India and a 10 day blog challenge: Photographing the Extremes of Humanity, Culture and Chaos!

I have decided to take a 10 day Freedom Plan blog challenge run by Natalie Sisson.  The challenges are to identify 2-3 biggest challenges I face stopping me from living a life of freedom.

After returning from leading a World Challenge expedition in Southern India and Rajasthan, being back in Aotearoa, New Zealand is a blessing.  And once again I have gained a new perspective on where my life is presently at.

Back in NZ I drink water and clean my teeth from a tap,  I stand in a que without three others trying push over me. drove a car and at the intersection, I am the only one in line (the other opposite car was on the other side of the white line, and no one tooted their horn).  I stand outside and deeply breathe the cleanest air you can imagine. I stand and look up in the quiet part of the night and lose count of the endless stars I can see.   However, don't let that put you off travelling and visiting other parts of the world.  It was worth every second!

I work as an outdoor facilitator, instructor and guide, and more so am passionate about photography. I have just started my own company Andy Thompson Photography NZ Ltd, and am now looking at ways to earn income from photography, my love of interacting with people and outdoor leadership skills. I love to blend these professions.

The job in India was to lead an expedition with 18 people.  To me, this is nothing short of 'exciting'.  Especially when your task is to guide people in a foreign country you have never been, don`t speak the local language, and 16 of your clients are 16/17 year old with two unknown adults.  What an edgy and brilliant prospect!

Initially, I thought I would have little chance for photography, however, as it turns out I had plenty.  I just had to divide my brain up into safety work, leading/facilitating and taking opportunities to snap the camera. India is a smorgasbord of potential images.  I would go back in a 'flash' to catch more.

Our first destination was Southern India, Kerala, Fort Cochin.  This is the land of the spice and fishing industry.  Kerala boasts one of the highest literacy rates and has more females than males as a population.  It feels easy and calm to be around.  There is a smaller division between cast systems however differences between poverty and the rich are still evident.  Link to map of Kerala.

Fishing boats and large nets were a wonderful ground to get my head into shooting.  However, with a group of 18 people and fresh into the country, I had not quite got into the groove.  It would have been better to shoot at sunset and repositioned myself many times over.  And getting to know some local people would help the shoot for real candid images.

Alleppey is one of the many destinations we stayed.  This is a beach area many people visit for holidays.  Swimming in the ocean is a warm welcome to the heat of the day. At Alleppey, accommodation near the beach is easy to find.  I highly recommend Wind n Waves.  The owner Harri, was outstanding for his help and service.  It's a clean and wonderfully relaxed place to stay. Here I slowly tuned with India and the idea of photographing, while still leading my expedition well.

There is a new cafe on the beach front, their pancakes and coffee are yummy.  The guy who started it is often found sleeping on the veranda in the morning.  I caught him out one morning while in search of breakfast. It was quite funny.  After he woke, he just stood up, shook his large mop of hair, took my order and trotted downstairs to cook it - no problems!

I would get up early (before my students did) which is always a great time to be up and wander along the beach.  It was not uncommon to see fishermen returning from their morning catch.  During the day they would tend to their nets, play cards and consider their next trip to harvest fish to sell.  Check out my 'The Deal' image.

Late into the evening, they would cast their boats on the beach to welcome a warm breeze for the night as the sun set.  You can see more images on Kerala at
http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/Image-Folders-and-Galleries/International/Kerala-India/

What is holding me back from living a life that allows me to develop my photography?  What are my biggest challenges? Well, I think I am living an amazing life!  I have many freedoms in my work already and am grateful for the colleagues and employment I have.  They are great people!  What I have not yet cornered is a way to develop my photographic aspect of my business.  I need to get a focus on this (excuse the pun) and start to earn an income from my skills in photography.  I would love to combine this with teaching and bring messages to others that will inspire people to change habits and make a difference to look after our planet.

So back to my challenge?  I love my present job however, would like to branch my skills and experience outwards.  I need to develop business opportunities to earn active and residual revenue.  My biggest challenge is keeping clear about my goals and developing a business strategy on how am I going to do this?  I welcome any comments for ideas and advice so I can learn from you.

Andy Thompson
Andy Thompson Photography NZ

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 1

Photography Gear - What should I buy & why, why why?

"Gosh, you must have a good camera", I hear this comment a lot!  It's hard not to chuckle yet feel the frustration of hearing people's perception of photography.  This comment has edged me on to write something so if your reading this welcome to another perspective on photography... and in case your a headline reader.  The essence of this post is.. you do not need the best camera!  Read on...

