Our journal is dedicated to talented photographers to showcase and celebrate their passion, creativity and commitment.
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04
Editor’s welcome
Eagle hunting in Western Mongolia
The art of environmental storytelling
Beyond the naked eye: The fascinating world of macro photography
“My neighbourhood” photo challenge results
Excio Journal
Volume III Issue 1
Cover Photo Lyn Alves
excio.gallery/lyn
Publisher Excio
Website https://home.excio.io
Enquiries
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Production
Paper used for printing this journal comes from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations and is FSC (R) certified. Print copies are available for purchase at home.excio.io/journal
Dear readers,
Welcome to another exciting issue of our journal for photography enthusiasts! As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” This quote resonates deeply with us, especially in light of recent events.
Since our last issue, Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent flooding have devastated parts of New Zealand, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many. Our hearts go out to all the families affected, and we stand united in these difficult times. The power of community has never been more apparent, as we’ve witnessed people coming together to achieve things they couldn’t have done alone.
Ana Lyubich Co-founder, CEO of Excio
In this issue, we embark on an incredible journey with Lyn Alves, who takes us hunting eagles in Western Mongolia. We delve into the mesmerizing world of macro photography, showcasing inspiring examples from our talented members. We also chat with Kim Free about the importance of conservation efforts for our ocean and marine wildlife, reminding us of our responsibility as photographers and global citizens.
Celebrating our “My Neighbourhood” challenge, we feature the most captivating entries from our members and take you on a digital road trip throughout New Zealand, offering a glimpse into the unique corners of Aotearoa.
If you haven’t joined the Excio community yet, don’t miss out on the benefits! Visit https://home.excio.io/membership to learn more.
In the coming weeks, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of a series of online programmes and courses designed to help you elevate your photography skills. Stay tuned for more information and be ready to take your passion to new heights.
Thank you for your continued support, and enjoy this issue of Excio Journal!
Warm regards,
Ana
Photography has been an interest of mine since the time I was given a Box Brownie for my 9th Birthday. I have a passion for travel first and foremost with photography coming in a close second. Combine the two together and I am in my ‘happy place’. Being a gypsy at heart, travelling along the road less travelled, and documenting unique landscapes, people
cultures, and customs is a pleasure and a privilege. My fascination with cultures from around the world, I’m sure, stemmed from the National Geographic Magazines that I devoured as a youngster. Being transported to other worlds, mysterious worlds, exotic worlds, worlds I wanted to visit.
Having travelled to 65+ countries, one that has drawn me back for a second time is Mongolia. I was there 3 years ago where I travelled through the Gobi Desert experiencing the lifestyle of the nomadic goat, sheep and camel herders, to the Gobi Steppes where I stayed with a nomadic Horse herder and family. Along the way, the opportunity to observe the famous Naadam Festival at Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin, struck a chord with me, the history, the people, the land, and the struggles were all so real. The Mongolian culture is a rich melting pot of Buddhist beliefs and shamanism with an infusion of nomadic values and traditions. I knew then, I wanted more. When the opportunity to travel to Western Mongolia on a photography tour that encompassed the Eagle Hunters, the wildlife and incredible landscapes came up, I was there.
The Eagle Hunters of Western Mongolia are Kazakhs who are the largest ethnic minority group
in Mongolia. Amid arid, yet strikingly beautiful landscapes, vast deserts surrounded by snowcapped mountains, to stunning lakes, the eagle hunters have formed a way of life that has been shaped by history, geography, and political change. It was an absolute honour to be able to absorb their lifestyle and to view the extraordinary bond with the eagle, which represents to them, the wind, the open space, the isolation and the freedom found at the edge of the world. The skill and knowledge required for capturing, training and hunting with an eagle are long-standing cultural traditions, a tradition that gets passed down through the generations – it’s a sense of identity for the Kazakhs, You could feel this, the bond, the identity, the traditions – it was perceptible. To be invited into their Gers, welcomed so warmly as complete strangers, was such a privilege and a memory to be treasured.
In 2001 UNESCO added Kazakh Eagle Hunting to the “List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” as an example of living human heritage. And I got to experience it… I have no words.
I am already planning a return trip to Mongolia, to stay with the Reindeer Peoples. There is something about the isolation, the landscape, the freedom and the beauty of the Mongolian people that has simply stolen a piece of my heart.
To highlight New Zealand Seaweek we interviewed Kim Free who shares how her love for marine wildlife combined with her passion for photography can raise awareness of our watery environment, motivating people to conserve our oceans and wildlife.
New Zealand Seaweek is an annual event that celebrates the country’s unique marine environment. This year, Seaweek took place from 4-12 March 2023 and provided an excellent opportunity for individuals and communities to learn more about our oceans and take part in marine-related activities.
