Contemporary, Brussels; The Guardian, London; Contrasto Galleria, Milan; ADK Creative One Inc., Tokyo; Hiroshima MOCA, Japan; MACBA, Barcelona; and Pereira O’Dell in New York who honored Spider Fellows with 610 coveted title awards and 919 nominees in 32 categories.

“Simply Stunning.” Justine Gruser, Specialist at Sotheby’s commented. Bernardino Castro, Director at Portuguese Center of Photography (CPF), Porto said “The amazing quality of the images in the competition made it very difficult to select the winners. I would like to reinforce the relevance and impact of Black & White Spider Awards as a mobilizing agent in promoting the production and dissemination of excellent photography at an international level.” Christopher Doyle, Creative Director at Travel Channel/Discovery, New York added, “Always look forward to the way in which these photographers see the world in a unique and curious way.”

“It’s an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 6,378 entries from 69 countries we received this year” said Basil O’Brien, the awards Creative Director. “Ilan’s Yawning Camel,” an exceptional image, represents black and white photography at its finest, and we’re pleased to present him with the title of Nominee.”

BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in black and white photography.

No one knows how the Pyramids were built. It is one of the biggest mysteries ever. The Great Pyramid of Giza weighs 6 million tons. Its footprint is that it covers 13 acres. Its length along each side is 750 feet, and 481 feet tall. Half a million blocks were used in its construction. There are 144,000 casing stones, all highly polished and flat to an accuracy of 1/100th of an inch, about 100 inches (or 8 feet) thick and weighing about 15 tons each with nearly perfect right angles for all six sides. More importantly than its size, is its mathematical precision and its earth-grid coordinates locking it in to cardinal True North, so precise within 3/60th of a single degree! The pyramid incorporates the astrological dimensions of the planet.

When you take the height of the Pyramid and multiply it by 43,200, you get the Polar Radius of the Earth! When you take the base or perimeter of the Pyramid and multiply it by 43,200, you get the Equatorial Circumference of the Earth!
So, for thousands of years, this amazing monument has encoded the precise dimensions of the planet on a scale of 1 : 43,200. This is not a random ratio. It is indexed to the Earth’s wobble, and the Precession of the Equinoxes that accounts for 1 degree of movement every 72 years, (and 72 is a factor of 43,200, that is, it is divisible into this number by 600 times). It also relates to the number of seconds in a day which is 60 x 60 x 24 = 86,400
which is double this number of 43,200. Where did this space-age data and precision come from? For these many reasons, it is farcical or even stupidity to think that slaves built the pyramids. The average stone block was about 2.5 tons, but some blocks were actually over 70 tons. How could slaves have raised these large blocks 300 feet above the ground? The conclusion is that there must be a lost civilization that we have either forgotten about, or our history books have censored this knowledge which threatens the current and misinformed archaeological reality.
2020 Auckland Photographer of the Year

2020 Auckland Photographer of the Year

2020 Auckland Photographer of the Year

2020 Auckland Photographer of the Year by the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography

Portrait Photographer Auckland

Finalist – RISE International Photography Awards – Creative Category

Portrait Photographer Auckland

The RISE International Photography Awards is a unique, online photography awards system aimed at seeing entrants elevate their work from one award year to the next. Judged by a panel of highly trained international judges.

The overall objectives of the awards are:
• to elevate the entire photography industry,
• to create an industry of highly skilled photographers with a passion to grow and learn, and
• to give them the tools they need to develop a sustainable business for years to come.

 

 

2020 Sony Alpha Award

2020 SONY Alpha Awards: Editorial category winner

2020 Sony Alpha Award

Fantastic to get this little baby in the post for winning the Editorial category at the 2020 Sony Alpha Awards! Timid’ is part of a collection of captivating portraits of the Maasai people from Tanzania. I found myself deeply inspired upon meeting the Maasai tribe and realised the opportunity to document their unique culture which is being eroded by Western influence and modern technology.

