Meet the photographer behind our SS21 campaign, located quite literally half way across the world! We caught up with Tom via zoom to ask him to share some of his best kept photography secrets in our first Craghoppers’ Photographer of the Month feature.
How would you describe your photography style
“Run & Gun. I first aim to establish authentic and genuine relationships with my clients / subjects, and then capture quickly and precisely.“
How did you get into photography?
“I first picked up a film camera in highschool and spent the following years dabbling in photography for fun. I then ran a photo lab, an art gallery in New Zealand, befor moving to the USA where I co-operated a studio – all the while establishing new relationships and learning new sets of skills.“
Craziest thing you’ve ever done for a specific shot?
I am a big ‘yes’ guy. No job is too big or too small, this translates across into travel and accepting bookings with tight time frames. I once booked a wedding (sister in-law) in New Zealand, when I knew I’d be shooting in Hawaii. When it came time, I finished a full day shooting on set in Hawaii, then jumped on a small boat to cross the bay back to the main land, took an uber to Honolulu airport, caught an 8 hour flight through the night back to New Zealand, arrived in Auckland, New Zealand in the morning and captured a full day wedding. That evening, I then drove to the airport and caught a return flight to Hawaii to resume the TV show we were filming at the time. Not so much extreme, more stupid.
What does photography do emotionally for you?
I think stills photography allows us to capture moments which tie to memories. When it boils down, this is the essence of what I try to capture – memories and moments that evoke emotion.
What do you think your photography does emotionally for others?
Same as the above – it reminds people of a specific moment in time, and allows them to relive and reimagine that specific time, place, and feeling.
What photography gear could you not live without?
I shoot almost always with 2x Canon 5D IVs, fitted with a 35mm 1.4 prime lens and a 85mm 1.2 prime lens. I often wear a holdfast carrier which allows me to move freely with my cameras within easy reach, by my side.
What photographers have had an influence on your life and style?
A mix of New Zealand & Australian based photographers, many of them are friends of mine. And then also a number of US and UK based film & TV stills photographers.
Favourite place you’ve photographed?
Queenstown, New Zealand. Honestly, we’re spoiled for choice in New Zealand; from dotted islands with white sandy beaches through to massive mountain peaks featuring on Lord Of The Rings.
Place you haven’t been and most want to photograph?
Antarctica – I’ve had friends go here and it sounds like a real experience.
Favourite shoot snack?
Iced Animal Biscuits.
And lastly… Any advice for staying creative during lockdown?
Put your phone down. If you can’t do that, then create a rule of no phones or electronics for the last and first 30 minutes of each day. Second to that, create a habit of charging your phone in another room, not your bedroom. Honestly, by removing your phone from your face you’ll create space and time to think. Remove the distractions and allow your brain to do what it does best, imagine.
Also, read – It’s good for you.