Well, that was an unpredictable and unprecedented month wasn't it? Despite this though, I did get out and about in the early weeks of the month with my camera. We had planned a trip down south to attend a friends wedding, this months moments come from that trip – before lockdown.
Mitre Majesty
With the devastation to the tracks and Milford Road in Fiordland earlier this year due to rain events, I had adjusted my hopes of visiting Milford Sound on our trip south. However, I still thought a drive down the road as far as Marians Corner would still be worth it. Setting off in the afternoon, we were surprised when we didn’t encounter any road barriers and by 6pm found ourselves in a quiet and desolate Milford Sound. The sun was beginning to dip behind the mountains in the west and Mitre Peak stood proud over the fiord. A well-photographed peak, I tried to create an image with a little bit of difference.
Fiordland Forest
While staying in Manapouri we did some exploring and stumbled on a classic piece of Fiordland beech forest. Meandering among the trees I was reminded how much I miss this type of forest, the pungent, earthy smells, the spongy moss carpets and drooping lichens decorating the trees. Soooo, good for the soul!
A Misty Morning
Fiordland put on some spectacularly cool weather while we were visiting. So much so that we had to put the fire on one evening, which was an absolute treat! I do miss the ambience of a fire since we have moved up north. Anyway, I digress. We scouted this location the previous day thinking it would be great angle to photograph Mt Titiroa. However, we were thwarted by the morning mist as it sauntered across the surface of the lake obscuring Titiroa. However, all rugged up in our winter woolies we hung out in the crisp, cool morning and watched the new day begin … and took a few photos.
Jen and Neal
I don’t normally photograph weddings. I don’t like the pressure of having to capture the fleeting moments, afraid I’ll miss one. However, these two wonderful human beings have been huge supporters of my photography over the years and Jenny has, more often than not, been a most suitable model in many of our outdoor adventures together. So, when Jenny asked if I would take photos at her wedding, I couldn’t say no.
Planned many months in advance to allow those travelling from abroad to attend, those plans all went out the window as Covid-19 made its presence felt the week of the wedding. Many friends and family were unable to make the journey. As the cases were rising in NZ and Governments all over the world were calling their citizens home, they decided to bring the outdoor wedding forward by three days and make it even more local. Conditions of attending the ceremony were “no hugs” and mandatory “social distancing”, conditions that were uncomfortable for an occasion like this, but conditions that were very necessary.
Thank you, Jenny and Neal, for having the courage to make some hard decisions that week. I know many were made with a heavy heart, but also with the wellbeing of all those you love in mind. I am so happy I was able to attend, witness and photograph your wedding. I hope to some day soon give you the hugs I so wanted to give you on the day.
This photo is one of my personal favourites from the day. It speaks to me of joy, triumph, happiness and love despite the circumstances. Congratulations Jenny and Neal! xx
To see more images that will DeLight your Soul visit the Galleries.