JUDGES STATEMENT
What I was looking for were the images that immediately caught my eye. They had to hit the theme, which was 'summer in motion' - which made me think, long hot days, kiwi summer, beach vibes, blue skies, obvious summer things, and then include some form of motion, be that motion blur, action, movement in the photo.
The next thing was intent and execution. Was the intent of the image clear, could I tell immediately what the subject was and what the photographer was trying to say? Was it a good picture on its own, or did it only work if you knew the backstory? Or was it meaningful to the photographer because the photographer was close to the subject (favourite people/place/sport) Was it well executed, in terms of composition, sharpness, framing, and technically decent?
Lastly, I was thinking about the processing and the grading. Did it suit the image? Did it make sense? Did it enhance the image and give it something extra?
It was pretty tough, as there were so many great entries. There were plenty of really great images that didn't quite fit the theme as well, they may have been shot in summer, but they didn't have that summer feel, for instance, grey skies, night time etc. Really nice to see everything that people were capturing. So many people were close.
FIRST PLACE
Jean Guillotin - The Keyhole
'A surfers runs on the search of new waves'
"This image stopped me in my tracks. From the first glance, the intention is so clear and the execution backs it up. I would be pumped to have a photo like this in my portfolio. First of all the framing is great, I really like a natural frame, and I like that there's no fear of embracing the shadows here. Secondly, the subject is so spot on, with the perfect running action, the silhouette of the surfboard and even the splash. You can feel that this surfer is hooking it to the beach to catch a wave. The surfer is clearly in motion, and the beautiful blue skies and the surfboard make it so obviously summer. The reflection of the water really adds another dimension to the image. I love the colour and the treatment here - the blues from the sky and the reflection coupled with the warm rocks work really well, and everything works to bring attention to the subject. It's such a versatile shot as well - I could see this image being used as a film poster, as an advert, as a magazine cover or as a framed print. It really appeals to me personally, and I think it's just an all-around great shot. Well done."
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
Kia ora everyone, my name is Jean Pierre Guillotin. Born in the Canaries Islands, living in New Zealand since 2015. I fell in love with photography when I was a teenager. My dad introduced me to photography and taught me the magic of captioning moments in a picture. I remember my dad taking photos with his old Nikon and that he was showing me how things are working. My parents bought me my first camera! Thanks guys!! Growing up, surrounded by Canaries nature and the ocean, it was easy for me to combine my two passions: Surf and photography. So I started to take photos of my friends surfing. First from land, then when I got my first water housing, from the water. And I could not stop.
What is your favorite type of photography?
My passion lies in sport photography, especially surf photography. I love being in the water with my camera, captioning the action around me, to freeze any subject that moves fast with my camera. I also love to work with people who are passionate about the sport they are doing.
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
The photo was taken near Piha. One of my favorite spots! The pool inside the cave was created by the constant swells that slowly dropped sand into the front of the cave which then created this beautiful little pool. On the day this photo was taken, I had another composition in mind but the blue colours of the sky were inspiring me. We changed the plan, created a new idea and we were really happy with the final image.
Why did you choose this image to enter?
For me this photo expresses my personal and favorite summer emotion. This is summer for me. A surfer running on the search for the perfect wave. Surrounded by New Zealand's beautiful nature with the cave, the blue sky and the reflection in the water.
What camera gear do you use?
A Nikon D500. The Nikon D500 is great for sports photography. You can shoot 10 photos per second, which is very handy. This was also one of the main reasons why I bought this camera. I have always been shooting with Nikon and have been loving it.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
I love playing music, travelling and exploring other countries, spending time with my friends and loved ones, going for walks and cooking.
RUNNERS UP
Grace Wright - Summer Fun
'Bodyboarding huge waves at Mt Maunganui Beach'
"Something caught me straight away with this image. It's so summery. The crashing water, the blue skies and the smiling subject. I really like how the image is framed by the crashing swirling water, it's got great motion to it. I love how the subject is sharp amongst all the turmoil, she's also got a great expression and smile which conveys the joy of the moment. It's not always easy to find a centre-framed image that works, but this does. My guess is it's shot on an action camera, which just goes to show that the best camera is the one you have with you!"
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
Kia ora, I’m Grace, a hobbyist photographer based in Hamilton. I first got into photography while doing a school art project when I was 10 years old. We got to pick the art medium and present it to the class. I had a lot of fun using my family’s digital camera to take photos in one of my local parks. Eventually, I got my first DSLR in 2015, and have since really enjoyed going out and exploring the world with my camera.
What is your favorite type of photography?
I have always loved animals and nature, which lead me into wildlife photography. Aotearoa is such a unique environment; I especially love photographing our many native and endemic birds. I’ve learnt a lot, both through observing behaviors out in nature and researching online for good locations and other facts.