On a personal level, this reminds me of the true value of photography: preserving memories in order to relive special stories and pass them on to others. Through this series of carefully composed photographs, the Maasai people can share their rich culture with the world. The collection is presented in a film-noir monochrome, capturing these portraits in a classically timeless style; lending a unifying appearance that emulates analogue lithographic techniques. I wanted viewers to focus on the humanity aspect of each portrait: expression, body language, shape and form. I eliminated distracting colours to ensure that viewers focus on the people within the photos and make emotional connections with the Maasai. This is a documentary collection; most of the photos had little or no retouching. I waited for people to look straight into the camera so we can see highlights in their eyes.

The strength of the series is in giving viewers an opportunity to connect with the Maasai people in their natural environment. This diverse group of people serves as a timely reminder that despite our many cultural differences, we can unite as a community through the power of photography. I hope that through this portfolio viewers learn more about the Maasai culture. We are all wonderfully unique, yet at the same time, we are deeply the same.

I aim to depict the Maasai culture in an authentic and honest way, using a clear narrative style which shows the significance of their culture, as well as their individual personalities. My goal is to provoke viewers imagination regarding the traditions of the Maasai people and the stories behind their portraits. In sharing this portfolio, I encourage viewers to show tolerance: to accept all people and to recognise the value of cultural diversity. We would all experience an enhanced sense of community if we took the time to appreciate interactions which allow us to discover the world beyond our familiar boundaries. 

2020 Iris Awards – Travel Category

Travel Photography Cairo

Faces of Cairo is a collection of photographs that take you on a tour of the land and its people; the streets, the markets, the African desert, and the path of history.

Cairo is chaos at its most magnificent, infuriating and beautiful. From above, the distorted roar of the muezzins’ call to prayer echoes out from duelling minarets. Below, car horns bellow tuneless symphonies amid avenues of faded 19th-century grandeur, while donkey carts rattle down dusty lanes lined with colossal monuments. This city’s constant buzz is a product of its 30 million inhabitants, simultaneously stretching Cairo’s infrastructure, crushing it under their collective weight. The smog is heavy and car toots are overwhelming, but its energy is stimulating and exhilarating!

In January 2020, I was lucky to visit the ancient city and tell the story of its people. What stood out to me the most was how friendly the people were. I first shook their hands warmly and then asked in Arabic: “Can I take your photo?” I gave people my full attention and most were delighted to have their portrait taken, especially once they learnt that I came from Israel and that I live in New Zealand. I showed them the image on the back of my camera which made them feel respected. I consider it my privilege to be able to share these glimpses into their lives with the wider world.

I wanted to visit Cairo for a long time and was so glad when the opportunity came. I always admired the long and rich history of Egypt and found the experience of modern-day Cairo to be incredible in its own right. The whole city buzzes with all kinds of different people, and despite many of them being poor, they have a wonderful faith in Allah.

My visit to Egypt was a spiritual journey, I always dreamt of visiting Egypt. The historical link between Israel and Egypt goes back thousands of years: a history of war and peace. In reading the Haggadah during Passover Seder every year, I celebrate the ancient history together with the family. The Haggadah describes the exodus of the Israelite slaves who built the pyramids in Egypt. The most interesting part is the ten plagues that God inflicted on the Egyptian people in order to convince Pharaoh to free the Twelve Tribes.

Faces of Cairo is a documentary collection. Most of the photos had little or no retouching. I asked people to look straight into my camera, so these are not candid photos. The strength of this series is in giving viewers a rare opportunity to connect with the common Egyptian people in their natural environment. This diverse group of people serves as a timely reminder that, despite our many cultural differences, we can unite as a community through the power of photography. The collection is a celebration of our shared values: hard work, the importance of family and caring for each other as humans. I hope that through this portfolio viewers learn more about the Egyptian people. In sharing this portfolio I encourage viewers to show empathy: to accept others and to recognise the value of cultural diversity. We would all experience an enhanced sense of community if we took the time to appreciate interactions which allow us to discover the world beyond our familiar boundaries. We are all wonderfully unique, yet, at the same time, we are deeply similar.

