Right Here
I spent five hours hiking, sliding, slipping, crawling and exploring a gorge in the mountains, with not a single frame worth sharing. After walking out of the valley, not far from my vehicle, this scene really unfolded and spoke to me, becoming a personal favourite. This is the part of photography that keeps things fun and inspiring, you never really know what you’ll see and ultimately draw inspiration from. Time in nature usually provides many benefits, one way or another.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Onward
I could’ve sat in silence and simply watched this scene until day slowly turned to night.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
A Fortress In The Sky
An imposing sight as wind driven cloud slowly enveloped the landscape.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Quiet Beauty
I really love these crips autumn days, when the light gets softer, the days are shorter and the air is fresh. The waters were calm on the lake, as I admired the light dancing across the face of the mountains. You can see the making of this on my Youtube channel.
Te Anau, New Zealand (2024)
Rain Temple
A special place where mountains weep in the pouring rain. Rivers roar and the whole valley is alive with the sound of water.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Finesse
An idyllic start to the day, where waterfalls drain into high mountain lakes.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Finding A Way
An area of the forest which gets little light, but life still finds a way.
Te Anau, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Stone Upon Stone
Rugged mountains adorned in afternoon light.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Fragments
An isolated shoreline which runs alongside crumbling cliffs and lush rainforest. These large sea stacks stand like an ancient ruined city, creating a sense of mystery which easily provides inspiration. Although this sunset had some nice colour, I felt the natural contrasts and gradients best suited a monochrome rendering. The South Island is truly a land of contrasts.
South Westland, New Zealand (2024)
For Now
I found this composition and view almost 2 years prior to creating this image. I’ve had numerous attempts at capturing the scene but never felt like I had done it justice. I still don’t but for now, I’m happy enough with this result to share this one. Sometimes photography is like that, especially with areas that you can return too. I enjoy the challenge.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Emerald Fall
This waterfall is unnamed. It’s one of thousands which are hidden from view, tucked away in mountainous valleys, gorges and dense forests. After boating and then hiking into dark confines of Fiordland, I’m confident very few, if any at all have even stood here. This is the most enjoyable part of photography for me, the exploration and surprises that await. It doesn’t always work out but when it does, it’s hard to beat. Green is my favourite colour and the water here had such a beautiful shade to it. Emerald Fall seems like a fitting title.
Te Anau, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Rhythm Of The Sky
Above the dark valleys, where the light and cloud dance with lofty mountains.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Declaration Of Glory
Dawns triumphant arrival, breaking through with a rejoicing light beyond belief. You can see the making over this over on my Youtube channel.
Dusky Sound, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Simple Complexities
We often overlook most of the beauty in the world. Photography slows us down, showing us a glimpse of something far greater than us all.
Te Anau, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Revere
The grand magnificence of the rugged Fiordland mountains and fiords. It stirs something within that can’t really be put into words. My images are an attempt at expressing what is seen and felt.
Bradshaw Sound, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Higher Level Of Majesty
I really look forward to the first snow of the season, which often falls in autumn. It never fails to leave an impression, after months of viewing the bare peaks, a fresh coating of snow completely transforms the scene and elevates it to an even higher level majesty.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Paint
Photography is all about being an observer. Sometimes it’s the finer details which stir inspiration, often in conjunction with the right light. The shimmer of the painterly water here really caught my eye.
Te Anau, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
My Paradise
If I ever disappear, this is where you’ll find me.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
The Glory Of It All
I really don’t have many words to accompany this piece. It was a beautiful moment, so sublime in the crisp evening light beneath a crescent moon. I couldn’t take my eyes away, it demanded my full attention.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Sanctification
The sheer volume of water that flows from these mountains is quite staggering, as the granite walls continuously weep in unison with sky.
Milford Sound, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Time Stands Still
Late one summers afternoon, we decided a night outdoors was in order, so along with my wife and two young children we packed some gear and walked up this ridge. Surprisingly, the rare sound of frogs croaking kept me awake most of the night, but thankfully the views made up for the lack of sleep. There are certain ingredients which I feel make for a great black and white photograph, with this scene possessing many of the qualities. You can check out the whole adventure on my Youtube channel here.
Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
A Quiet Voice
A large portion of my work involves spontaneity. Having no forced ideas or motives, but instead approaching nature with a willingness to pause, look and listen. I much prefer to work this way and I’ve often found myself losing track of time, completely immersed in the environment. It’s a deep connection that is formed and can’t really be replaced by anything else on earth.
Te Anau, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Between Worlds
Beneath the sky but above the cloud, surrounded by fortresses of aging stone.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
One Last Goodbye
The sun makes its final descent behind the peaks, spreading one last ray of light.
South Arm Lake Te Anau, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Led By Light
One afternoon I found myself wandering amongst this forest, following the gentle light and where it cast its rays. Walking slowly across the soft mosses, it was easy to lose track of time in such a place.
Te Anau, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Extinguish
It’s really hard to find the words to accompany these types of images in my portfolio. It’s truly one of the greatest sights to witnesses, as the numerous peaks and valleys are rendered in a progressive gradient and the light of the sun drips with saturation. The lowering temperatures cause low clouds to form, seemingly steaming from mountain summits. Every direction is a grand display of the creators glory. I am just a humble bystander.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Serene
Just me alone in this vast wilderness, as the sun sets over this great fiord one fine summers eve. This area is one of the windiest and wettest places in the world, so being able to absorb such a serene evening here was surely cherished. Of course, by midday the next day I was inside my tent completely engulfed in rain and cloud. You can view the making of this image over on my Youtube channel.
Dusky Sound, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
Rain Down
The sheer volume of water that flows from these mountains is quite staggering, as the granite walls continuously weep in unison with sky.
Milford Sound, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)
The Divide
A compelling moment, as an up-draught generated this continuous cloud which billowed in the warm sun like smoke. The cliff beside plummeted in a sheer vertical drop into the abyss, the sky was ablaze and the mountain landscape seemed to stand proud in this often imposing land.
Fiordland, New Zealand (2024)
Fantails
Fleeting light in the native forest, as two fantails (Piwakawaka) decided to flit and flutter all around me, eventually making their way into my frame. I was incredibly surprised and elated to experience such a moment and I’m always eager to incorporate wildlife into my landscape scenes when possible. You can see the behind the scenes shoot over on my Youtube.
Te Anau, Fiordland New Zealand (2024)