Commercial and Editorial Photographer » Portrait http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog Blog of Photographer Thomas Pickard Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:40:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 On Photographing Rarotonga, Cook Islands. http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/11/on-photographing-rarotonga-cook-islands/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/11/on-photographing-rarotonga-cook-islands/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:52:28 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=3440 ]]> A couple of months back, I was chatting with a woman I had just met through a friend of a friend, when the woman in question asked me: “don’t you ever get bored of photographing beaches in the Cook Islands?”

My reply was “Are you serious?”

To which she responded “Yes”

Her question and response really threw me, for the simple fact that when I walk out the door and go anywhere in Rarotonga, I see so much more than just beaches to photograph.

Case in point – below are 10 photographs from a selection of hundreds taken in the last couple of days. Take the time and you’ll find plenty of things to photograph in a place like Rarotonga.

Po-Po, daughter & dog, Rutaki Passage, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Two day old piglets, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Afternoon light on mountain ridges, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Surfer, slotted. He made it. Avana Passage, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Fisherman searching for fish, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

New channel marker, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Beach, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Lone fisherman, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

South Pacific power. Avana Passage, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Portrait of a spear fisherman, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

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]]> http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/11/on-photographing-rarotonga-cook-islands/feed/ 0 Tim A http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/10/tim-a/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/10/tim-a/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:02:46 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=3363 ]]> Tim Arnold, Turangi Valley, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Tim A. outside his partially built house, Turangi Valley, Rarotonga Cook Islands.

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]]> http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/10/tim-a/feed/ 0 Lazy Days on Beautiful Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands. http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/09/lazy-days-on-beautiful-aitutaki-island-cook-islands/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/09/lazy-days-on-beautiful-aitutaki-island-cook-islands/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:18:01 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=3231 ]]> Question: What do you do when you begin to get island fever while living in Rarotonga Island?

Answer: You book a 50-minute flight to Aitutaki Island for a week of island exploring, snorkelling and deserted island hopping.

Now if you are wondering what ‘island fever’ is, it is just like cabin fever. Too much time in a small space, with the same scenery and the same people. It probably sounds weird to people that visit the Cook Islands for a holiday, but living in a popular holiday destination is akin to living anywhere else. After a while, you just need a change of scenery.

Aitutaki Island didn’t disappoint. Far from it. Apart from some rain on the first day, my wife and I were blessed with 6 days of glorious sunshine. And it was blissfully hot. It was the type of heat, where you go searching for some midday shade or can’t think of a better reason to rack out in the hammock with a book for a couple of hours’.

Despite the fact the Bank of Cook Islands was robbed while we were staying on the island (I have a rock solid alibi!), Aitutaki Island is very laid back. Even more so than Rarotonga, which I wouldn’t have thought physically possible.

The jewel of Aitutaki is the lagoon. During my day with Campbell Cecil photographing him spear fishing in the lagoon, Campbell asked me did I really think the lagoon was as good as people say. I responded “absolutely”. And here is why:

1. The lagoon is just the right size. You can easily zip around the entire lagoon in a day on a moderate sized speed boat.

2. The lagoon has some fantastic snorkelling, complete with giant clams introduced from Australia and healthy coral reefs.

3. The lagoon has some stunning deserted motus (islands) surrounded in the most incredibly coloured water I have ever seen. Big claim I know, but hand-on-my-heart, I was blown away by the colour of the water running through the channel just off the beach of One Foot Island (the last photo below is One Foot Island).

4. The lagoon has some great sandbars and I’m a huge fan of them. There is nothing like walking on a sandbar surrounded by water in every direction. If I hadn’t gotten married on the grass roof top at Kandalama Hotel in Sri Lanka back in 2007, it would have been a sandbar for sure.

Did I mention the non-existent traffic? The uber friendly locals? The long lazy days feeling miles from anywhere?

Yep, Aitutaki Island was a great week away from Rarotonga. I encourage all visitors to the Cook Islands to pencil some Aitutaki Island time into your agenda. You won’t regret it.

Man riding a scooter passed an old building, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Early morning light on palm trees; Woman floating in a lagoon, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Main harbour at Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Sailor tying up his dinghy at the main harbour, Arutanga, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Protest sign against Sunday flights and a woman and child attending Church on Sunday, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

A female snorkeller exams a giant clam, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Underwater view of a snorkeller climbing onto a boat, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Portrait of two boys; Hermit crab, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Approaching One Foot Island during a day trip island hopping and snorkelling, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Kite surfing, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Deserted island; day trippers' enjoying lunch, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Locals outside the vegetable market; Yellowfin Tuna and sarongs for sale inside the vegetable market, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

One Foot Island, Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands.

Links:

Cook Islands | Aitutaki Island Images

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Questions about what to do on Aitutaki Island? Then ask me on Facebook.

