Tag Archive for: Award winning photographer
Craig Smyth
Craig Smyth
“My name is Craig. I’m a 60-year-old Kiwi who spent most of my life in construction. Two years ago, everything changed when I had an accident. While carrying a heavy steel prop with two workmates, they lost their grip. The full 150 kg weight crashed down on my shoulder, leaving me seriously injured. I’ve been on a long road since — surgeries, recovery, and living on ACC [Accident Compensation Corporation]; but also a journey of transformation.
That accident forced me to face my health head-on. At the time, I weighed over 110 kilos, felt constantly tired, and was deeply unhappy. My doctor warned me that if I didn’t change my lifestyle, I was heading for a stroke or heart attack within two years! That hit me hard. I knew it was now or never.
I committed to a complete reset — cleaner eating, daily exercise, and accountability. I switched to a high-protein, low-carb carnivore-style diet, cutting out processed foods and sugar. This is an extremely restrictive, high-fat diet consisting entirely of meat, fish, and animal products: chicken, beef, ham, eggs, sausages etc., eliminating all sugars, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. It wasn’t easy, but it worked. Bit by bit, the weight came off. The energy came back. The spark returned. This has improved my mental clarity and reduced inflammation with risks of nutrient deficiencies and high cholesterol levels.
Today, I weigh 77 kilos — that’s over 30 kilos lost. My doctor says my body is balanced, my heart is healthy, and I’m within my ideal range. But the real victory is how I feel: strong, focused, and alive again.
Now, I’m channeling that new strength into something bigger than myself. Starting March 1st, I’ll be walking 12 hours a day for seven days around Cornwall Park: a massive journey to raise awareness and donations for Starship public children’s hospital, helping children who are battling illness in Auckland and across New Zealand.
This journey is about more than fitness; it’s about purpose. I was given a second chance at life, and I want to pay it forward.”
Toya
Toya
“My name is Toya. I was born and raised in Hamilton, in the Waikato, on a farm with my mum and dad.
This story is really about my late mother, Julie , and how she shaped who I am today.
Mum grew up on a farm in Harwera. She was really close to her dad and spent most of her childhood and teenage years around him. Sadly, motor neurone disease runs in our family. It took my mum, her dad, her brother, and her sister. Mum battled it for nearly three years, and it was incredibly hard to watch. She had always been such a strong, independent woman, but slowly she became reliant on everyone for everything.
Growing up, Mum was feisty. She didn’t take any nonsense from anyone. She always spoke her mind, said exactly what she felt, and stuck firmly to her opinions. She was stubborn; once she decided something, good luck changing her mind.
She looked after us the way any mother does, but she was like a super mum. Nothing fazed her.
She was a bit of a rebel in her younger days. Mum got expelled in third form for punching the principal; she was a wild child. But she was strong. She made her own way through life, doing whatever she needed to do to get where she wanted to be.
She had my sister when she was about 19 and raised her as a single mum. Then she met my dad when my sister was around four, and he stepped in and raised her as his own.
The qualities I got from her are clear: my strength, my grit, my natural stubbornness. I get that fighting spirit and that nurturing side straight from Mum.
Being pregnant now has been tough, especially not having her here to share it with. But at the same time, I feel like this is my chance to show her, through how I live and how I’ll raise my child, that she taught me well. She prepared me for this.”
Allan
My name is Allan, and I’m 66 years old. When I was a small boy, my sister brought me along to Sunday school at our local Anglican church. There, for the first time, the stories of God, Jesus, and the Bible came alive to me.
Years later, while at boarding school in Cambridge, I was confirmed in the faith. Yet it wasn’t long before I noticed the hypocrisy woven through much of organised Christianity. Disillusioned, I turned away completely.
By the age of about 20, life looked good on the outside—strong in school, sports, everything a young man might envy—but inside I felt hollow. In desperation I cried out to God. Then, much like Paul on the Damascus road, a brilliant white light enveloped me, brimming with an overwhelming, indescribable love. In that instant I knew, without question, it was Christ.
