Photography good for the soul

Otago Polytechnic | Te Pūkenga photography ākonga Alistair Sedgwick describes his relatively new-found passion as the “perfect soul-food recipe”.

“Landscape photography is the perfect combination of adventure, curiosity, tranquility and creativity.”

Currently studying a New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6), Alistair recently won the landscape section of the Tūhura Photography Competition for his image “Dinner Spot”, which captures the rugged beauty of Mount Brown Hut Track (trailhead) in Kokatahi, on the West Coast.

Organised by the Otago Museum, the contest attracted more than 3000 high-quality images from talented Otago photographers and featured four subject categories — wildlife, botanical, humans in nature and landscape.

“I discovered photography in the last lockdown and fell in love with it instantly,” Alistair reflects.

“I wasn't sure what I was going to do after ski instructing for two seasons. So I did some research and realised I could turn my passion into a profession.

“I hope to become a freelance photographer, doing lifestyle, adventure and action. I'm slowly getting there, fingers crossed!

“Being outside, as well as being creative and showing others how I perceive the environment around me, is just so rewarding.”

Alistair recalls many hours spent wandering around his home town of Wanaka during lockdown, experimenting with street and landscape photography, long exposures and compositional approaches.

“I was just really finding out what a camera could actually do.

“I guess I decided to get serious when I realised I wanted to study it.”

And Alistair’s advice to other’s considering a similar route?

“Do it! You won't look back.”