(This shot I wanted to give the impression of size.  Unfortunately, the pilot boat was nowhere to be seen so I only had a beacon as a reference.  It was taken on a canon 80d 1.6x crop sensor, 300mm prime f4 with a 2x extender.  I had limited time to work this shot and took about 16 images.)

Photography is made up of many facets.  Here are my thoughts about photography, so you may consider when you think "you must have a good camera",

There are four aspects to photography: 

1. The craft ( Camera use), 

2. Artistry (Composition, lighting, negative space etc.), 

3. Passion and gut feeling and finally, 

4. Post Processing.

1. The Craft.  This is about the ability to use the machine you already have.  Know its limitations, what all the features do.  And when I say all, I mean everything!  Be well practised at using these features in the right circumstances for the right lighting situations.

When I had my first camera - a Nsoca 35, with a 35 mm lens I ran print film then slide later.  I knew little about composition etc. however; I did realise you had to take meter readings, etc. This camera still could take great shots.  I shot slide for years, and have now been swallowed into the vortex of digital. I have a range of machines. Call me obsessed because I now have a few more cameras and have invested in the lens' and other camera bodies.  Here`s the kicker! With all this, you can still take shitty shots.  Overall I have six cameras!  And I am still learning how to use them all to their full potential.  Most days I study a camera to understand its features, limitations and possibilities.  Combine this with a range of lens that only adds to the complications.  The bottom line is to be careful not being sucked into the idea that a certain camera will make your photos any better. In fact, I suggest focusing on the following three points, that I believe truly makes photography.  Only then will you want to move on and decide to invest in anything more expensive.  Cameras equipment is not cheap!

2. Artistry (Composition, lighting, negative space, etc.)

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This image I liked cause it was showing the horses features and a different position you usually do not see.  What a podge!

It is not often you get to see a horse in this position, rolling on the grass.  It's a shame I did not get his eye, as that would have made the shot.  I was positioned too low and sometimes that's just the way it is.  You sometimes just can't get the shot you want.

I like this. However, it`s not my favourite.  This image I have given some artistic post processing, which I think adds to the image.  There is so much to artistry with composition this is not the place to go into any details.

(I was driving along and looking for a new perspective for the day.  I saw these horses on the ground.  It is not often you see this so stole the opportunity.  This one is certainly podgy.  Fun to capture them doing something you often do not see.  It was taken on a canon 80d 1.6x crop sensor, 300mm prime f4 with a 2x extender.  I shot about 50-60 images to work a shot I liked)

3. Passon and Gut Feeling:

Ask yourself, why do you photograph?  The reasons are endless.  I admit I am obsessed.  So find your reasons.

I love photography for many, many reasons.  I love to share my images with others.  It is a way I express myself about how I see the world. I hope to inspire others, and about our amazing world. I want to bring stories to others. I love the challenge of getting a great image.  It takes me to amazing places. I meet wonderful people - there are so many reasons, and the list goes on.  Find yours and ignite your passion for photography.  Also, trust your gut instinct when you think there is a great image caught out of the corner of your eye.  Try it!  Ironically the above image is my favourite of the horses, but probably not for others.  Photography has principles to follow however my advice is to do it cause you love it and don't always follow the rules.

4. Finally, Post Processing:

This is a skill all on its own.  There are basic programmes you can complete this, like Photo elements, etc.  Ideally, your images need a little tweaking.  Remember you are dealing with dots (pixels), and you can improve images.  Most Smartphones have great post processing tools.  Remember the days of film and slide? Well, now you're the camera shop now and the processor!  I like to represent my images how they were at the time.  I have learnt to do a little artistry with some photos but still, aim to represent what I saw at the time.  A camera cannot see what the human eye and brain can create, so all machines have limitations.  Get some lessons and learn some post processing skills.

That's an overall sum up broad brush at what I think photography is made up of.  Of course, when you start drilling into the subject each item I have mentioned has many more levels and aspects, and there are many I have not mentioned.  So next time you suggest to someone or think, "they must have a good camera", remember all the other aspect.  Photography takes dedication, time, passion, subject research, curiosity and a willing to learn.  You may spend a day trying to get an image and come away with nothing you're happy with.  It may take hours, days, weeks, months or in some case, years to get the right image you like.  And respect other people's work.  Alway give credit to a photographer.

Either way - enjoy the beauty of producing images you like and share them with the world.

Happy photographing

Andy Thompson

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http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/

Purakanui - Another view of Dunedin

I love taking photos. There isn't probably one day I don't shoot a camera, or am not thinking of framing an image. You might say I am obsessed but aren't eccentric people the happiest?

