A self exploration and observations of the COVID 19 anxieties surrounding the lockdowns and Immunisation program in New Zealand from 2021 to 2022. During the Covid 19 vaccine rollout the New Zealand Government invested in the largest propaganda campaign in our history by partnering with Big Pharma, Big tech and main stream media to push out the universal narrative of “safe and effective.” To increase the uptake of the experimental gene therapy medicine, the New Zealand Government passed a law that allowed children of 12 years to get vaccinated regardless of their parents wishes. There were of ..read more

A series of portraits of creative people and makers motivated by time spent studying at Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch (2018-2019).     img20221110_16313950 IMG_0058 richard The post creatives & makers. 2018 – ongoing appeared first on PAUL PETCH ..read more

As a photographer, I have found that the joy that photography as an art practice brings in the modern world is immeasurable. The art of capturing a moment, freezing time, and telling a story through images has never been more accessible or more celebrated than it is today. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, and where people are more connected than ever, photography has emerged as a powerful tool for self-expression and connection. One of the things that I love about photography as an art practice is the sense of adventure that it brings. Whether I’m exploring new landscapes ..read more

Photography is a powerful medium for capturing memories, telling stories, and expressing ideas. Whether you are an amateur photographer or a professional, developing a photographic project can be a challenging and rewarding experience. A photographic project is a series of images that tell a story or convey a message, and it requires careful planning, execution, and presentation. In this blog post, we will explore the key elements of developing a successful photographic project, from defining your theme and researching your subject, to shooting, editing, and presenting your work. Defining You ..read more

As an image maker, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest gear or technology. We often think that the key to developing our photographic voice lies in owning the latest and greatest camera, lens, or software. However, the truth is that our equipment is just a tool. The real key to developing our voice as photographers lies in our effort and consistency. Effort is a critical element in developing our photographic voice. It’s not enough to simply take photos; we need to put in the effort to hone our skills, study the craft, and experiment with different styles and techniques. We need to put i ..read more

In today’s digital age, shooting film might seem like an outdated and unnecessary practice. But is it? Let’s just accept that like most modern pass-times digital cameras offer us instant gratification. Add easy editing capabilities, and the convenience of shooting thousands of photos without worrying about running out of film, it is a no brainer- especially for commercial work. However, like myself, there are still many photographers who choose to shoot film, even in a digital world. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why shooting film can still be a valuable and rewarding e ..read more

Shooting personal work is an essential part of my creative process, but more importantly, it stops me from quitting. My personal work allows me to experiment with new techniques and styles, to explore my own interests and passions, and to push the boundaries of my craft. Without the opportunity to shoot personal work, I would find it difficult to stay motivated and engaged in my profession as a paid commercial photographer. Why? Well quite often my work has strict constraints and repetitive processes imposed by clients, and the range of commercial projects that I undertake. While my job is re ..read more

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Back in 2013 shortly after shifting from Christchurch post quakes to Auckland Central… a little mirrorless camera hit the market. It had a metal vintage styled body and features such as a flippy out screen, in camera stabilisation and paired with a fast pancake lens – people would not even see it. The camera was silent too. The camera was an Olympus OMD EM5 and at the time it was revolutionary in a market place full of big camera bodies, loud slapping mirrors, full frame and glass as long as your arm. What attracted me to this compact (not pocketable) camera was just how much it motivated me ..read more

A series captured while in my first year at Ilam School of Fine Arts (2018), where I reacted visually to the philosopher Plato, and his cave theory, (514a–520a) where citizens lived chained to the wall of a cave all their lives. They watched shadows projected on the walls by their enslavers, who they never got to see, from objects passing in front of a fire behind them. The shadows were the prisoners’ only reality, but not an accurate representation of the real world that existed outside of the cave.   I see parallels to this theory with our consumption of social media (shadows) that fo ..read more