Not long afterwards I joined the police force. There I met believers who followed the simplicity of Christ, holding to the Bible alone without religious extras. Through their example, visiting home preachers, and the clear message of the Gospel, I finally heard it in a new way. As a young officer, I surrendered my life to Him.
That police career stretched nearly 15 years. The work itself wasn’t the problem; it was the endless politics, crushing stress, and impossible demands that wore me down until my mental health buckled. I walked away. By then I had two daughters, but soon my world unravelled further. I made choices that clashed sharply with what I believed, and rather than live as a hypocrite—half in the world, half with God—I abandoned faith entirely. The years that followed brought ups and downs, yet true peace and joy remained out of reach.
I married again, divorced again, and life spiralled deeper into chaos: finances crumbling, relationships fracturing, everything slipping away. Looking back, I see now that God was letting my own plans collapse, gently drawing me home like the prodigal son in the parable.
After returning to New Zealand and beginning once more to listen to the Gospel of Christ, I faced terrifying moments I wish on no one. A demon-possessed individual tried to run me down with a bus; I glimpsed pure evil in their eyes and escaped by the narrowest margin. On another occasion, two people attempted to blackmail me. One stared with utterly black eyes and flashed the sign of the devil when I raised my camera. I recognised a fallen angel at work. Those encounters erased every lingering doubt: the spiritual darkness the Bible warns of is utterly real.
Then God began speaking to me unmistakably—rousing me in the night with precise instructions. Each time I obeyed, blessings followed in ways I could never have imagined. I saw myself clothed in filthy rags, yet still deeply loved. I repented fully, surrendered again, and once more the Holy Spirit flooded me with enduring joy and peace. I’ve started the long road of reconciliation with my first wife and our children. She, who remained faithful through it all, extended astonishing kindness; today we share a genuine friendship. Her grace showed me the transforming power of God in a life.
These days my only real fear is failing to do His will. I’ve learned of Hebrew ancestry in my father’s line, stretching back toward Abraham and Sarah, but that heritage holds no spiritual weight on its own—what matters is my personal walk with God. I sense a clear call to return to Israel, to share the truth that has changed me. God has not forgotten His promises to Abraham, nor the hope extended to Gentiles. The season feels close when Israel’s tribes will be gathered home. Whether tomorrow or in a thousand years, no one knows the hour, yet I feel an awakening stirring.
Through everything, God has given me a profound love for souls. The way I see people has shifted entirely. I once considered myself kind enough, but now each person carries new depth in my eyes. And because of the journey I’ve walked, death holds no terror. If tomorrow is my last day, so be it—God holds me, and if He asks me to lay down my life in His service, that’s exactly where I want to be.
Patrick
Patrick
“Meet my incredible husband, Patrick Woodcock—a true warrior who rises every day with courage that deserves all the high-fives! His journey hasn’t been easy, marked by deep loss and battles that would test anyone’s strength. The “Sacred” heart tattoo on his chest honors his teenage girlfriend, lost to suicide—a heartbreak that sent him spiraling into a 15-year struggle with cannabis addiction. Then came the devastating loss of his father to bowel cancer, pushing him deeper into a darker world of methamphetamine.
When we met, Patrick was still caught in that storm. But love has a way of lighting the path. A few years into our relationship, I gave him a choice: a life with me or the life he was living. He chose us—quitting drugs cold turkey, a feat of sheer willpower. Alcohol crept in as a new challenge, but when faced with another ultimatum, Patrick tackled it with the same fierce determination. Today, he’s proudly two years sober!
But life threw another curveball. A brutal road rage incident left him with a severe head injury after being run over by a ute [Kiwi for pickup truck]. Violent seizures followed, so intense that doctors had to place him in a 36-hour coma to protect his brain. Coming out of it, Patrick had to relearn the basics—putting on clothes, even remembering my name. For someone so brilliant and quick-witted, losing that spark was crushing. Yet, he’s never stopped fighting.
With unwavering grit and my support, Patrick’s been rebuilding himself, piece by piece. He’s now about 70% of the man he once was—and he’s still climbing. Now, as we look forward to welcoming our first child, I’m in awe of his resilience. Patrick doesn’t just survive; he thrives. Here’s to a man who proves every day that no matter how hard life hits, you can rise again.”
