“Talent and professionalism shine through in the way (Chai) works.” - Elliot Cleland

Cavorting around the globe with my camera in tow was an adventure I hungered for after completing my diploma in photography. The travel and documentary genre fed my soul with surprise opportunities and diverse subject matter. One of my favourite experiences was shooting whitewater rafting expeditions on Nepal’s great rivers while doubling as a safety kayaker (generally not photographing while performing rescues).

In 2021 my creative juices began to flow in new ways as I put roots down in Golden Bay, and set up my photography business ‘proper’. A car bootload of gear opened up a world of possibilities that included a lighting kit that could outcompete the sun - ha! And a sling carrying 2 cameras at once made me feel like a 6-year-old, equipped with the most awesome water pistols in my incredible holster - I was king of the sandpit!

I find it an honour to witness love being expressed, often during life-changing and memorable times. I’m touched by the impromptu moments of maternal women, couples and families being themselves, and am constantly amused when reviewing photos of children with unabashed expressions. Sometimes I view my job as exploring humanity, and supporting humans to be themselves!

I love to feed my active imagination by creating imagery from scratch too. I thrive on giving colour to a concept and also shaping the final results in Photoshop. The combination of a well-planned shoot with the magical touch of digital manipulation is truly satisfying to me.

In my spare time, I enjoy acting, spearfishing, and some philosophical jabbering with neighbours. Preferably over a redbush tea with half a teaspoon of honey.