NZPhotographer Issue 53, March 2022

Having grown up in South Africa, I have a passion for the outdoors and wildlife.
About 6 years ago a friend reinvigorated my interest in photography and since
then, I find combining my love of the outdoors and photography gives me great
enjoyment, especially when I can share my photos with those around me. I
spend a lot of time online trying to soak up as much as possible and then getting
out experimenting to develop my own style of photography.
excio.gallery/andre
CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
This series of photos captures some of the wildlife around us. Living in Auckland, one does not
have to travel far for birdlife, although a lot of patience is needed especially on walks frequented
in the local neighborhood.
My Tui photo was taken at Muriwai while shooting Gannets on a very windy day. Trying to get
away from the crowds and flying sand, I found a few Tui feasting on flax bush flowers high up on
the hills, capturing this one in the swaying reeds.
I’d always wanted to photograph an elephant face on but the only place it possible to do this in
Auckland is at the zoo! When I heard Burma and Anjalee were about to be moved to Australia I
rushed out between lockdowns and took the photo, trying to portray the mystique these animals
have. My black and white shot of Burma is one of my favourites. The Morepork was also taken at
the zoo in the Kiwi enclosure with the challenge of no flash in almost total darkness.
My dream is to go on a wildlife expedition, but with Covid around this may not happen for a
while. In the meantime, I will keep taking photos like the Heron, which was taken close to my
home.
NZPhotographer
March 2022
45