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
This is a bit different to the usual images I take, I’m not used to be the one on the other side of the camera! I was fortunate to spend some time with my parents in Tauranga over Christmas and had a few trips to Mount Maunganui Beach. On the afternoon this photo was taken, the waves were pretty intense, and I decided to take my GoPro out to get some shots bodyboarding - this was the result! I used the burst mode which made for some funny photo sequences looking back later!
Why did you choose this image to enter?
To me, beaches are a quintessential part of summer and I felt like this photo encapsulated that feeling and energy of a kiwi summer.
What camera gear do you use?
I primarily shoot with Canon 90D DSLR paired with a Tamron 100-400mm lens or Canon 50mm f1.8. Using a lens with a long focal length lets me get close to my subject and capture details without disturbing them. This image was shot on a GoPro HERO8.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
I work full-time as a beekeeper. It’s amazing working outdoors and incorporating my love and fascination with nature into my job; the energy and rhythm of the hives are mesmerising and so addictive. Bees play such a vital role in pollination and food production (they pollinate over a third of all the food we eat!) - it’s very rewarding to nurture thriving colonies and witness all the benefits they bring to the environment around them.
Jacob Cullen-Ward - Summer Floats
"Taken at Takapuna a line stand up paddle boarder looks forwards"
"This image jumped out on my first look across all the entries. It has that late evening / early morning summer feel to it, the action of the subject and the soft motion of the water in the foreground make it feel dynamic. What drew me to this image the most is the treatment and grade. I love the colour palette here, the negative space and small subject make the image feel really graphic and very intentional. Even with the action of the paddler and the waves, there is a real calmness to this image which I love. I can see this hanging on someone's wall in a nice frame with a white matte. I really dig this."
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
My names Jacob or Jake Cullen-Ward, born in Cornwall (uk) and grew up around the sea in a little fish village called St,Ives. I know get to call beautiful New Zealand my home and love this place!! I’ve always loved photography and the ocean from a young age but was given my first camera at 25 just as I left to go travelling, I taught myself along the way and just loved capturing different scenes and working out how to get the results I wanted.
What is your favorite type of photography?
My favourite type of photography would be surf and ocean photography but I’m very new to this and still learning heap in this area. I also find landscape and long exposure photography mesmerising and beautiful.
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
I took this shot at my local beach Takapuna, Auckland. It was a calm day with beautiful colours in the sky at sunset, I was trying to get that oil like effect just shooting the water but as I looked up I spotted the paddle boarder and took my chance. I was very pleased with the shot and that was my que to finish up for the day.
Why did you choose this image to enter?
I choose this image as it really hit the brief and has the perfect summer evening vibe to it with that added motion surrounding it.
What camera gear do you use?
At the moment I shoot in the water using my canon 80d and water housing from Gdome. Both are trusty work horses ;-)
Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
For hobbies, I’m a sucker for good surf but then find myself struggling to decide if I take the camera out or the board. At the moment the camera always wins.
TOP SEVEN
Ken Hansen - Green Room
'The final days of 2022 brings a welcome new swell to the east coast of Aotearoa. This lucky gets a memorable ride to 'cap off' his year!'
"There were a few great surfing images, it was really tough to choose from. With this one, I like the graphicness of it, being shot quite tight, with the strong horizontal lines. The colours are super vibrant and summery, the motion is aided by the spray and the lip of the wave coming over. The wave being backlit/side-lit and the surfer being silhouetted against the wave is a nice touch."
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
I'm Ken Hansen, based near Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsular. I work as a builder.
First time I picked up a camera was when I was about 6-7 yrs at a Moto-X event my brother was competing in. I recall being captivated by the action & grabbed my Mum's film camera to capture some action... don't think any images were any good!! Anyhow fast forward about 20 yrs & I'm doing a rather mundane but well paid job, which got me thinking about what I'd rather be doing. I think I stumbled upon the work of such greats of Ansel Adams, Doisneau, Bresson, Hass, Winogrand & I was sold!!!
What is your favorite type of photography?
Favourite photography ATM would be street & action imagery. I enjoy capturing people in the environment. I think I appreciate all forms of photography, every good image contains some form of inspiration.
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
This shot was captured in Coromandel. As a surfer I'm always watching for good surf conditions. The final days of 2022 looked promising so I visited this spot to check the conditions... its always a bit of a dilemma whether to surf or photograph the action... photography won out on this occasion. The surf was quite epic with barrels reeling off left & right. I wanted to capture a surfer negotiating these backlit green walls.
Why did you choose this image to enter?
For me summer & surfing are synonymous & the action captivating.
What camera gear do you use?