I was looking through my images and realised I have many that are quite dark. I love the golden hour and blue hour, however arguably it lends itself to darker images. I decided to broaden my brightness! So that night a discussion around how to combine three factors occurred. How to combine photography, dogs and exercises with bright light. Dogs rule eh!



So over to Purakanui we trotted. I had not been there for years, and what a wonderful place this is! We were meet by some Royal NZ Spoon Bills. You don`t often see them cross the road!



Another name for a section of this area is Mapoutahi (which is the headland where the Pa site is situated), Osborne and Purakanui which is the inlet bay identified on the map. A link for a map: Purakanui

On a sunny day this place is stunning - and although lupins are considered a weed, they add some bright happy yellow to your day there.

http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/

The beaches are amazing, and if your keen on an a good ol southern swim, I dare you to strip and make a dash for the water! Go on....

Mapoutahi point is in the above photo. Pretty cool to visit as this is where the old pa site is. Be very cautious as there are very large drop offs and no safety fences - so hang on to young kids and your dogs.

Purakanui has some pretty ferocious history. This narrow headland was once the strategic location of a pa that was the scene of the last dreadful act in a feud that tore through the pre-European Maori community of the Dunedin area.
It began sometime in the mid-1700s when a leader named Taoka failed to make an expected visit to his cousin Te Wera, who took this as an insult. In response he took a war party to the Waitaki River and slew Taoka’s son. He sent two minor chiefs to bear the news to Taoka, perhaps hoping that he would slay the messengers and no further utu would be forthcoming. However Taoka was away when the messengers arrived, so they passed the news on to his wives and beat a hasty retreat, likely thanking their lucky stars.

The outraged Taoka laid siege to Te Wera’s fortified pa at Huriawa (which we will no doubt visit in future), but Te Wera had prepared for the attack by stockpiling preserved food, and fresh water could be obtained from a spring on the highly defensible Karitane peninsula. Eventually Taoka was unable to feed his war party and forced to leave. Te Wera quickly took the opportunity to leave for Stewart Island.

But Taoka still needed to settle the score, so he turned his sights on Te Wera’s ally, Te Pakihaukea, who chose to make his stand here at Mapoutahi, perching his pa atop cliffs that could only be accessed via a narrow strip of land. Back in his time, the water was deeper around the isthmus, making it an even more secure position than it appears today.

Taoka laid siege, but could not breach the fortress. Then one winter night he sent a scout to check the defences and discovered that dummies had been set up in place of the usual sentries. The vengeful chief seized this opportunity, broached the pa and slaughtered the inhabitants. It is said that only one man escaped, by diving into the ocean.

Once the massacre was over, the bodies were left piled up like a large heap of wood, which is the translation for the name of the bay – Purakaunui.

I am glad it is a far more peaceful location now, and encourage you to go visit. Make sure you take care of the area, respect locals and keep all dogs away from wildlife. There are blue penguins around too.

I think this is going to be a place I will visit and photograph much much more - so keep an eye out. I did catch a great panorama you can see looking across to Drs Point so click on the link and have a look.

Till next time - keep adventuring & photographing.

Andy

Andy Thompson Photography NZ

A few Drinks.....

The drinking culture in New Zealand is not unknown nor public knowledge.  In fact, it would not be unrealistic to compare NZ with the UK drinking culture!

In fact, on the website Alcohol.org.nz  it is stated that Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs in New Zealand.  Now this drug is freely available in varied outlets across the nation, the level of consumption has increased since the 1990s.

The affect from, alcohol on the body is quite amazing to consider.  It affects all parts and over consumption has long term effects.  I have certainly been brought up through the 80s and 90s buried in this culture.  In fact, when I was employed in the NZ Forest Service it was rife.  And I developed a cognitive dissonance about the whole issue with drinking.  Also, there is no doubt that if you have a major life event that swings you off the rails, drinking is where people often turn too.  However, the result is putting you in a worse position than when you first started.

So, next time you decide to have a drink, consider having one to enjoy the company of others, while knowing your limits and having the strength to say 'when'.  Make sure you have a responsible driver pre-organized. And be a great awesome buddy to ensure you look after your mates.

Andy Thompson

Andy Thompson Photography NZ

The Beach, Politics and Keeping Grounded

Last night we were walking along the beach at Aramoana.  The peace, serenity and quiet roll of the ocean soothed our minds after an upside down frantic day.  Waking up to this morning announcement on the American election results leaves me with a feeling of unease for the future.