KIM FREE Motukiekie beach Reefstars
One of the most powerful tools for raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts is photography and storytelling. Photography offers a powerful tool for capturing and conveying the many ways in which we are connected to the ocean. Through images of the ocean’s beauty, power, and fragility, we can inspire action to protect our marine environment for generations to come. Photographs and stories have the ability to connect people with the natural world, inspiring a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wonders of our oceans. By showcasing the beauty and diversity of marine life, we can encourage individuals to take action to protect our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
In this interview, we talked to Kim Free who shares her love of the ocean and thoughts about how her photography raises awareness of our watery environment.
Photography has the ability to raise awareness of causes that people may not otherwise be aware of. I’m sure everyone knows the terrible effect plastic is having in the ocean, but sometimes seeing a photo of a dead bird full of plastic has much more
of an impact than just hearing about it - Images are powerful motivators.
I have personally witnessed seabirds dead from starvation, and marine mammals fatally injured from boat strikes and discarded fishing gear, images like these can have a huge impact in getting people to think about what is going on in the environment and what they can do about it.
When shooting oceans etc. I am always looking for dramatic or impressive skies and clouds and always prefer to shoot at sunrise or sunset. I like to have something of interest in the foreground so will always move around looking for the best place to shoot.
I mostly photograph marine wildlife, I absolutely love all these animals and I really hope that my photos trigger the same emotions in the viewer that I feel when I am taking them. I hope that my images may motivate people to want to help conserve our oceans and wildlife.
I have always used and loved Canon having owned 5D, M3, and M4 bodies. Currently, I’m using the mirrorless R5. The animal tracking feature of this camera is amazing and I have found it to be a gamechanger in my photography.
For lenses I use the RF 70-200 F2.8 and the RF 100500 F7.1, I really love these lenses combined with the in-body stabilisation of the R5, it means I can
always shoot handheld which is great. The 100500 is definitely my go-to lens as it has great zoom range and is extremely sharp, so it’s really versatile. However, I’m eagerly awaiting the upcoming release of the Canon RF 600 F4.
I have never been a fan of tripods - additional gear becomes an obstacle when climbing around in the rocks during a storm. Saying that I’m never without some sort of rain cover for my gear!
KIM FREE Motukiekie Chief’s Head
Macro photography is a fascinating genre that can reveal the intricate details of everyday objects that are often overlooked. It has the power to transform even the most mundane objects into beautiful and compelling images that offer a new perspective on the world around us. From flowers to coins to insects and fungi, macro photography can capture the intricate details and textures of these subjects, revealing their hidden beauty. In this article, we will be diving deep into the sub-categories of the macro genre, including objects, insects, and fungi.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when photographing macro objects is lighting. Good lighting is essential for capturing the details and textures of the object. Natural light can work well, but it’s often best to use artificial lighting, such as a ring light or a diffused flash. These tools can help to illuminate the subject and bring out the details of the object.
TRACEY WALKERAnother important consideration when photographing macro objects is depth of field. Macro photography often involves a shallow depth of field, which can make it difficult to get the entire object in focus. One solution is to use focus stacking, which involves taking multiple shots of the object at different focus points and then combining them in-post to create an image that is fully in focus.
Composition is also crucial - pay attention to the lines, shapes, and textures of the object and use them to create a visually compelling composition. Consider using a shallow depth of field to isolate a
particular feature or detail of the object and create a more interesting image.
When photographing reflective or transparent objects, it can be challenging to avoid unwanted reflections or glare. One solution is to use a polarising filter, which can help to reduce reflections and produce a clearer image.
Macro photography can be a slow and meticulous process, but the results can be truly stunning. Take the time to explore the object from different angles and perspectives, and experiment with different lighting setups and compositions.
Autumn and winter are two incredible seasons for nature photography, and it’s impossible not to mention a subject typical of this period of the year: fungi.
The many varieties of fungi, varying in shape, colour, and size, offer photographers multiple opportunities to take great photos which could turn into a bit of an obsession during the autumn-winter period when fungi thrive thanks to the cooler yet more humid climate!
From the beginning of Autumn, you should be able to spot the first specimens in the woods, especially after a few days of rain. Fungi love a humid environment and grow very quickly in dark shady places where there’s little sunlight such as densely wooded areas. Look for them in the undergrowth, among the dead leaves, and around the base of the trees. The older the wood, the more likely you are to
find interesting varieties and quantities. Also look for fungi on stumps, among decaying plant matter, and on fallen branches.
Often the hardest job is finding suitable subjects for a portrait with most fungi photographers needing to overcome 3 types of problems:
1) Low light so needing to use a longer exposure time. In some cases, you might need to use a tripod, or place your camera on the ground next to the fungi to shoot.