I present these photographs in timeless monochrome, to ensure consistency and flow of the series amidst the chaos and clutter of the busy environment. My aim is to create an authentic portfolio of diverse individuals in a foreign land, to tell their stories using a clear narrative style and enduring quality. The portraits are crisp and sharp, to allow the details to inspire your imagination and to evoke emotions. I hope that viewers will experience the atmosphere and connect with the people.

Olive Baboon

Olive Baboon © Ilan Wittenberg 2018 Limited Edition of 30 + 2AP Buy Now

2020 Mono Awards

2020 Mono Awards

Delighted to win the Top 10 in the People category of the 2020 Mono Awards for Timid 

2020 Mono Awards

Yoga

Yoga portraits Yoga portraits Yoga portraits Yoga portraits

Timid

Travel Photography Auckland

Timid: Winner of the 2020 SONY Alpha Awards Editorial category. Semi-Finalist at 2020 hEAD oN Photo Festival

‘Timid’ is part of a collection of captivating portraits of the Maasai people from Tanzania. I found myself deeply inspired upon meeting the Maasai tribe and realised the opportunity to document their unique culture which is being eroded by Western influence and modern technology. On a personal level, this reminds me of the true value of photography: preserving memories in order to relive special stories and pass them on to others. Through this series of carefully composed photographs, the Maasai people can share their rich culture with the world.

The collection is presented in a film-noir monochrome, capturing these portraits in a classically timeless style; lending a unifying appearance that emulates analogue lithographic techniques. I wanted viewers to focus on the humanity aspect of each portrait: expression, body language, shape and form. I eliminated distracting colours to ensure that viewers focus on the people within the photos and make emotional connections with the Maasai.

This is a documentary collection; most of the photos had little or no retouching. I waited for people to look straight into the camera so we can see highlights in their eyes. The strength of the series is in giving viewers an opportunity to connect with the Maasai people in their natural environment. This diverse group of people serves as a timely reminder that despite our many cultural differences, we can unite as a community through the power of photography. I hope that through this portfolio viewers learn more about the Maasai culture. We are all wonderfully unique, yet at the same time, we are deeply the same.

I aim to depict the Maasai culture in an authentic and honest way, using a clear narrative style which shows the significance of their culture, as well as their individual personalities. My goal is to provoke viewers imagination regarding the traditions of the Maasai people and the stories behind their portraits. In sharing this portfolio, I encourage viewers to show tolerance: to accept all people and to recognise the value of cultural diversity. We would all experience an enhanced sense of community if we took the time to appreciate interactions which allow us to discover the world beyond our familiar boundaries.

The Huntress Framed

The Huntress  © Ilan Wittenberg 2018, Limited Edition of 9 + 2AP Buy Now

Lions Mating

Shop now

Lions Mating – Acceptance at 2020 PSNZ National Exhibition, Nature Projected Image

Scapes

Dramatic and extraordinary landscapes from around the world. In this series of wide-format images, I explore the timeless nature of unique locations using colour and sepia tone, which emulates analogue lithographic techniques. The compelling monochromatic style creates strong images which inspire the imagination and provoke conscious consideration. Through this portfolio of striking photographs, I present my artistic perspective of the world using a clear narrative style. These photos of beautiful scenery evoke a desire to visit foreign places and to experience their distinct atmosphere.

Click here to view Auckland Festival of Photography page

[scapes]

the grey place • 6 june – 20 june

Opening Event: 5-7pm, Fri 5 June
Opens: 10am, Sat 6 June
Artist Talk: 11am, Sat 13 June
Where: 37 Scanlan St, Grey Lynn
When: 10am–3pm, Tues–Sat
The Grey Place Gallery

Yawning Camel

The most famous Egyptian pyramids are those found at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo. Several of these pyramids are counted among the largest structures ever built. The Pyramid of Khufu is the largest one and is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still in existence.

