New Zealand, Aotearoa
“Long White Cloud”
New Zealand, part 2. I’m still sorting through our photos from the stunning country and came up with another collection to share.
Notice the clouds in this image (above). Aotearoa is the Maori name for the country and it means “long white cloud!” Pretty accurate description…gorgeous clouds wherever we went. This photo was taken while we were on a guided nature walk along Bob’s Cove. Had to stop for this!
More clouds in New Zealand, Aotearoa and gorgeous water in this view of Milford Sound. Magnificent area…awe inspiring scenery with views in every direction. Definitely recommended, along with the flight in a small plane that soars over the mountaintops on the way there.
Another New Zealand, Aotearoa (long white cloud) along our hike through the Abel Tasman National Park. Also worth noting the color of the water which varies from shades of blue to aqua. And lush, thick green growth everywhere!
I’m always watching people and try to get them into my photos. This one (above) was taken while we walked through the Queen’s Garden in Nelson. I saw this couple and their child among the flora in the garden and knew I had to get a photo of them in that scene. I took a couple frames from a distance and kept moving forward until I got a composition that I liked. It’s my feeling that people frequently add to a scene and create interest and scale. Of course, this garden is beautiful on its own, but the couple and child add an important element to the view.
Judy and I stopped at a very cool coffee shop (Vudu Cafe & Larder) in Queenstown and were seated at a “community” table. I saw this woman walk in and started thinking how I could get her into a photo. Then, lucky me, she was seated at our table, across from us! I started talking to her and engaged her in a nice conversation. Judy and I found out that she was visiting Queenstown (where she used to live) and got her hair done by her daughter, a beautician, while she was visiting. Then she came here for a coffee and cake…she seemed to be a long time regular since most of the staff there seemed to know her.
I asked if I could photograph her and I took a few frames, trying to include her glasses, coffee, cake, and the fashion magazine she was reading.
And I was lucky to get her table number (12) juxtaposed with the 21 across the room…whatever that may imply! haha
I think that’s why I enjoy taking peoples’ (strangers) photos…because I like to engage with people and I’m not shy about starting an interaction. And, isn’t people watching part of traveling?
Here are some additional people shots! In this case, a street musician along a plaza in Auckland (above). Could be anywhere and any place!! Another example of a photo that’s more interesting because a person is in it than it would be otherwise…do you agree?
From Piha Beach. We were taken there by Gayle and Russ, our family who are living in New Zealand, Aotearoa for at least a couple of years. Tough windy day…huge storms!
And I think this is the same guy relaxing on the shore as the tide creeps closer and closer. Yikes!
My favorite person to photograph–Judy! And she didn’t even know I was taking this photo as we walked along the trail in the bright, blazing morning sun!
Finally, I guess there are Beatle fans in Wellington!!
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Kia Ora!
Thanks for stopping by!
Stephen M. Levin
www.SML-Photos.com
Facebook – @stephenmlevinphotography
Twitter – @stephen_levin
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stephen@sml-photos.com
Compelling scenes as usual, with this time a variety of moods and techniques….y’know there’s another reason why your blog is fun to see: in addition to the art, it makes a person think. Example: after a long life of hearing the name “New Zealand” the thought occurred “why’s it called that?” A moment with Google shows it was named after a Dutch province, “Zeeland” by early explorers. Never would have known that if not for your trip and your sharing of photos…thanks.
Glad to hear that the blog is stimulating curiosity and exploration!
I knew about the Dutch part of the name, but I didn’t know about the word, Aotearoa. I’ve actually heard that in a 1980’s song by Split Enz (a NZ group), but never investigated what they were saying. Now the song makes more sense!!
Thanks, Mike.
Funnily enough, I had the same thought as the above: who put the New in New Zealand? Thank you Mike for the research. Your first picture is especially haunting. You mention clouds – was it gray cloudy a lot while you were there?
No, I wouldn’t say it was any more grey, per se, than any other place. The clouds were generally thick and dramatic. A landscape photographer’s paradise for capturing beautiful skies!
Thx for stopping by, Dave.
Great sample of the beauty of NZ. Piha is one of the most wild beaches we have been to, so far, on our journey. The color of the sea in Abel Tasman is breathtaking – my favorite place that we have visited.
Great photos – keep sharing please.
SO happy that you’re there…which drove us there at this time! We appreciate your insights and guidance on our trip. And we are watching and reading about your travels and adventures in NZ for as long as you’re there!
Thanks for the comments and glad you like the photos. There are so many…but I’d rather not make this into a NZ photo blog! haha Might have to make a vacation book.
Keep enjoying and sharing your experiences with us!
Makes us want ta go there. Beautiful shots.
Oh YES! Do go. Beautiful sights. Friendly people. Good food. And more.
Glad you like the photos. Thanks!
Love NZ. Had a much more harrowing experience flying out of Milford Sound, just a few days after a plane crashed there. But other than that, it’s such a beautiful country, as documented by your great photos. If MY Gayle ever retires, we plan on spending a Chicago winter over there. Glad you’re having (or had) such a great time.
Yes…makes sense to want to return!
Thanks much for the comment about the photos! It was a pleasure to photograph that country.
Yes, it was an amazing experience. Thanks for capturing so many precious memories for us both. When do we get to go back and visit the places we missed?
OK! Let’s go back! Sounds good to me.
Always lotsa fun experiences together, near and far. I love making and capturing memories with you!
Keep your art of photography coming..I left work today with a serene feeling and a smile on my face..
And that puts a smile on my face! Thanks.
My dad was a professional artist and photographer. He traveled the world in the service (Army Air Corps) and also saw & photographed lots of beautiful things. Some ugly too.
He would admire your work. You have a good sense for things around you.
Mariano’s?
I absolutely appreciate your feedback, Jerry. It means a lot to read comments like this. Especially since I tend to admire much of the photographic work of those who came before us.