Nicolette Neish Photography Blog - ‘from both sides of the lens’

Yesterday was a very special day, and the main reason for our trip to Auckland, NZ - it was the ‘unveiling’ for my late father-in-law, Ernie, who passed away a year ago this month.   It is quite difficult to put into words the emotions and events of the day - as joining with the family to celebrate his life on this day was such a wonderful experience that I was thankful to be able to share.

I personally think that the Maori traditions and grieving process when a loved one passes are truly inspirational.   For those of you who may not know what I am talking about, to briefly try and explain - when a family member passes away they are brought to the Marae (meeting house) to lie in state.  The extended Whanau (family) gather and stay / sleep on the Marae with their recently departed loved one for three days.  Ceremonies and speeches occur during this time welcoming visiting family and friends who come to pay their respects and share the grief with the family.   Then on the last day a full service is held and then everyone goes to the cemetery for the burial.   At this time no headstone is placed on the grave, as this is not done until one year later at the ‘unveiling’.  After the year has passed family and friends once again come together for the Unveiling services and ceremonies and then a gathering is held to celebrate the life of the departed loved on.

At Ernie’s ‘unveiling’ over 200 people gathered, some travelling from remote areas around NZ and also Australia (including us), to be there to share the day.   I felt very honoured and priveleged to be asked by the family to photograph the days events so that not only could they have the images to remember the day but also so that they could share these images with family and friends who were not able to be at the cemetery with us.    On a personal level I found it quite a strange experience photographing an event such as this - being part of it on an emotional level but also trying to separate myself enough so that I could capture the images.    I was very happy to be able to give to the family a special DVD slideshow of images telling the story of the day,  that they all loved.  

It is times like these that I truly appreciate and am thankful for the gift of photography, in seeing the happiness it can bring to others - and to be able to create something in memory of a wonderful and special man such as Ernie for his family.    To share just a few images from the day . . .

The traditional ‘Karanga’ - calling the family onto the urupa (cemetery) 

Ernie’s grandsons performing a ‘haka’ at his graveside

Brother-in-law, Richie, sharing shots of Ernie’s favourite whiskey so everyone could have a farewell drink with him :)

Wow! what an amazing four days!  This week I attended the ‘August Exposure’ photography conference held at the Gold Coast from 25th to 28th August.  The conference was organised by Rob and Shirlene Heyman who did an awesome job putting together a jam packed program of truly inspiring, talented and informative speakers.   I was thrilled to be able to see the photographic work and also listen to wonderful portrait photographers such as Wayne Radford, Rob Heyman, Kelly Munce and Greg Dries - and not to forget the stunning wedding photographers Marcus Bell and Yervant!  Also Tracey Powell, photographer from South Australia, was truly inspirational and motivational in her story and what she has achieved.   I could rattle on and on about the last four days - my head is still spinning with ideas, inspiration and lots of new things to incorporate into my photography. ;)

Also being able to meet and socialise with photographers from all over Australia - to share stories and ideas - was absolutely fabulous and I was very pleased to make some new photographic friends! :)     Now I can’t wait until next year to do it all again! lol - but in the meantime I am even more passionate and enthusiastic about my photography (if that is possible!)  and very keen to get behind the lens and start shooting some new ideas!

Sydney, NSW was the last stop on the tour before we head homeward bound.   Four days in Sydney were mainly taken up with working on the project with not a lot of free time to explore - and the few moments of spare time, unfortunately the inclement weather was not inspirational for photo opportunities.    However on the last night we all went out to dinner to a restaurant at the Italian Forum - some fab italian food and interesting things to look at in the windows of the boutiques in the arcade.    One of the boutiques in the arcade was this amazing little place with Italian and Venetian masks, ornaments etc - would have loved to have gone back during the day when the shop was open to have a closer look (especially for some interesting props for the studio).   However had to be content to just ’window shop’! ;)

Even though it is great to travel and see different places and things - there is nothing quite like the simple pleasures of home - like sleeping in your own bed and being with family and friends :)   Now the tour is over, so looking forward to being homeward bound!