“Black and white are the colors of photography. To me, they symbolize the alternatives of hope and despair to which mankind is forever subjected.” ~ Robert Frank
Granddaughters
Taken in 2022 and featuring two of my granddaughters, this moment now captured forever, epitomises the joy that children have for the very little things. Every time I look at this image I smile, and I remind myself that there is beauty all around, I just have to open my eyes and actually see.
~ Annette Johnston ~
Hooked
This Black-backed gull got more than he bargained for when fishing. He was hooked. However, no birds were harmed in the process of getting this shot. He managed to free himself shortly afterwards.
~ Marie Bilodeau ~
Zebra herd has early morning drink.
Angles
“Creativity arises from our ability to see things from many different angles.” ~
Keri Smith ~ Barb Vercoe ~
“Guilt upon the conscience, like rust upon iron, both defiles and consumes it, gnawing and creeping into it, as that does which at last eats out the very heart and substance of the metal.” ~ Robert South
~ Hamish Ashton ~
Working Boots
Even on a sunny day the light in Esk Valley is washed through a filter of despair and disaster, mud and muck. Destruction is etched into every square centimetre.
But the road is now clear, and here and there a green leaf shows some resistance to the destruction.
I walked around a small part of the destroyed area and spotted these boots. They told me of the hard work, the sacrifices, the sheer we-will-never-quit attitude of the locals.
And I walked away with a spring in my step, and hope in my heart.
~ Allan Mathews ~
Saddle Road
Taken on our Easter road trip to the Wairarapa, this is climbing the Saddle Road after leaving Woodville to go up and over to Ashurst in the Manawatu. The windmills are part of Te Apiti Wind Farm and you drive very close to them.
Friends
I took the photo of the two elderly ladies as they crossed the bridge. It reminded me that we all need friends to laugh with on good days, To cry with on sad days. To just listen should we need to talk. And to support us when we cannot walk alone.
~ Vivianne Baldwin ~
My first camera, given by a friend who is no longer with us, but often in my thoughts.
“You don’t just make a photograph with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard and the people you have loved.” ~ Ansel Adams.
~ Sue Wagenaar ~
Bedford Truck on the site of Endean’s Mill
Located near Waimiha in a remote part of the North Islands King Country, Endean’s Mill is the site of an old saw mill. It was built in 1927 and although now closed for over 20 years it still contains the sawmill with single cylinder steam engine, the manager’s office, workers cottages, piles of native timber and many old vehicles including cars, trucks, tractors, loaders and graders.
Endean’s Mill was run by George Ottaway former Mill Manager and now owner.
This old Bedford truck is now showing its age although it is probably one of the newest ones on the site. With rust and lichen over most of the truck it probably only needs some fuel and a battery to get it running again.
~ Richard Baldwin ~
No Ewe Turn
Was driving down the highway out Raetahi way and came around the bend. Suddenly in front were a flock of sheep heading my way - and guess what? No Ewe Turn!
~ Jeanette Nee ~
Endeans Mill
I photographed Endean’s sawmill located near Waimiha, a remote part of the North Island’s King Country. Closed now for over 29 years the sawmill and most of its surrounding infrastructure still remains intact. Sprawled across three hectares lies a remarkable assortment of tram lines and bogies, vehicles, drying sheds, mill worker houses and stacked processed native timber. There is even a steam engine that originally powered the mill.
You can no longer enter this house due to it being unsafe, and that’s sad as inside is a great treasure trove of photos to be taken.
~ Terry Brunton ~
Spotted Black Grouper
I photographed this spotted black grouper at the Kermedec Islands in 2020. It is a protected species and it is illegal to harm them. They can be quite tame and sometimes approach divers closely.
~ Janet Houston ~
Ready for take off
It was a lovely surprise to see a lone Caspian Tern among the White Fronted Terns at Kauri Point in Katikati one morning. It didn’t want me close though and was ready to take off at a moment’s notice.
~ Anna Menendez ~
Spring Already?
What crazy seasons this year has been so far. My poor wee garden doesn’t know what’s going on !! Spring flowers coming into flower already.
~ Carol Tanner ~
The Abandoned Buildings
Abandoned buildings have witnessed much more than we can imagine. Oh, the stories they would tell if we were able to listen. Even when they are no longer fit for human dwelling or use, they continue to witness the goings-on around them.
~ Goldie Beeton ~
Matapihi Railway Bridge
I recently upgraded to the Canon Mirrorless R7 camera, and this was the first chance to take some photos with it. I decided to take a trip out to the railway bridge at Matapihi. It’s been on my bucket list for a while to take some photos of it. I thoroughly enjoyed my experimental shots on my new camera.
International Beach Volleyball, Mount Maunganui
Summer 2023 was busy down at our multi-purpose Mount Maunganui beach – hosting local, national and international events for many sports. Under the hot sun, at the International Volleyball there was lots of action, tactics, sand and near misses at all levels, to see and enjoy AND to try to capture that decisive moment.
~ Barb Lewis ~
Reflections of Mauao
Still Standing
These trees stood out to me in this harsh Otago environment. They stand up to the intense heat of summer and the extreme colds of winter. However, on this occasion, the climate and disease has won.
~ Trish Peddle ~
Engineering Conquers Nature
The Matapihi bridge crosses from the end of the Strand and serves as a stark reminder of the looming nature of civil architecture, designed and serving a practical purpose.
~ Philippa Wells ~