 

Landscape Photography

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The “Christ Pantocrator” mosaic is glowing beautifully on the ceiling at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem. I placed my camera’s back on the floor with the lens pointing up to create this awesome perspective. I took this photo back in 2014 and when I visited the church again in 2020 the floor area was fenced off.

 

Nesher Cement Factory

Nesher Cement Factory

This cement factory in Israel operates nonstop 364 days a year. Nesher’s main plant is one of the largest cement plants in the world. I saw the bright lights on numerous occasions as I drove back from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and just had to visit the location. I parked my car right outside the gate in pitch darkness and climbed the soft dunes beside it to get a prominent vantage point.

 

Water Stop Tower

Water Stop Tower

Remnants of a Turkish railway station water stop tower Nitzana, Israel.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem Old City. According to traditions dating back to at least the fourth century, it contains the two holiest sites in Christianity: the site where Jesus was crucified, and Jesus’s empty tomb, where he was buried and resurrected. The tomb is enclosed by a 19th-century shrine called the Aedicula showing at the bottom of this photo. Within the church proper are the last four stations of the Via Dolorosa, representing the final episodes of the Passion of Jesus. The church has been a major Christian pilgrimage destination. The technical challenge is to compensate for the bright highlight of the opening together with the beautiful dark stone.

The Puzzle

The Puzzle

In this is composite set we are looking up at the ceiling of Silo Six, in Wynyard quarter at Auckland waterfront. I created these photos on my first visit to the silos and was amazed with edgy texture of the exposed concrete. Each of the silos is 7.4-meter diameter and they were used to store cement in the sixties. I held my first photo exhibition inside this beautiful structure. I love experimenting with patterns to create an illustration out of real-life objects. I find the process of creativity improves my skills to see the world in a different and unique way. It only works if the images are complementing each other in synergy.

Landscape Photography

Vancouver public library – Canada

Located in Downtown Vancouver, the city’s grand central library looks awesome, with a colonnaded surround reminiscent of a Roman amphitheatre. I was lucky to visit the site early morning before rain started to fall and love the grungy look of the exposed concrete.

Landscape Photography

Temple Mount – Dome of the Rock – Al-Aqsa Mosque – The old City of Jerusalem

located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem, The Dome of the Rock is one of the three holiest Islamic shrines in the world. It was initially built in 691 on the site of the Second Jewish Temple and destroyed during the Roman Siege of Jerusalem. The original dome collapsed in 1015 and was rebuilt in 1023. Being one of Jerusalem’s most recognizable landmark it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to belief, the rock inside the mosque is the spot from which the Islamic prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven accompanied by the angel Gabriel. Usually packed with tourists and locals, I was the only one to visit the site early morning when the forecast was for snow. It was so cold that there was no one on site and I could get a beautiful reflection off the wet marble stones just before the storm.

Landscape Photography

Scapes

I saw this stunning array of tiny houses at NGV International in Melbourne. The artwork had a single spotlight that rotated continuously. I placed my camera very low and captured the stark shadow without any clutter in the background. This image won a Silver medal at the North Shore Salon national competition.

Mohamed Ali’s Mosque 

Mohamed Ali’s Mosque , Cairo

 

Mohamed Ali’s Mosque 

Mohamed Ali’s Mosque , Cairo

This is the courtyard of Mohamed Ali’s Mosque in Cairo. This iconic mosque is built inside the fort walls of Salah Eldin Citadel and one of the most famous Islamic monuments in Egypt. This panoramic image is comprised of seven frames.

 

Landscape Photography

Stormy Clouds – Tanzania

 

Landscape Photography

Convergence – Vancouver

I photographed this beautiful underpass of two merging lanes on my last visit to Vancouver. The merging lanes were about six meters above me so I was looking for an angle that created sufficient drama with the share arrow figure. I then enhanced the surface of the concrete with high dynamic range processing. But something was missing. The final touch was placing the bird on the bottom left. It balanced the photo and provided a sense of scale.

