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Recently I have been away in the North Island, with the ability to take some time for photos about the Central Plateau. This is one piece I have created title ‘Kaimanawa Stump’.

Being from Canterbury, I don’t often explore deep around the North Island. In fact, it has been a few years since I lived and worked there. I’d actually forgotten about some of the hidden wonders that abound. I LOVE the South Island, and in true Cantabrian fashion do tend to be a bit one eyed about the scenic wonder that we are blessed to live amongst here. Yet there is beauty and awe everywhere, sometimes you just have to look.

Thanks to good buddy Glen Howey, I have a little behind the scenes video,  to share the location for the epic black and white stump you see here.

We drove a short way off the Desert Road, and stopped by a fairly non descript bridge set amongst native bush. Yet Glen had been here before, and knew a semi hidden track that lead down a steep path to the river canyon you see here.

It was rugged, quite steep, with only a faint track. Yet holding onto branches and logs, we clambered down onto the rocky edge of the canyon.

At first I wasn’t too sure there was much on offer, but managed to explore away. While the overall canyon was wild and imposing, there didn’t seem to be ‘a lot’. Like many things creative, you need to play around and work your eye in. I’m now super stoked with the final image. Photographed with a neutral density filter, and long exposure, the aim was always to try and introduce some movement of the water. I feel this adds a sense of softness to the obvious power of water that caused the destruction of the fallen tree. You know at some stage, this spot would not have been a nice place to be. Even on a fine day like this, you couldn’t help be mindful of what was about you, knowing the crashing water led to a very deep gorge close by. The sort of place that if wet, you knew you would be in serious danger. Not only dangerous underfoot, but also with limited options to get away from rising and almost certainly raging water. If swept into the canyon chute just after the log seen, you know it would be simply terrifying . Yet despite this, the serenity of cotton candy trails captured here have a certain beauty.

The final image is largely as seen in-camera. The RAW file was converted to black and white, with localised highlight control, and some fairly broad edge vignetting.

You can see a couple of mock ups of potential framing options below. There are many quite clever options now available for artists to vsualise their work. While rooms may be generic, it is helpful I think to see a visual of how a photo might look on display.

Neat huh?!

I hope you like seeing a little behind the scenes, and learning a little of the background behind where I have created one of my art images. I may start doing a few more visual descriptors, as I journey about the countryside looking for inspiring landscape photos.

The link to purchase a print of this wild river scene is available here:

To all my fellow event enthusiasts! I’m Tony – a proud Cantabrian and award winning professional photographer. I believe in the power of capturing moments that shimmer in the shadows. From elegant dinners to electrifying concerts, I’ve come to realize the importance of hiring an experienced professional photographer, especially when the lights dim and the ambiance takes center stage.

As our cultural diversity grows, and the scope of performance events increases, we have an amazing scene building here in Christchurch. We now experience a range of conferences, concerts and performances. Each unique, with a rich narrative able to be captured through the lens of a skilled photographer.  But low-light photography is a unique skill.

Firstly, technical prowess comes to the fore. Low-light situations throw a curveball at even the most seasoned photographers. Many lighting situations are highly contrasting, with bright lights and deep shadows. Lighting is often changeable, and requires careful consideration not to blow highlights, yet ensuring that shadow details dont become noisy. Mixed here is a understanding of balance of ISO (also known as senor sensitivity, that can add noise), with the need to preserve motion through the use of appropriate shutter control. The two are not always paired well, and will often require a fine balance.

But with experience comes expertise, and that’s precisely what I offer my clients. A professional who knows their gear inside out, who can adjust settings on the fly without missing a beat, ensuring every shot is as crisp and captivating as the moment itself.

Then there’s the artistry. Anyone can point and shoot, but it takes a trained eye to transform darkness into beauty. Whether it’s the soft glow of candlelight casting a romantic ambiance over a dinner or the dynamic interplay of stage lights at a concert, a skilled photographer knows how to capture the essence of the event, preserving its magic for eternity.

But perhaps most importantly, it’s about trust. When I hire a professional photographer, you are not just paying for a service. You are investing in peace of mind. Knowing that someone with years of experience and a passion for their craft is behind the lens allows you to relax. I can immerse myself in flow of the performance, so you can have confidence that your event can be immortalized with care and precision.

So, to all my fellow event planners and enthusiasts out there thinking of hosting an event in Christchurch, please take it from me. When the lights go down and the magic begins, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Invest in an experienced low-light photographer and watch as your events come to life in ways you never thought possible.

Like to know more? Contact me today

Conference Photography in Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch, with its iconic landscape, is an ideal canvas for the conference events. Post quakes, the rebuild has ensured that the city centre is compact enough for people to walk about. Yet as a city, it also big enough to provide a variety of specialty venues and activities, especially now with Te Pae up and running. There are an increasing pool of hotel options now available. Given many businesses and event planners are also back into their work after the festive break, this could be a great time to explore how Photoshots can help with your conference or event.

From award nights, cocktail parties, business presentations, community workshops, or panel discussions, Tony and his team at Photoshots are experienced providing high quality image captures. Over the years, they have works at a whole range of venues, at manner of conventions, conferences and gala dinners. On the periphery of corporate and conference type events, they are also able to assist at reunions & jubilees, civic awards, concerts, hui, fundraisers, balls / formals and exhibitions.

The newest page to the Photoshots website was a fine art gallery launched late last year. There are ~250 photos available to purchase as prints, framed enlargements or canvas wall art.

