In this Sure-Shot series, Coromind invites photographers to break down two of their favourite shots, sharing the stories, techniques and moments that make each image special. This month, Kate Beauchamp takes us behind the scenes of her inspiring work.
About the Artist
Photography has been a lifelong passion, one that began in my teenage years and has continued to grow ever since. I live in Whitianga with my husband Andy and our cat, who rarely helps when I am trying to photograph birds!
I studied Photography and Graphic Design at college in Torquay.
Although my professional career led me on a corporate journey, the creative spark never left me. Today, I love dedicating my time to photography, allowing me to reconnect with the artistic side that has always been part of who I am.
In 2023, I was awarded Associateship honours by the Photographic Society of New Zealand, an internationally recognised distinction that celebrates photographic excellence. More recently, I became an accredited photography judge, sharing my experience by critiquing images for Camera Clubs nationwide. Closer to home, I’m involved in our local arts scene, both as a trustee of the Mercury Bay Art Escape and a participating artist. During next year’s Open Studio Event, I’ll be exhibiting my work at the GJ Gardner show home and I’m looking forward to meeting fellow art lovers. I also help run the Whitianga Photographic Club. These roles allow me to share my enthusiasm for photography with others, fostering connections and encouraging artistic growth within the community.
My work can be seen on Instagram: @katebeauchamp46
Or on Facebook: Kate Beauchamp Photography
About My Work
Birds have always held a special place in my heart. My fascination with them can be traced back to my dad, who was an avid ‘twitcher’ and instilled in me a sense of wonder for the natural world. Our back garden is a haven for a wide variety of my feathered friends and watching them sparked an idea: I wanted to capture their beauty with my camera, reminiscent of creative bird paintings.
My process begins with creating a ‘stage’. Using props, many sourced from local op shops, and a plain sheet as a backdrop, I set the scene for my subjects. With a large lens, I can sit back at a distance, giving the birds plenty of space to move freely while I photograph them. Patience is essential; I often spend several hours shooting, followed by many more hours editing. From the hundreds of frames I capture, I select the one that truly ‘sings’ to me – a moment where the bird’s character and the composition align perfectly.
Texture as examples of what Kate uses when editing
I use Affinity Photo to edit my work, making enhancements such as sharpening, adjusting exposure, contrast, lifting shadows, cropping and cloning out unwanted elements. Yet my creative process does not end there. To achieve a more painterly quality, I overlay several images of textures drawn from my own library of photographs, for example tree bark, moss, and granite. Layering these textures over the top of my bird image transforms them, adding depth and atmosphere while retaining the authenticity of the bird itself.
This approach creates timeless works that blend photographic precision with a painterly aesthetic, honouring the birds in my garden and the joy of capturing their beauty.
Image 1 – Reel World
Settings: f/7.1 – 1/2000s – ISO 320 – Focal length 500 mm
Image 2: Persephone
Settings: f/9 – 1/1250s – ISO 320 – Focal length 500 mm
Words by Kate Beauchamp
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