 

Landscape Photography

Tunnel Beach

I visited Dunedin in the Autumn of 2018 attending the Photographic Society or New Zealand National convention. The Tunnel Beach field trip looked promising, so I was out by 6 am together with twenty other photographers hoping for good weather. We arrived on-site before sunrise and went down the steep path in pitch darkness. I picked a location to start shooting but when daylight broke, I was overwhelmed with the sheer beauty and magnificence of the place! The cliffs were simply majestic and the waves were crashing with brute force of mother nature.

Misty Clouds

Misty Clouds

I fell in love with the place and returned the next morning. This time I was more focused and picked some new locations, spending another three hours to capture photos from different angles. When the conference finished, I rented a car and drove to the beach for the third time. I felt that this is a unique place and wanted to go down the stairs to capture some photos from below before the tide came in (in most similar locations there is no access to the beach so photos can be taken from the cliff top only). This time there was no one there and the clouds were awesome! I spent another three hours capturing the beauty of these rocks!

The long 30 seconds exposure creates a sense of mystery and displays beautiful motion. The harsh waves turn into soft mist as they break onto the sharp rocks, swirling around the rocks and leaving a trail as the water recedes. The clouds flow over the sky, creating a soft, blurred blanket against the stunning cliffs. The long exposure captures time and creates remarkable landscape photography of dramatic scenery.

The Rock

The Rock

For centuries the Southern Ocean and its salt-laden wind have sculpted the sandstone coastline south of Dunedin. The outcome is a line of magnificent high cliffs, arches and headlands that provide endless vantage points for breathtaking views. The track downhill leads to the spectacular, rocky coastline. The hand carved rock tunnel gives Tunnel Beach it’s name. Built in the 1870s, the passage allows access to a secluded and sheltered beach at the base of the cliffs. In the 1870’s John Cargill excavated a tunnel down to a secluded beach so that the family could bathe in privacy. The beach has massive sandstone boulders, mysterious graffiti carved into the cliffs and a dangerous rip that sadly drowned Cargill’s youngest daughter.

 

Landscape Photography

Clouds – Tanzania

 

Landscape Photography

Leaning Tree – Tanzania

 

Fine Art Photography

Chicken and Egg – White Desert, Egypt

The Chicken and the Egg are located at the White Desert national park in Egypt along the border with Libya. These massive chalk rock formations were created as a result of occasional sandstorms in the area.

 

Landscape Photography

Two Trees – Tanzania

 

Landscape Photography

Cumulonimbus Clouds, Tanzania

I love the drama of the Cumulonimbus clouds. They are associated with thunderstorms and heavy rain as they are relatively close to the ground.

 

Landscape Photography

Lone tree in the Savanna, Tanzania

 

Landscape Photography

Tranquility Base

After buying a large plywood sheet and 20 KG of clay, my daughter helped in creating a rugged surface with craters domes to resemble a lunar surface. Once the clay dried up I used glue to stick it to the wood and asked my neighbours to help in moving it onto the roof where I had clear view of the night sky. I then placed two flash strobes on tiny tripods to create dramatic shadows. I then position the camera really low and extremely close to this iconic lemon juicer by Philippe Starck. This futuristic squeezer ranks among the greats of modern design with a place in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Starck is rumoured to have said: “It’s not meant to squeeze lemons, it is meant to start conversations.”

 

Landscape Photography

Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan, New York

Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic symbol of New York City. It is packed with tourists during the day, so I had to visit the place very early in the morning. I could not use my tripod because the pedestrian walkway constantly vibrates due to the six lanes of heavy traffic below it. The sky did not offer the desired drama on my first five visits, but I was very pleased with the outcome once the clouds showed up finally. It was the first bridge to span across the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Opening in 1883 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. 