2) Unable to raise the ISO due to unwanted noise yet photographing a subject that requires sharpness and richness of detail.
3) Needing to use a large depth of field so as to be able to capture both the front and back of the fungi cap and sometimes even part of the background to better understand the habitat.
Engaging in artistic fungi photography offers you the opportunity to use your imagination and come up with original compositions and even achieve photographs characterised by extreme detail and sharpness which have a certain scientific and documentary value - for this you need the whole subject to be in focus and perfectly sharp in order to identify and catalogue the fungi species.
Fungi are arguably the most fascinating and enigmatic kingdom on Earth. Current estimates suggest that there is more than six times the number of fungal species than plants. They’re incredibly fragile too, therefore it’s important to respect fungi when out shooting - avoid picking them up (risk of intoxication) and avoid stepping on them: always prioritise the conservation of the natural
environment over your photography and educate yourself and others about what you are shooting, using caution over location sharing on social media if you’ve found rare and endangered fungi.
For more tips and inspiration see the photographs from our members and also check out the work of Steve Axford, an Australian photographer with a strong passion for fungi, his eclectic style is capable of transforming these simple organisms into real works of art.
Once you’ve been out to the woods camera in hand or have raided your hard drive for your fungi shots from previous years, be sure to share them with the community in our Excio Hub
While insects are often found in sunlit areas that offer better opportunities for photography compared to fungi, capturing their image is not always easy. The slightest movement of a leg or antennae can result in a blurred shot, and the shallow depth of field often requires macro photographers to learn image stacking to get a fully focused image. However, with patience, knowledge of the insect’s behaviour, and a bit of sugar water on hand, you might capture the stunning shot you are after.
Unfortunately, insects do not stand still while we desperately try to photograph them, on the contrary, most of the time they will escape. A good method is to investigate their habits, so as to catch them while they are busy doing something else, rather than worrying that the
lens is a predator! You’ll have to be out taking pictures at the right time of the day for this technique to work though. Early morning is a particularly good time to find lazy, sleeping insects as they need sunlight to warm up. When you don’t have a chance to catch an insect early in the morning, an alternative method of “slowing down” creatures is to bait! Bees and many other insects have a sweet tooth so a drop of sugar water can give you just enough time to shoot your subject.
Ladybugs and silkworms move relatively little, if they do not feel threatened, and are excellent subjects to start conducting trial tests and getting familiar with macro lenses and flash rings, the latter extremely useful when you’re out and about in nature with changing light conditions, especially if the subject is moving.
Macro photography offers a unique and exciting way to explore the world around us. By paying attention to lighting, depth of field, composition, and other factors, you can capture the intricate details and textures of everything around us and transform them into beautiful and compelling images. So grab your camera, find an interesting object, and start exploring the world of macro photography!
PHOTO BY LUKE GOODALL
This summer, we launched the “My Neighbourhood” photography challenge for our members to capture the essence of our local communities. From backyard hideaways to beloved landmarks, participants were encouraged to document the places they hold dear. Unfortunately, the challenge was hit by extreme weather events and Cyclone Gabrielle, which led to a deadline
extension. But now, we are thrilled to showcase the most intriguing entries and take a journey across New Zealand through the eyes of our talented photographers. Get ready to explore the beauty and diversity of our neighborhoods and discover hidden gems that may have gone unnoticed.
Victoria On The River, Hamilton PHOTO BY LORRAINE NEILL
PHOTO BY DAMON MARSHALL
Finding peace in the unknown is a wonderful practice.
PHOTO BY ORION HUNTER
ICM from #MyNeighbourhood for the holidays Oreti beach.
PHOTO BY ANN KILPATRICK
PHOTO BY SANDY MCCLEARY
PHOTO BY CYNTHIA STOKS
28 January 2023, in #MyNeighbourhood, Wellington, the Interislander, Kaitaki put out a Mayday call. We went to the south coast to watch her come in. Many Wellington people parked all around the coast from Owhiro Bay to town, waiting, with their lights on, to welcome Kaitaki back to safe harbour. It was windy, raining, misty, so not the best photo day but a good memory to see her come safe home.
PHOTO BY ANN KILPATRICK
PHOTO BY HEATHER MICKELSON
PHOTO BY LORRAINE NEILL
Opotiki rodeo.
PHOTO BY ANN KILPATRICK
PHOTO BY CYNTHIA STOKS
PHOTO BY LORRAINE NEILL
Went for a walk around #MyNeighbourhood yesterday, for fresh air and a clear head. The Wellington sign has been refurbished and is so colourful and reflective, it’s fantastic. Multiple image in camera.
