Panarama shots from Ngaranui Beach

This weekend was stormy and rainy, best time to photograph the beach!  Here are some shots I merged using photoshop … … …

Hairdressing Competition … … …

In October I was lucky enough to meet the amazing crew from ‘Chaz Hair Design’ in Te Kuiti and become involved in the exciting world of hairdressing competitions.  Lauren and Tanya had the hair all sorted but needed someone to take their photos (so there I was, nervous as anything but ready to give it a shot)  They were such a cool crew which made me feel really relaxed and along with everyone else that was there for the two day shoot we all managed to get some amazing results.  The models were all naturals and were really great to work with, all these people are so talented and have now been recoginsed for their creativity and talent.  The awards were last night and guess what … … … They took out 7 of the 8 categories that they entered! Woohoo – Skills girls!! You ROCK!!

I had so much fun doing this photo shoot and can’t wait to get the chance to work with these guys again … … … Watch out world – here we come!

Check out the photos entered … … …

Fireworks over Whaingaroa …

Every year one of our local families always puts on a spectacular fireworks display.  This year they took their boat out into Whaingaroa Harbour and gave us all a real show.  Thanks Gun and Adam – once again you guys put on an awesome display.

Fire + pumpkins = Halloween …

Halloween is all about food, fire and pumpkins …

My new camera ….

Yay – I have moved into the realm of ‘a bit more serious than before’ photographer!  I have now got a new camera – Gotta love the Nikon!  I am so ‘in love’ with it and the photos I can now take … Here is a few of my ‘practice’ shots … what do you think?

 

 

 

 

VW Trash Art - from the Whaingaroa 350 day in Raglan

 

 

This one is a shot of Whaingaroa’s very own “Flash Mob” that was organised to celebrate 350 day on Saturday 24 October 2009.  There were lots of events held around the world on this day to raise the awareness of the 350 campaign.  Check it out – it is an important issue that we ALL need to be aware of and do something about – after all – it is our future.

 

 

 

 

 

A slice of luxury

Recently it was my 40th birthday and a group of awesome friends all got together and treated me and my husband to a night out in a luxury 5 Star lodge (Waoku Lodge in Whale Bay, Raglan)  It was the most luxuriously delightful place to stay.  The hosts were amazing, the food was divine, the view was great and the decor was beautiful.  Check this out …

 

 

 

 

 

 

North South East and West …

Whenever we go to Ngarunui Beach we are always greeted by the statues that sit up there facing in the four different compass directions.  One faces North- up the coast, one faces South – looking at Karioi, one faces East – to greet the rising sun and the other West – to say goodbye to the setting sun.  They are big and grand and regal looking, beautiful statues in a beautiful setting … sitting under the great lady Karioi who sometimes stays hidden under her cloak of cloud …

Lights … Camera … Action …

Wow – what a busy time that has just been – too busy to take photos let alone keep my blog up to date, so I have been through my files of photos and discovered these little gems.  They were taken from the senior school ball in 2008 when we had it at a local cafe.  The lights and fake smoke were ideal conditions to take really surreal pictures that I hope you enjoy.  The theme for the ball was “Techno Tuxedo” and it was great – infact you could say, we all had a ‘Ball’!? (What awesome students I have been lucky enough to teach – thanks guys!)

... starburst ...

This one is a personal favorite … I was trying to take a photo of Jimmy when he decided to get all shy and hide, the result … a great shot …  Cheers Jimmy!

Shy Jimmy!?

Childhood Memories …

Who hasn’t spent hours of their childhood (and hours since then too) rolling around on wheels of some sort.  Whether it be your old bike with the banana seat, your big brothers cast off wooden skateboard with the rock hard wheels or rollerskates.  I had the metal ones that you strapped on over your gum boots … …Ahhhh … those were the days, summer afternoons playing on the driveway on the skates, doing the splits on the steep part of the drive way with one foot on the ground and the other one on the run away skateboard!  Or having races with the neighbors while riding our bikes around the farm … Where has all the time gone? It only just feels like it was yesterday!

My niece had some of the funkiest roller skates, blue ones with yellow, red and white stripes and yellow wheels.  My daughters have loved these skates and have spent plenty of time rolling around in them, both inside the house and out … so all I need to do now is just look at these skates to bring all my childhool memories flooding back.

I hope you get the same wonderful experience as me … Enjoy the memories …

Raglan Wharf … Whaingaroa harbour

There is always something going on at the Raglan Wharf and it is a such a good spot to take photos on a beautiful summers day – the locals are always willing to pose for a photo or two …

The local posers

Caught in action

This seagull stayed in that spot for ages and let me get really close - then it took off

It's a much better view from up there

Cox Bay trough the trees

A splash of colour under the wharf