DSLR
Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
Mountain biking & building sustainable wooden surfboards
Brad Makatoa - Floating
'A skateboarder during the birthday event for their local skatepark, Barry Curtis Skatepark'
"There were some great skating shots in the mix. This was my personal favourite. I like the style of the subject, and I also get those summer feels straight away with the blue skies. The action is solid. What really drew me to this one was the treatment of the image, it's really clean, with really nice colours. The contrast in the sky, the lucky placement where the clouds sort of form a frame around the subject. Solid shot"
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
Hey! I'm Brad Makatoa, 25 and from South Auckland. I got into photography just under a year ago when a friend of mine (Will) who's a videographer wanted to get into skating and on one of our first sessions he took a few photos. After seeing them a couple days later I thought man I want to try that.
What is your favorite type of photography?
I love skate photography! There's so many different interpretations of what skateboarding is and what it means to people similar to photography so there's a wide range out there.
When I first started out I spent a lot of time looking at Jake Darwen's work who's an amazing kiwi skate photographer.
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
I was at the birthday party for a skatepark haha, Barry Curtis Skatepark turned 12 and the locals were putting on a BBQ/skate jam and asked me to come down and shoot some photos. A few people were skating this hip so I set up shop and a few seconds later Iggy came floating over it for this picture.
Why did you choose this image to enter?
I thought it really leaned into the summer in motion theme, blue skies, a bbq, skaters in the background that's summer to me.
What camera gear do you use?
I've got a Nikon D7100, Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye (used for this photo), Nikon 50mm & 75mm Primes and I drag around a Godox AD360 and Nikon SB800 as well for lighting.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
I've been skateboarding for the last two years, play a tonne of video games and spend a bunch of time outdoors with my two dogs Finn & Misty.
Lee Pritchard - Sundown
'Image taken at sundown in Tauranga, sunset'
"I just can't go past these deep reds and oranges and a great silhouette during a killer sunset. I love the long summers evening, jumping off the wharf feels I get from this. You can imagine being there. I bet there was a great shot with the splash as well!"
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
My name is Lee Pritchard, full time plumber, part time photographer from Hawkes Bay. I have been into photography for about 30 odd years, mainly taking travel images while doing my OE around Europe mid 1990s.
What is your favorite type of photography?
My favourite type of photography would range from sunrise/sunsets to people, and street images.
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
For SUNDOWN, I was at Mount Maunganui, we had just enjoyed some fish and chips on the water front and could see the sky changing colours, I grabbed my camera and watched these guys and girls jumping off the pier. It was a balmy night.
Why did you choose this image to enter?
I chose this to enter as it has been a personal favourite and definitely reflects the typical kiwi ’SUMMER IN MOTION’ theme for your comp.
What camera gear do you use?
This image was taken on my Canon 700D, 70mm -200mm lens
Callum Hayes - Gorge Road
'No foot can by Alfie Stevens at Gorge Road'
"Summers in Queenstown can be HOT. That's the vibe I'm getting from this picture. The boys are riding with the tops off, the action and timing are great, and the warm grade gives it a late afternoon summer feel"
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
My name is Callum Hayes and I am originally from the UK but moved over to Christchurch just over 2 years ago. I have always had an interest in photos and making videos growing up but nothing really came of it. I sort of lost interest up until a few years ago when I was living in Whistler, Canada. I love the outdoors and I am a keen mountain biker, so it was pretty easy to get the camera back out living in such an epic place with some of the best mountain bike trails in the world surrounded by the mountains.
What is your favorite type of photography?
I mainly shoot mountain biking and BMX, along with any other sort of outdoor adventure style shots.
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
I was in Queenstown for the weekend filming a video part for my friend Alfie Stevens - 'Two years trapped in New Zealand' . A few other boys were down at Gorge Road and it was a sunny summer's day and I just thought I would take a few photos while he was warming up.
Why did you choose this image to enter?
I thought it was a good image to enter as I really like the summer vibes and colours it gives off and I thought the motion of the three riders in the air at the same time worked out pretty well.
What camera gear do you use?
I have a Canon 5D MK4 and for that shot I used a 24-105 lens.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
My main hobby/interest is mountain biking, I love the sense of freedom it gives and the ease of going places not many people would normally go. I love the fact I can take my camera along with me and capture the moments with friends in really beautiful landscapes.
Warren Davie - Summer Flight
'On the water at Lake Tarawera having a blast'
"Biscuiting is such a kiwi summer activity. The action here is spot on, great timing with the biscuit lifting up and the expression on the rider's faces are great. The boat wake mixing with the biscuit spray help that sense of motion. The framing is great with the subject on the left 3rd, the focus is nailed which can be a bit of a trick with all the spray and movement. I could see this running as an ad for something with text on the right of the subject."
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
Hi, Warren Davie, based in Tauranga. I have been interested in photography for many years, my interest in photography has grown in the last 10 years.
