S E C TCI HO ANT TH EE RA D E R
CPotY Snapshots
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Title: Sunbathing Photographer: Nathan Hall Category: Society semi-finalist
We l c o m e b a c k Hooray: the Gardens Magic free concerts and light show return to the Botanic Garden Soundshell (10–29 January, Tuesdays–Sundays, 8–9.15pm). Descriptions of the bands’ style/genre include The Kist (intelligent chamber folk), Crash Bandihoot (New Orleans jazz, funk, brass), and Radar Angel (synthpop, arena rock, light industrial). Come early, as the placement of bottoms is a competitive sport.
Behind the camera: Nathan is a 24-year-old “chess nerd, board game fan” and “photography enthusiast.” Originally from Gisborne, he calls himself “a country bumpkin by nature.” He moved to Wellington to study design at Massey University and now works in the industry. Why photography? Nathan took up photography as a hobby at the age of 11, but has always been unsure about moving into the professional world for fear it might “take the fun out of it. I like to follow my nose and take the photographs that interest me,” he says. He’s particularly interested in street photography and has always been “fascinated by the chaos and noise of cities and how people move around.” He is inspired by the likes of photographers Robert Frank, John Free, and Saul Lieter. “It's a great way to feel a part of things and tap into the energy of the city.” He enjoys working with film, finding that it leaves room for “happy creative accidents.”
Two Sta r t yo u r e n g i n e s
The snap: This photo was taken during summer 2021 in Oriental Bay. “The scene, it leapt out straight away – I loved the pair acting the same, the anonymity of it.” He says, “I like how the edges have nothing intruding. It feels like these two are in their own world.”
Lowriders, American classics, and roadsters will be among the hundreds of cars rolling up to Hardpark 2023. The festival brings together car enthusiasts from all over the region to parade their vehicles and meet fellow petrolheads. Taking place over Wellington Anniversary weekend (21–23 January), it starts with the main event at Brewtown in Upper Hutt. The following day drivers have a chance to show off their skidding skills at Masterton Motorplex, and the weekend finishes up with a Clubs and Crews BBQ.
Judges' thoughts: Judge Chris Sisarich said he loved “the simplicity of this image. It's the sort of photo I like to take. It has a bit of that Martin Parr feel about it.”
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