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]]> http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/09/lazy-days-on-beautiful-aitutaki-island-cook-islands/feed/ 0 On Photographing Kids http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/08/on-photographing-kids/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/08/on-photographing-kids/#comments Sat, 06 Aug 2011 01:40:43 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=3153 ]]> Spent a couple of hours yesterday down at this magical little beach on Rarotonga with the youngest model I have ever worked with – 8 1/2 year old Mr O.

Photographing kids is a totally different experience to photographing adults. Kids, especially younger kids, definitely have their own idea of what they want to do and when. As a result, I have just one rule when photographing kids on a shoot: keep it fun and interactive.

Get that bit right and the rest will follow.

A couple of favourites from yesterday’s shoot.

Young Tongan boy at the beach, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Young Tongan boy at the beach, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Young Tongan boy at the beach, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

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Young Tongan boy at the beach, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

 

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]]> http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/08/on-photographing-kids/feed/ 0 Marumaru Atua Crew Member, Harry Goodwin. Cook Islands. http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/marumaru-atua-crew-member-harry-goodwin-cook-islands/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/marumaru-atua-crew-member-harry-goodwin-cook-islands/#comments Fri, 01 Apr 2011 01:42:57 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=2803 ]]> Portrait of Harry Goodwin, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

Portrait of Harry Goodwin, crew on the Marumaru Atua. Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Meet Harry Goodwin. Harry is a crew member on the Marumaru Atua, a traditional ocean going vessel, which departed Rarotonga on the 30th March for an 18-month, round-the-world journey. First stop: Tahiti.

Harry was one of 16 crew members participating in the farewell event, held in front of Trader Jack’s on the harbour. After the event I was walking around looking for things to photograph, when I saw Harry take off his shirt to reveal the most amazing tattoo on his back.

I walked straight up to Harry, introduced myself and explained what I do, and asked if I could take his portrait – front and back.

As you can tell, Harry agreed.

Check back tomorrow, to see Harry’s amazing tattoo on his back, which he had specifically done for the Marumaru Atua voyage.

Related Posts:

Back at Trader Jack’s, Rarotonga.

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]]> http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/marumaru-atua-crew-member-harry-goodwin-cook-islands/feed/ 0 Meeting the People of Rarotonga http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/meeting-the-people-of-rarotonga/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/meeting-the-people-of-rarotonga/#comments Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:33:12 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=2766 ]]>  

Portrait of Cook Island, David. Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Portrait of Cook Island, David. Rarotonga, Cook Islands. © www.thomaspickard.com

Years ago, before I became a photographer, the idea of walking up to a total stranger and asking if I could take their photo, was right up there with gargling acid.

Clearly I have changed since then, as asking strangers if I can take their portrait is something I do pretty regularly these days.

When I was first getting into photography, I used to wonder what the ‘secret’ was to taking portraits. Then one day, I realised there was no secret – I simply had to make the decision in my mind and get on with asking the person if I could take their photo.

While that straight up approach works sometimes, these days I do things a little differently. Namely, I strike up a conversation and make a-hand-on-my-heart effort to get to know the person (as much as two strangers can).

I don’t reach for my camera and start snapping away. Instead, I talk. Have a conversation. Shoot the breeze. And I try and connect on some common interest.

In terms of asking if I can take some portraits, I decide if the location and light is good enough for one and then I ask myself if I think this person will be up for it.

By the time I ask, I have manually set my camera settings and mentally mapped out how I want to photograph the person. When I receive the nod of approval or a ‘yes you can’, I don’t mess around. I take the photographs in quick succession. Portraits with total strangers usually last about 90-seconds.

I always show people their photo, if it is a portrait. Not only is this polite, it helps them become part of the photo making process (I’m sure some people will disagree). At some level, if I gave a person permission to take my photo, I would like to have a look at the photo afterwards. I keep that in mind.

As for David, what a character! He talked my ear off for 30-minutes and he had some stories to tell. Cook Islanders’ are really friendly people and I am enjoying the on the spot travel portrait opportunities, as I meet more strangers on the island.

Related Posts:

Vietnam Day 14: Hanoi Portrait

Indonesian Portraits

Meet Mr Keong

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]]> http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/meeting-the-people-of-rarotonga/feed/ 0 Published in Bangkok Airways – Globetrotter Ly Pisith http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/published-in-bangkok-airways-globetrotter-ly-pisith/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/published-in-bangkok-airways-globetrotter-ly-pisith/#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:49:18 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=2742 ]]> Published in Bangkok Airways Magazine.

Globetrotter Ly Pisith, Bangkok Airways Magazine. Photo © www.thomaspickard.com

A couple of issues ago, Bangkok Airways Fah Thai Magazine started a one page section called “Globetrotter”. I was fortunate to be given the job of photographing the first Globetrotter - Nat Prakobsantisuk – for Fah Thai Magazine, back in October last year.