(c) Ilan Wittenberg
Andrew John Williams
Andrew John Williams
Kia ora! I’m Andrew John Williams, a proud 56-year-old with Māori and Scottish roots, hailing from the Ngāpuhi iwi through my father’s side, the first missionaries in Russell, Bay of Islands. My life’s been quite the journey! At just three weeks old, I faced a life-threatening condition with no oxygen reaching my brain. Back then, heart surgeries were no small feat—no fancy keyhole procedures. I was one of the first babies in New Zealand to undergo this operation, and while two of the five didn’t make it, I was one of the lucky three who pulled through.
Growing up wasn’t without its challenges. My mum battled breast cancer twice, undergoing double mastectomies. It was a tough time for our whānau, but we came out stronger together. As a kid, I had my fair share of mischief—stealing money from my parents’ tin box at ten years old, only to learn my lesson when they threatened a trip to the police! By 13, I was at it again, taking my sister’s car with a mate for a joyride spin. Let’s just say I timed my exit perfectly, I jumped out of the car before he crashed it, but I still had to pay for the damages.
Life’s taught me resilience, and I’m grateful for the lessons and the good times. Now, I’m on the hunt for a new chapter, looking for a job opportunity in security or customer service. Here’s to embracing the journey and what’s next!
#LifeLessons #Resilience #NewBeginnings
Naomi and the crown of thorns
Naomi Anna Groet-Pairama
“I’ve always been a wild child since crossing through the portal onto this giant rock, diving into the human experience. From a young age, I felt everything deeply—in awe of the leaves on trees, the tiny ants tiptoeing across them, and the complex web of love and pain within me. Love has always been my gift, but with it comes a hefty dose of heartbreak. It’s a blessing and a curse, making me vulnerable and raw.
As I inch toward 29 laps around the sun, my journey has been filled with moments of pure joy and devastating heartache. Childhood trauma stole my innocence, forcing me to grow up much too fast. I soon fell into a passionate, yet destructive, affair with drugs and alcohol, from my preteens into adulthood—an ongoing struggle.
Creativity and passion have always defined me. I started as a chef, helping my dad with catering, then working at a fish and chip shop at 16, and completing my apprenticeship by 21. The kitchen made me feel alive, like I belonged somewhere. For the first time, I allowed myself a flicker of pride, pushing toward my goals with relentless determination. I believed I was in control, but in reality, I was battling my ego.
The industry’s stress, long hours, and external chaos pushed me deeper into addiction. I worked insane shifts, then spiraled into alcohol, cigarettes, and eventually harder substances—covering it all with a careful illusion of being fine. But the inevitable crash came. A traumatic incident pushed me to the edge, and I lost everything—my career, home, money, health, and sanity. I pushed away those who cared, convincing myself everyone was against me, living on a cocktail of uppers and downers.
Sometimes, it takes hitting rock bottom to climb back up. I consider myself lucky to have escaped that abyss. I worked hard to rebuild my life, moving away, finding a new job, and staying mostly sober—despite a few setbacks. Then I met my prince charming, who I idolized. But he was also battling addiction, and once again, I found myself on the rollercoaster. This time, I wanted more.
Fate had other plans—after five months of sobriety, I fell pregnant with our beautiful son. He truly saved me. His arrival reminded me what life is all about. I now focus on replacing old habits with healthy ones, transforming negative patterns into positivity. My goal is to be the best mother I can be, because my son deserves a healed, whole version of me.
Facing our shadows isn’t easy, but I believe our children deserve the most healed versions of ourselves. Letting go of shame—so ingrained in addiction—is a daily battle. The cravings never truly vanish; you learn to manage them, taking life one day at a time. I’ve realized I was living in fear and hiding from myself and others. But now, I’m stepping into my power, embracing my purpose. I refuse to be a victim of life—I am here to live it.
To anyone fighting the same battle: don’t give up. You’ve got this.❤️”
Calvin
Calvin Chan
“My name is Calvin, originally from South Africa, now calling New Zealand home since 2000. Growing up wasn’t easy—back then, I faced challenges on the other side of the racial divide in my home country. When I arrived in New Zealand, it was a fresh start, but I carried heavy baggage.