What is your favorite type of photography?
I like to shoot a variety of shots, landscape, sport, and family. Capturing expression is my favourite type of photography
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
This shot was taken on a family day out at the lake in Rotorua featured are my children so good to see the expression on their faces
Why did you choose this image to enter?
I love to see how much fun the kids are having together as adults
What camera gear do you use?
Canon 5d with a 70-200 lens
Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
Photography is my main hobby and researching equipment and learning new skills and ideas for photography. I also like to keep fit, go out on motorcycle rides and spend time with the family including our Springer Spaniel Murphy
Matt Wood - Kirimoko Jumps
'Peat Miller throws some style at the Kirimoko jump trail in Wanaka'
"This is a great bike photo. The lupins and the dry dust give it that hot summer's day feeling. The framing is great, the "sniper through the vegetation" style. Love the purples in there. The riding is great too, that's a really tidy table, perfectly timed and framed and captured"
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
Hi, I’m Matt. I’m a part time Photographer and full time carpenter from Dunedin. I originally got into photography about 14 years ago while living in Canada. I really wanted to show my friends back home the locations we were riding. At the time I had a point and shoot and knew very little about cameras. So most of the photos I took looked like they were taken on a potato. I met a guy through work that had an early Nikon DSLR and a couple of nice lenses. We went out for a days shooting with that and I was blown away with how much better it was then my little point and shoot. So once I got back to NZ it was on to trade me and I scored myself a second hand Canon 400d and have grown from there.
What is your favorite type of photography?
My favourite type of photography is sports, i enjoy capturing the action, emotion and environment of sporting events. I still predominantly shoot mountain bike racing, as that is my real passion.
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
The story behind this image is not that exciting. Bike Wānaka had just opened the new trails at Kirimoko. My friend and long time bike race rival Pete Miller wanted to show me the new jump trail, so we had a session on the jumps and I noticed the flowering lupins and then the photographer brain kicked in, grabbed the camera out of the car and got a few shots, this one being my favourite.
Why did you choose this image to enter?
I chose this image because to me it captures what my idea of summer is.
It was stinking hot and we were out riding. Also since becoming a father I have had very little time to get out on bike photo missions, so i don’t have a huge amount of recent content to choose from haha.
What camera gear do you use?
My camera bag consists of an Canon R5 which was brand new to me when I captured this photo, I replaced my aging 5d, Lenses i carry are sigma 8mm fisheye, Canon 16-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm. This image was shot on the 70-200mm
Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
My other hobbies are actually riding bikes, not just photographing them, and faffing around in the workshop making things.
Liz Ritchie - Go With The Flow
'Sunrise at Governors Bay'
"Cloudless skies on a late summer evening after the sun goes down. Something a little more abstract but full of summer vibes. The motion comes from the panning obviously. I love the colours here and can see this making a lovely print"
- Jay French, Judges Comments
Introduce yourself! Who are you and where are you from? How did you get into photography?
My name is Liz Ritchie and I can often be spotted walking around my local beaches on the Miramar Peninsula, Wellington with my camera in hand. I come from a creative background, my mother was an artist who encouraged all her children to paint and draw, which I did, but it wasn't until I had children that I really discovered my passion for photography. People commented that I had a photographic eye and started asking me to take photos of their children as well and from there my photography developed. A love of my surroundings and observing how changing light and weather conditions could produce such different and effective shots had me extending my genre to landscape photography.
What is your favorite type of photography?
At present my favourite type of photography is ICM Photography (Intentional Camera Movement). I saw someone's ICM photos on instagram and thought they were very cool and googled the technique and taught myself how to do it. ICM is an abstract style of shooting images - it all comes down to moving the camera over a long exposure. You deliberately move your camera whilst the shutter is open to take advantage of the impressionistic effects you can get. The results can be very exciting and resemble an abstract painting but it is in fact all done through the camera.
Where were you when you captured the shot? Is there a story behind capturing the image?
My image 'Go With The Flow' was taken at Governors Bay in the South Island where we were staying to celebrate our 30th Wedding Anniversary. Being an early riser I always check outside when I wake to see if there is going to be a sunrise and on this morning I hit the jackpot and ran down the hill from where we were staying with my camera and took a variety of standard and ICM shots across from Governors Bay over to Lyttleton on the other side.
Why did you choose this image to enter?
I chose this image to enter as to me it depicted Summer In Motion - those beautiful early mornings that change and move in time.
What camera gear do you use?
I have used Canon cameras and lenses for many years now and was fortunate recently to be gifted for a special birthday a Canon EOS R6.
Do you have any other hobbies/interests?
Most of my hobbies and interests are creative based - photography, painting and creating for and entering the World of Wearable Arts.