 

Landscape Photography

The Empire State, Manhattan, New York

I was lucky to spend a few weeks in Manhattan in 2018 but the sky was mostly overcast or clear. One morning these clouds showed up and I knew I had to visit the Empire State Building. I waited for the traffic to stop for a minute and walked to the middle of Fifth Avenue to create this awesome photo early morning as the sun came out. Completed in 1931, this 102-story Art Deco skyscraper stood as the world’s tallest building until the construction of the World Trade Center in 1970. It took only thirteen and a half months to complete the building, on time and on budget! Being a symbol of New York City, around 4 million tourists visit the building’s observatories every year. As an American cultural icon, it featured in more than 250 TV shows and movies since the film King Kong was released in 1933.

 

Landscape Photography

Trellick Tower, London

Trellick Tower is an eclectic residential building located on the Cheltenham Estate in Kensal Town, London. Opening in 1972, it was commissioned by the Greater London Council and designed in the Brutalist style by architect Ernő Goldfinger. It was too sunny when I first visited the site so I had to wait for another day with the right formation of clouds to enhance the tower’s gritty and ominous look. I love the leading lines, the texture of the bare concrete and the unique windows.

 

Landscape Photography

Jesus Christ – St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Ecce Homo by Mark Wallinger is a life-size marble sculpture of Jesus Christ with his hands tied behind his back and a crown of barbed wire. It was standing at the entrance to St. Paul’s Cathedral in London in partnership with Amnesty International. When looking at this photograph, many people think that this is a real person and I think that is very cool as it was challenging to get the right texture from the white marble! I love the leading lines and the majestic arches with the massive columns on both sides.

 

Landscape Photography

Tate Modern – LondonTate Modern is the largest art gallery in London. It is located inside the old Bankside Power Station. It is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world with more than 6 million visitors annually, making it the second-most visited in Britain, after the British Museum. I love the pattern of the old bricks against and the misty clouds!

 

Landscape Photography

The Jetty – Dunedin, New Zealand

We spent the night at the bottom of Ross Creek Reservoir. This is one of the oldest artificial lakes in the country, and the oldest water supply reservoir still in use in the country. It was created in the 1860s to provide water for the city of Dunedin, at that time in the middle of its rapid expansion due to the Otago goldrush. I love the leading lines and the shades of green against the dramatic clouds at sunrise.

 

Redwood Forest

Redwood Forest

I was attending a photography conference in Rotorua when I borrowed this wonderful wide-angle lens. I went out early in the morning to take photos of Redwood forest to create this one. I love the leading lines and the texture of the trees. I obviously ended up purchasing this beautiful lens…

Landscape Photography

Remarkable Rocks – Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island, Australia

I injured my toe that morning so it took me more than 20 minutes to limp the 200m from the car park to these Remarkable rocks at Flinders Chase National Park in Kangaroo Island. The large rock is about four stories tall and this photograph is a stitch of twelve images. It was important to show the gaps so I moved slightly when creating this panorama. These giant granite boulders look awesome at sunset with the harsh shadows and the hint of clouds in the sky.

 

Landscape Photographer

Great Ocean Road, Southern Ocean, Victoria, Australia

This is one of the beautiful spots along Australia’s Great Ocean Road. I love the rugged splendour of these magnificent rocks that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean on Victoria’s dramatic coastline.

 

Landscape Photography

Piazza del Campo – Sienna, Italy

It was a cold morning in Siena, Italy when we arrived at the Piazza del Campo square which is usually packed with tourists. I asked the family to stop behind me and quickly took ten photos to create this panorama. I then enhanced the contrast in the sky to bring out the clouds and to create the drama. Palio di Siena is a horse race that is held twice a year. Located in Tuscany, it is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares. It is renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity.

 

Landscape Photography

The Gargoyle, Notre-Dame cathedral, Paris

I was determined to photograph the monstrous stone gargoyles that guard the Notre Dame cathedral. My first attempt failed when the guard said no more visitors for the day. My second try failed because the guards went on strike! This photo was taken on my third attempt! Catching an up close glimpse of these grotesque creatures was one of the highlights of my visit to Paris trip, and well worth the 387 steps climb to the top when the cathedral is restored and opens to the public again. This one is actually a Grotesque, gargoyles are the ones that spout water from the roof.