PHOTO BY ANN KILPATRICK
PHOTO BY LORRAINE NEILL
First light panorama over Iwikau Village, Whakapapa. An annual but temporary home for #MyNeighbourhood.
PHOTO BY DAMON MARSHALL
At Excio, we take pride in our diverse community of talented photographers who not only excel in their craft but also offer photography services to help others capture life’s most precious moments. We are delighted to showcase the incredible range of talent available within our Excio members in the pages of our Journal.
facebook.com/ptphotoweekends excio.gallery/rina cejphoto.com excio.gallery/cejphoto
If you are wanting to learn to use your camera in a more social, convivial situation than a traditional workshop… «Picture This Photography Weekends» is for you. If you are more experienced and just want to shoot in the company of other photographers…. «Picture This Photography Weekends» is for you. If you want to go to some of NZ’s most epic locations… «Picture This Photography Weekends» is for you. If you want 2 tutors who are industry savvy and actually work within it on a full time basis, whose work speaks for itself and you don’t mind a bit of banter…. «Picture This Photography Weekends» is for you.
Join Neil Protheroe and Rina SjardinThompson for a weekend away.
artbyjlm.com
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The natural world and wildlife conservation provides endless joy and despair, beauty and devastation. I strive to advocate for our endangered species and ecosystems and through my art I explore wildlife advocacy through creative interpretation. Photographs are just the first step in my creative process. Using Photoshop, I digitally blend and mask layers of photographs, graphics, scanned ephemera and textures, lighting and colour adjustments, and digital brushstrokes to form images that are more like a painting. Some images may involve only a couple of layers, whereas others may involved hundreds. My art is held in private collections in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States.
Charlotte is a photography educator, full-time professional photographer and Photoshop expert who practices
#photographyforgood by helping photographers gain skills and confidence through workshops, tuition, and mentoring. Her day job requires her to capture a wide range of subjects and styles from covering corporate events all the way through to scientific macro but Charlie’s passion is portraiture and she has developed her own fine-art style, working with local models, makeup artists, and stylists.
Charlotte is an Ambassador for Lensbaby, was part of the 2021 Tonic Workshops for NZIPP, and is a mentor on behalf of PSNZ.
If you are an Excio member with a photography service that you’d like to promote, we invite you to submit a 100-word profile describing your offerings and unique style. By doing so, you can reach a wider audience and connect with potential clients who appreciate your artistic vision. To participate, simply send your profile to hello@excio.io, and we’ll take care of the rest. This is just one of the many benefits of being part of the Excio family, and we’re thrilled to support your growth and success as a professional photographer.
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SoulfulMemoriesByParmeetSahni excio.gallery/parmeet
Soulful Memories’ specialty is portraiture, the ability to capture special moments and personality of the client through photographs. The importance of the comfort a client needs is very crucial to me and the joy I feel creating Soulful Memories is priceless.
Photography helps me slow down, pay attention and observe life more closely, to see the beauty and story in simple things others pass by or take for granted. The innocent smile of a lovely baby, intertwined hands of a pair, the togetherness of families – each tell a story.
The “magic box,” as some have called my camera, continues to lead me to people and lands I have only dreamed about.
erimagingphotography.co.nz excio.gallery/vicky
ER Imaging Photography specialises in unique agriculture and NZ Scene photography for both personal and commercial use.
The ability to escape into New Zealand’s world-renowned natural landscapes and culture with my camera is something I have always appreciated. Privileged in having access to such a diverse range of scenery and people, my passion for capturing and sharing these stunning experiences with others has only developed. Being a selftaught freelance photographer, I have acquired my skills through practice over a period of over twelve years, passion being my core motivator. My photography reflects my personal interpretation of life, how I view both the world we live in and the people who live in it.
ethnoflora.com excio.gallery/ethnoflora
A photographer and a botanical horticulturist with 20 years experience, Dave Davies established Ethno Flora to deliver the highest standards in all your garden.
Dave not only knows everything about plants and photography, but he can also help you design the landscape of your dreams. His team has a wealth of knowledge and experience in garden maintenance, fruit tree pruning, and plant health is guaranteed to meet you and your garden’s needs.
EthnoFlora is a trustworthy and professional company that respects you and your privacy.
Started in New Zealand in 2017, Excio has grown into a global community of passionate photographers who are committed to making a positive change in the world. We help our members learn new skills, showcase, and sell their work. Last year Excio launched its large-scale, photographer-driven image library to deliver fresh, high-quality photographs with the assurance that every photographer is fairly paid, and every customer can access affordable, authentic photography for commercial use. At Excio we strongly advocate for responsible photography principles. We are committed to the Tiaki Promise and supporting important local initiatives and charities.
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