I was drinking heavily, downing two liters of scotch a week, straight, no chaser, just neat. It was my crutch.
Three years ago, something shifted—a gut feeling, a higher power, call it what you will. I knew I had to quit drinking. So, I did. Cold turkey. Not a drop since, and I’m proud of that.
But life had more tests for me. Soon after, I suffered a double stroke on the left side of my brain, which affected my left arm. Then, just over a year ago, I had a cardiac arrest. My friend stepped in, keeping me alive for 45 minutes until the ambulance arrived. My doctor was stunned I survived. He told me the odds were slim—only a 25% chance of surviving a cardiac arrest in a hospital with all the equipment, and out in the world? A mere 10%. I’d beaten the odds, like winning the lotto multiple times.
Thankfully, New Zealand’s incredible medical system stepped up. They implanted a defibrillator in my chest to shock my heart back into rhythm if it falters. That machine is my guardian angel.
Through it all, I found a new path. I’ve been sober for three years, and I’ve discovered a passion for stone carving. In just a year, I’ve made progress that’s amazed those around me. It’s more than a craft—it’s my way forward, a new chapter in my life”
I’m still here, defying the odds, and I’m grateful every day for it. Here’s to resilience, second chances, and finding beauty in the journey.”
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a former cathedral, mosque, and now a mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a globally recognized symbol of architectural brilliance and cultural significance. Initially built as a church in the 6th century, it was later converted into a mosque and then a museum before being reconverted into a mosque in 2020.
Brooklyn Bridge
Silver Award for ‘Brooklyn Bridge’ at the 2025 Australian Prize – Architecture category
Fairy Chimneys
The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey, are unique rock formations, shaped like cones or spires, created by millions of years of volcanic activity, erosion, and weathering. Formed from soft tuff (volcanic ash) deposited by ancient eruptions, these structures were sculpted by wind and rain, with harder basalt caps protecting the softer rock beneath, giving them their distinctive shapes. They range from a few meters to over 40 meters tall.
Found in the Göreme Valley and surrounding areas, these formations are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many have been carved into homes, churches, and monasteries since the Bronze Age, especially during the Byzantine period (4th–13th centuries), with intricate frescoes in places like the Göreme Open-Air Museum. The region’s surreal landscape also includes underground cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, built for protection.
Woman in Black
‘Woman in Black’ – Silver Award at the 2025 National Portrait Salon colour category
2025 Australian Prize
Portrait Category
Landscape Category
Architecture Category
Travel Category
Turquoise
Delighted and honoured to win the 2025 International Architecture Photographer of the Year Award for ‘Turquoise’
Have you ever craned your neck to gaze skyward and been struck by the unexpected beauty above? In the dance of architecture and the vibrant hue of turquoise, there’s a world of wonder waiting to be captured through the lens of fine art photography.
Picture this: the soaring arches of a Gothic cathedral, their intricate stonework framed against a turquoise sky at twilight. Or the sleek, modern lines of a skyscraper’s glass facade reflecting a shimmering turquoise pool below. These moments, often missed in our hurried lives, are where architecture transforms into art. Fine art photography freezes these fleeting intersections of structure and color, inviting us to pause and marvel.
Turquoise, with its calming yet vibrant energy, acts as a perfect muse. It’s the sky just after a storm, the patina on a weathered copper dome, or the bold accent in a minimalist building’s design. When photographers look up, they find this hue weaving through spires, rooftops, and open atriums, creating compositions that feel both timeless and surreal.
The surprises we uncover when looking up are endless—ornate gargoyles grinning from centuries-old buildings, geometric patterns in modern skylights, or a flock of birds slicing through a turquoise horizon. Fine art photography elevates these discoveries, turning them into stories of light, shadow, and color. Each image challenges us to see the world anew, to find beauty in the overlooked details above our heads.
So next time you’re wandering through a city or a historic site, tilt your gaze upward. Let the marriage of architecture and turquoise spark your imagination. And if you’re lucky enough to capture it through a lens, you’re not just taking a photo—you’re creating a masterpiece that celebrates the wonders above.