Standing stoic and proud, these mythical birds and hybrid beasts are eerie witnesses to history. They were added during the reconstruction of the church in the 1840s. When the Nazis invaded the country during World War II, the gargoyles stood strong, withstanding a four-day German siege on the church.

 

Landscape Photography

Moeraki Boulders – Oamaru, New Zealand

It was a race against time as I kept pouring water on these stunning Moeraki Boulders in a desperate effort to get some reflections as the sun was going down quickly behind the horizon. I love the drama of the clouds against these giant spherical objects. The larger boulders are estimated to have taken 4 to 5 million years to grow while 10 to 50 metres of marine mud accumulated on the seafloor above them.

Willow Tree and Moon

Willow Tree and Moon, Glenorchy, New Zealand

This old willow tree was standing in Glenorchy at the northern end of lake Wakatipu. I used the front headlights of our motorhome to light the tree in pitch darkness so that I could focus my camera. I placed the tripod cover on the grass. It was covered by frost when I picked it up ten minutes later! The moon is still up there.

 

Sky Tower

Sky Tower

The iconic Sky Tower is standing proud in Auckland’s Central Business District. More than 300 metres high, it is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. The tower is constructed of high-performance reinforced concrete. Its 12-metre diameter shaft which contains four lifts and an emergency stairwell is supported by eight “legs” – one of these legs is showing prominently in this photo here. I love the grungy and edgy texture of the raw concrete and the silhouette against the sun in the sky.

 

The Guggenheim

The Guggenheim

The Guggenheim art museum is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It is the permanent home of a continuously expanding collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern, and contemporary art. Established in 1939 it moved in 1959 to a landmark work of 20th-century architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The cylindrical building, wider at the top than at the bottom, was conceived as a “temple of the spirit”. Its unique ramp gallery extends up from ground level in a long, continuous spiral along the outer edges of the building to end just under the ceiling skylight. I placed my camera on the floor pointing up. I jumped to protect the camera when a visitor almost stumbled on it – I was then told off by security…

 

Cogwheel

Cogwheels

This pair of giants, rusty cogwheels are located at the top of Wynyard Wharf. I was at home hanging the laundry when I noticed the stunning clouds and rushed to the harbour. Weighing 16 tons, these awesome relics are from a steam dredge called “Whakarire” where they transmitted the power to the bucket chain. The vessel was built in Scotland in 1903 for service in Wellington Harbour until 1934, and thereafter in Napier until 1974, at which time she was scrapped in Auckland.

 

Empty Seats

Empty Seats

I noticed this open theatre in Melbourne CBD just outside NGV Australia. I placed the camera on a tiny tripod that I usually carry with me and made sure that the camera was set with a small f stop to ensure a large depth of field. I love the texture of the wood and the leading lines towards the horizon.

Frank

Portrait Photographer Auckland

Frank

Frank had just returned a lost supermarket trolley when I introduced myself at the Milford mall carpark. I saw Frank many times before, always walking briskly from Takapuna to Milford, his back very badly hunched, carrying a large sack on his shoulder. Frank was delighted to strike a conversation and explained that he makes some money by collecting bits of scrap metal from the streets and recycling it. He is “on the benefit” and gets ten or fifteen dollars a week from his lawyer (???). He was on his way to the beach to collect shells which he then glues onto bottles. He also decorates vases with shells and wants me to visit his home as no other photographer agreed to take photos of his art. He likes making crosses out of wood and covering them with shells. He finds pieces of wood on the streets or when he helps out on building sites – ideally cedar wood!
He was kicked out from his foster home when the landlord died, the landlady died too. There used to be a way to transform bottles into lamps but that kit is hard to get now…
I dropped him back at the beach when we finished and he was delighted when I said that I will send him an A4 print by post.

Portrait Photographer Auckland

ipa 2019 Honourable Mention – Eyes to the Soul

Portrait Photographer Auckland

Portrait Photographer Auckland

ipa 2019 Honourable Mention – Woman on a Tree

Portrait Photographer Auckland