Winter out east
Gisborne, the land where starry skies meet trademark sunrises. It's mid winter, there's plenty of swell and the vibe is peaceful. I have the pleasure of trying out the Canon R5 for a couple of weeks - it sure gets me motivated to go shoot. Here's a little snapshot of the spaces and faces I found out East.
When swell marches into Wainui it's among the best beach breaks on the planet
I'm up at dawn most days chasing the light. The July Sun sits North East in the sky and my toes are freezing. I nip around at the water's edge working compositions with the dawn brigade - a die hard crew made up of keen surfers & cold water enthusiasts. An all star congregation of past and present surfing champions and world class surf photographers - it's an established scene. Blink and you’ll miss it, they’re out there in a flash. The ocean's edge is all energy and it’s job done before breakfast.
More talent than you can shake a stick at. Johnny Hicks, Bobby Hansen, Shaun Tunny and Ricardo Christie on the Saturday morning shuffle.
Not bad, not good - out there!
Shaun Tunny is one of the best surf photographers in NZ. Go follow him HERE
Gale force winds ripping around the headland.
Ricardo Christie, straight from F45 and into the surf.
Storm fronts rolling through idyllic landscapes - nature deals a different hand each day. Most of the time I'm shooting with an 85mm F2 lens - it’s a challenge to adapt to each scene. I also had the Canon RF 800mm F11 - an unreal option to mix things up for those distant shots.
Makorori Headland on a very glassy morning.
Somewhere has gotta be firing?
It didn’t take Maz Quinn long to paddle out after seeing this one.
Lone ranger in dream land.
Ever heard of the Wim Hoff method? This guy has.
85mm Milky Way Core - stacked. Stay tuned for Giant Pano!
In the winter months Makorori headland is my local vista of choice. With ease of access and iconic views, it's a spot that delivers at all times of day. After a couple of blazing sunrises here I returned one night to shoot the stars. The lookout sits right on the cusp of a dark sky zone - give or take the occasional logging ship spilling light on the horizon. Literally a 7 minute drive from Gisborne city it's another reminder of our abundant natural playground.
National Womens Surfing Champ Saffi Vette - always smiling!
Swell always pulses into the region throughout July, mainly from the South but also from the East. Colder than the Mount but warmer than Wellington, the ocean temp sits at around 14 degrees and is dropping by the week. The morning sun here is as bright as anything, and the aloe vera flowers hold on by a thread. Winter in Gisborne is a pretty sweet deal, even if it looks warmer than it actually is.
A ferocious cold snap hit’s Wainui Beach - this brought snow.
You wouldn’t know it but Blair Stewart is locked into that right..
That’s a quick look into the energy, character and variety of my favourite corner of the world. Thanks for tuning in! Keep safe out there, summer’s coming!! // DM
Big thanks to canon NZ for the camera gear!