~ About ~
Hi there, I assume since you’ve made it to this page you want to know more about me, well my name is Richard and photography and IT are my passion. I started my photography journey a number of years ago in the homeland of everything nerdy and geeky known as Armageddon Auckland. It was 2013 and I was totally in awe of the costumes and how well they were made, as you might expect I didn’t envision this journey would -develop- as I started to take photos of the amazing costumes with a smartphone. Eventually I got more and more dissatisfied with the capabilities of smartphone cameras and craved something more. Finally in early 2015 I started my journey as an amateur photographer with the purchase of a lowly Canon 1200D.
As an entry into the hobby this camera was amazing and let me learn the basics very quickly. Finally after a few months of taking the camera out on a nature walks and samll community gathersing I was consumed by my new photography hobby. I constantly strived to be better and better and make the most out of my basic kit which has led me to where I am now, with the purchase of a high end camera, lenses and lighting equipment.
My specialty is in portrait and modeling photography and I love experimenting with new techniques to make the most out of my gear and get the very best shot of my subject. This now includes complex post processing such as background changing and removal, special effects and composite images which is a far cry from where I started. I am currently taking a step back from events with COVID-19 but still excited and willing to take on individual jobs. In the past I have provided my images to support great charity causes such as Australia's National Sexual Assault Program & Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service. Thank you for taking the time to read all about me and I look forward to potentially meeting and working with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who have you previously worked for and what did you do?
A: Over my tenure I have had the pleasure of working with the following large events and their guests as a part of their media coverage or team:
- Beyond Reality Media's Armageddon events: Auckland 2015, Manukau, Wellington and Auckland 2016, Tauranga and Wellington 2017
Primarily as Independent Media Coverage, Guest Photographer and Commissioned Guest Photographer - New Zealand Akiba Con 2016: Co-head organizer of the Photography team
- I have also covered smaller events, like cosplay picnics, throughout the years
Q: Who are some of the high profile Costumers you've worked with?
A: Since starting I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked with a number of well-known cosplayers, in no particular order, some of the cosplayers I have had the chance to work directly with over this time include:
- Calssara
- Elffi
- Vampy Bit Me
- Variable Cosplay
- Cosplayer Tine Marie Riis
- Cosplayer Sophie Karine Riis
- And more!
Q: Where has your work been featured?
A: A number of my shots have been used by their respective cosplayers on their Social Medai pages as well as some being sold as prints by the cosplayer. Beyond Reality Media has also used images in their marketing and promotional material. Additionally I have also had a number of full-size pinup postisions in New Zealand's own 'NZ Cosplayer: Con Artist' magazine.
Q: Are you actually a professional Photographer?
A: I don't consider myself as a Full-Time Professional Cosplay photographer. For me this is a passion project and my day job is in IT services, I feel more comfortable with the 'hobbyist' or 'Semi-professional' terms if one has to be applied.
Q: What social media are you on and how frequently do you post?
A: I have accounts on most major social media platforms, however, I am not active on them unless I'm attending an event where I will post photos on and this will typically only be on Facebook or Instagram:
- Facebook I post images here after events typically same afternoon/evening as the event and more heavily processed images over the following days.
- Instagram You might find a sporadic post here every now and again.
Q: What gear do you use?
A: Good question. Like most photographers, it will change with the shoot but my primary drivers are as follows:
- Body: Canon 5Ds 50MP Full Frame
- Lens: Sigma Art Series Lenses:
- 35mm ƒ1.4 DG HSM Art
- 50mm ƒ1.4 DG HSM Art
- 85mm ƒ1.4 DG HSM Art
- 24-105mm ƒ4 DG OS HSM Art
- A bevy of flashes Primarily the YN600EX-RT series
- A big bag of secret tricks!