Meeting and photographing the people that appear in the Globetrotter section is a lot of fun. As a person and a photographer, I really enjoy getting to meet new people, talking with them and learning a little bit about who they are and what they do.

In terms of the portraits, the brief is pretty straight forward – makes sure there is lots of copy space for the text.

As for Ly, he is the owner / designer of Garden of Desire Jewellery gallery in Siem Reap. Ly makes really beautiful pieces, so much so, I bought a piece for my wife Jane.

If you are in Siem Reap, Ly’s shop is well worth a look. You can learn more about Ly and his shop, via the Garden of Desire website.

Related Posts:

Photographing Nat Prakobsantisuk for Fah Thai Magazine

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]]> http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/published-in-bangkok-airways-globetrotter-ly-pisith/feed/ 0 New Images: Sapa, Vietnam http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/new-images-sapa-vietnam/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/new-images-sapa-vietnam/#comments Tue, 08 Mar 2011 20:39:26 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=2679 ]]> New photographs from Sapa in northern Vietnam are now available for licensing at this link:

Photographs of Sapa, Vietnam

Some of my favourite photographs of my three days in Sapa are below. Click on any photo to license the image or see full caption information.

Portrait of Red Dzao woman at the weekly market in Sapa, Vietnam, on the 5 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Thomas Pickard)Fabric for sale at the weekly market in Sapa, Vietnam, on the 5 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Thomas Pickard)

Men and women sitting at a road side cafe on the streets of Sapa, Vietnam, on the 5 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Toned). (Thomas Pickard)Street scene, Sapa, Vietnam, on the 5 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Toned) (Thomas Pickard)

Hill tribe woman cooking over an open fire in her home, Sapa, Vietnam, on the 6 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Thomas Pickard)Freshly prepared meal inside a hill tribe woman's house, Sapa, Vietnam, on the 6 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Thomas Pickard)

Portrait of a hill tribe woman at her village, Sapa, Vietnam, on the 6 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Thomas Pickard)Portrait of a hill tribe woman at her village, Sapa, Vietnam, on the 6 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Thomas Pickard)

Men wait with motorbikes on a street corner, Sapa, Vietnam, on the 6 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Thomas Pickard)Food stalls at night, Sapa, Vietnam, on the 6 December 2010. Originally built as a hill station in 1922, Sapa is surrounded in rice paddy covered mountains, home to ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong and Dzao People. Today Sapa is a common stop for visiting tourists travelling in northern Vietnam. (Thomas Pickard)

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]]> http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/new-images-sapa-vietnam/feed/ 0 Published in Bangkok Airways Magazine – Artist Hassan Shameem http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/published-in-bangkok-airways-magazine-artist-hassan-shameem/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/published-in-bangkok-airways-magazine-artist-hassan-shameem/#comments Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:09:08 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=2586 ]]>

Hassan Shameem in Bangkok Airways Magazine

The January issue of Bangkok Airways Fah Thai magazine features an interview I did with Maldives artist, Hassan Shameem back in February 2010.

Hassan was very generous with his time, giving me a full hour to talk about his work and another 30-minutes or so for me to take a series of portraits.

As one creative to another, it really interested me about where Hassan gets his ideas from. I clearly remember Hassan telling me that he ‘always has ideas about creating things’. His studio was a reflection of this, with sketches and partially completed pieces all over the place. It felt like ground zero for creativity.

See more photos from this portrait shoot – People | Hassan Shameem (magazine usage only)

Learn more about the art scene in the Maldives via the National Art Gallery web site.

Related Posts:

Photographing Nat Prakobsantisuk for Fah Thai Magazine

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]]> http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/03/published-in-bangkok-airways-magazine-artist-hassan-shameem/feed/ 0 Vietnam Day 14. Hanoi Portrait. http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/02/vietnam-day-14-hanoi-portrait/ http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/2011/02/vietnam-day-14-hanoi-portrait/#comments Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:31:39 +0000 Thomas Pickard http://www.thomaspickard.com/blog/?p=2535 ]]> Portrait of a woman, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Portrait of a woman, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Our last day in Vietnam was spent cruising the streets of Hanoi and catching up with friends.

What always strikes me about Hanoi is how hip the younger generation is. It is such a contrast to the people you come across out in the rural areas of Vietnam. It almost feels like a generational time warp.

We had lunch with this lady and I knew as soon as I met her that I wanted to take her portrait. She seemed to sum up the younger generation of Hanoi, which I’m referring to – young, confident and hip.

This ends my series of posts about my 14 day trip in Vietnam. Next up, the Cook Islands and my new home.

Related Posts:

Vietnam Day 11. Hill Tribe Portraits

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