Here you can view many of my award images, and photos taken from assorted outdoor adventures and personal projects. Perfect to enjoy in print at home, at work, or as a gift for someone special.

Much of the work has been taken from various personal trips, that I have taken to explore the great outdoors. I will commonly head about Canterbury or Otago with the sole objective to take photos for pleasure.  I don’t always have a full plan as such, rather more a vague desire to try new technique, or visit somewhere new that I have only heard about. Often too, it is genuine exploration, driving down side roads just ‘to see’ what is there. It is seldom without reward, and I have been richly rewarded from such curiosity on many trips.

Subsequently I have many landscape images from all about the South Island, and to a lesser extent the North Island. I have tried to avoid too many ‘chocolate box’ photos, as I realise there are many other portals that will offer similar views. Instead, I have tried to offer a variety of locations, with visually interesting compositions, and unique interpretations. Though some locations are not always able to be truly unique – especially if you stick to signed areas and paths as required as good guardians of the countryside. Yet lighting and camera craft will always offer opportunity to add something unique to me.

I was taken very early in my career by the colourful series taken by Robin Morrison as he toured heartland New Zealand. I too have a fascination with simple design, with bold colour. Quite often these aesthetic elements are  juxtaposed amongst quite unexpected ‘finds’ out and about in heartland New Zealand.

I have provided variations of colour and black and white, as well as a variety of size formats. These range from square (1:1 ratio), some 5:7, and panoramic 3:1 ratio. The most common by far though is native full frame 3:2 camera ratio.

Since launching, the gallery has recently had a refresh. Using some clever design software, many sample photos have been added, as well as a sizing guide. The room visuals offer a very clever interpretation of various frame options, sizing and generally how a photo may look in a domestic or office setting.

The aim is to assist prospective art buyers better understand the options online. I know that is challenging on computer, trying to guage what size or finish  is best.

Yet I will always be on hand to help, and offer advice as needed.

You can view all images here:

New Year, new staff? I’d love to chat!

It’s that time of year where businesses kick back into gear after the seasonal break. HR will often schedule new appointments to start fresh for the year ahead. Many professional firms have new graduate intakes, and often organisations take the chance to regroup after the holidays, with regional inductions, sales meetings or planning sessions. If you have staff coming together, or have employed new team members, this could be a great opportunity to keep both your webpage, and general marketing collateral, current. That’s where I can help with professional head shots, staff profiles, executive portraits.  Yet it may be as simple as updating email footers, an internal staff identifier board, or employee of the month promotion.

Your staff imagery is how your clients see you, often before they actually get to meet you. As they say, ‘you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression’.

If you review your current imagery of your staff, CEO, SLT, Directors, or Board – does this showcase the professionalism and warmth that project the values of your business?

If you aren’t sure, that’s how I can help. I offer all clients a ‘no cost, no obligation’ approach, and a customer satisfaction guarantee. In practise, it costs you nothing to talk about your ideas. Plus if I don’t come up with something that provides your business with value, equally, there is no charge. You can only benefit. Now that’s a win!

I have mobile studio equipment that can be set up on site to provide professional studio style portraits. While often in a boardroom or training area, this is equally able to to be set up anywhere. This could be a warehouse, office, garage or outside.The choice is yours in fact.

It needn’t be ‘flash’ (excuse the photography pun!). Often it is just a space, and you’ll be amazed just how professional the outcome is.

I will adapt your space and provide whatever lighting and background kit may be needed to produce imagery , in whatever style you require.

The advantage especially if you have several staff to profile, is they can all stay on site and remain productive. This is a cost saving to you, and makes for an efficient photo session. The advantage is staff are generally more relaxed, able to just jump in / out as needed.

If you would like to talk about options for your business, please call or email. I’ll do my best to help.

A big part of my professional day to day work is to record special occasions for clients.

What would be a special occasion you might ask?

Of course this varies. For some, it is a small and intimate event. For others, it might be a grand affair with hundreds of people. What I do know, is no two are ever quite the same!

Sometimes people just want photos having fun. Yep, I can do that!

You might see from this page and the rest of my site, that I photograph balls, formals, concerts, dances, dinners, jubilees and reunions!

Sometimes it can be a bit more serious. These boys are especially commited to their school haka, taken on their last day as they graduate from high school.

Other times, it can be quite formal, often with low light, in quite challenging conditions.

This time of year is very busy with graduations, leavers dinners, and Christmas parties.

(Oh, and concerts, corporate awards, concerts, civic events, banquets, exposés, showcases, musicals, dance recitals, cocktail parties, symposiums, hui, exhibitions, opening extravaganzas, festivals, expo’s…. in fact you name it, I have probably photographed it!).

Sometimes, it isn’t even about people! Sometimes it is a product launch, or a venue, or a space!

Whatever spins your wheels, I’m certainly here to help.

For more commercial events, please click here:

Despite gale force winds, plans to travel up to a hut near Mt Cook were foiled recently. Yet the weekend away still kind of worked! Facing snow, rain and forceful wind at Mt Cook village, we instead made a home base in Twizel and conjoured up a Plan B.

One of the things I have always wanted to do, was explore the Tasman River braids at the Western end of Lake Pukaki. Luckily for us, and despite some trepidation at the thought of uncertain flying conditions, we managed a break in the weather, and managed some fixed wing aerial views above Pukaki. From my experience, the MacKenzie Basin and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park are certainly far from predictable – for better and for worse.

Thanks to Chris Rudge, at Red Cat Biplanes at the Pukaki airfield, we were well looked after, and were in safe hands.