If you consider Hitler's rise to lead a nation that was based on fear and injustice, this all looks to familiar. People forget history far too easily. In 1919, Hitler attended his first meeting of the German Workers' party, an anti-Semitic, nationalist group as a spy for the German Army. However, he found he agreed with Anton Drexler's German nationalism and anti-Semitism. He disagreed with how they were organised leading him to make a passionate speech. Hitler quickly cemented his reputation as an engaging orator through his passion about the injustices faced by Germany as a result of the Treaty of Versailles.

In a chaotic world that needs great leaders with authenticity and genuine care for the greater good, the result of Americas political elections last night it seems they are heading down the same path. If you look at the history of the winning candidate, he too based his election on a similar vein as Hitler. I quiver at the thought and can only hope he ends up having little ability to do much, while the rest of the government water down his intentions.Let's hope that the tangle of the political world keeps some normality and that people rally together to ensure the newly elected candidate of America is held in check.


If you are worried, scared or overwhelmed, then take that walk with your loved one somewhere you can find some solace and peace. Find a beach, breathe the air deeply, see the intricacies of life that will endure humanity, and take the time to make sure you keep your own feet on the ground.

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Andy Thompson


Andy Thompson Photography NZ

Loving Spring

Kia ora,

I love Spring!  There is so much new growth, sunshine, longer days and plenty to discover.  Today we trotted up Bethune's Gully after spending the morning writing on study (nearly done on the draft!).

Here are some fun photo from the day while out walking the dogs up Bathunes gully and doing a fittness test with Jo at the Botanical Gardens

I hope you are getting out there and enjoying the seasons

Regards

Andy

Andy Thompson Photography NZ
www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz

Street Photography - Capturing unmediated chance encounters and random incidents with people.

Capturing unmediated chance encounters and random incidents with people is the most wonderful yet intense and scary photographic challenge I have experienced so far.  It is such a layered recipe; cultivating ingredients like nerves, anticipation, rawness, excitement, stress, and pure wonder at what the human species is up to on a daily basis.

I enrolled on a street photography course with Alan Cox (http://www.nzphotoworkshops.com/), with the intent to learn 'How To?', and to consider the implications of 'Can I?' and to ponder the most important question for me, the 'Why?'

Photography to me is art.  And there is an endless spectrum of possibilities for the way a photographer may want to capture and display their art.  My photography is about capturing the essence of people, seeing them interact and impressing the images I capture in times when someone or a group of people are engaged with either themselves or others.  It is about finding that moment in time of authenticity. 

One definition of Street Photography is "a type of photography that features subjects in candid situations within public places. Street photographs are mirror images of society, displaying “unmanipulated” scenes, with usually unaware subjects.”

There are many questions around what can you shoot and what can you not shoot, what are your boundaries and are you allowed to?

Can you shoot in public places i.e, streets etc. The answer to that is yes.  It is no different to the press, tourists or other photographers that shoot in the same places.  You can't shoot in private areas e.g, malls, shops or other confined areas.  What is very important is to understand your intent as a photographer. 

My intent is to capture images that celebrate the humanity and diversity we have around us.  I am not out to harm anyone, however I am still part of the rich tapestry of life photographing people live their days in the complexities of life.  

Street photography should also not be about bringing others into disrepute or negative light.  The intent is positive, to create a gallery of wonderful images that show the colour in other people.  Ironically I have shot most images in black n white.  This resonates with me, as I find it is striking and gives a grit about life.  The colour is from the people's expressions and what they are doing in each image. Although some images I have chosen to introduce are in colour, as I consider it suits the photograph.

On several occasions I was asked and was challenged as to what I was doing?  As advised by Alan, and rightly so, I was honest and told them up front.  I showed my photographic business card.  These encounters were all I experienced, however if I was to be challenged more, or someone did not want their photo taken, I would happily show them what I had taken, offer to send it to them and also happily delete the image if requested too.  The best policy is to be honest, however it is raw and nerving to be challenged by the public.  You are encroaching on people's boundaries, and it is challenging to be faced with randoms.

I learnt quite a few strategies and techniques during the day and have a long way to go to build this sort of photography, however the results are wonderful (I think).  It is photography at its essence for me, capturing unmediated chance encounters and random incidents with people and to celebrate the amazing diversity of others in 1/320 sec or less is incredible.

Thanks to Alan Cox's tuition I have a better understanding of street photography and found that I love this sort of photography.  Of course I acknowledge I have an endless amount to learn - that's the exciting part - being humbled by the incredible things I see and experiences with people and photography.  Celebrating the diversity of humanity in everyday life.

Link to my Street Photography can be found at:

http://www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz/Dunedin-Art/Street-Photography/

Andy Thompson

Andy Thompson Photography NZ

'People in Action'

www.andythompsonphotographynz.co.nz