By John Foster
My photography career started in 1996, when I opened a studio in inner-city Christchurch.
I focused mainly on people photography until the Christchurch earthquakes. After that, I reinvented myself as a travel photographer and educator, which turned out to be a great decision for me. Following this change, I opened a private photography school, which I run from my home studio and classroom. Now, I consider myself both an educator and a photographer.
My business model differs from most; I work almost exclusively from my email list of nearly 1,000 contacts. Without an advertising budget, I rely on my list, existing clients, my website, private tuition, and referrals from local camera shops to attract new students. I also teach one evening at a local High School night class, which gives me a steady stream of new clients.
This brings me to one of my favourite locations, Stewart Island.
I have completed 13 photo tours to the Island, each lasting 8 days. On the way down, we spend a few days in the Catlins. As a result, Stewart Island now feels like a second home. I have had two clients join me on the Island 4 times, and several others have returned 2–3 times. Clearly, the place has a magnetic charm. Our group size is up to nine, including me. My clients are mostly local, former students, and some are from Australia and the US.
Stewart Island feels different from the rest of New Zealand. Isolated by Foveaux Strait—a notorious stretch of water—our crossings have mostly been calm, with only one rough crossing. Clients can opt to fly instead. We bring a lot of gear, including a coffee machine and grinder; after bringing these once, regulars now almost expect them on every road trip.
There’s only one pub, the South Seas Hotel, as well as a Kai Kart and a few smaller dining options. The South Seas Hotel is the epicentre of the town of 400 residents. It’s a great place to mix with locals and tourists alike.
The trips include a 24-hour stopover in remote Mason Bay. We fly in, landing on the beach at low tide, and are picked up the next day. Although the 6-8-minute return flight costs about $500 each, it is our best option given our photography equipment, food, clothes, and sleeping bags. On one occasion, we saw two kiwis at the same time on either side of our hut in daylight. I’m very lucky to have seen 30-40 kiwi in the wild up close.
Beyond Mason Bay, other places of interest include pelagic birding near the Titi Islands, Ulva Island, various beach and bush walks, and the Norwegian Whaling Station. Additionally, there is a chance to see kiwi in the wild, though only occasionally during the day.
I officially retired two years ago. However, I would hate to call it a day and put my feet up. I usually take 4-5 trips a year around NZ and Australia. I still teach courses, do photo shoots, and serve as Regional Representative for Canterbury and Westland—a role I previously held over 25 years ago. I also served as a committee member for 7 years.
I rejoined NZIPP about 3 years ago and thoroughly enjoy it. As a result of a gap in my membership, I forfeited my previous membership status and accreditation. However, I’m glad to be back as a member, and it’s rewarding to give something back.
Photo gallery below credited to John Foster:
