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, Felicity Jean takes us behind the scenes of her inspiring work.
I’m ‘Flea’, born in Gisborne and moved up to the Blue Fridge Valley in Kūaotunu on the Coro when I was three years old.
I went to Mercury Bay area School from 5 – 18 years old, with a three-year stint in Tokyo with my family when I was twelve. It was a big cultural shock going from living in the bush with a long drop toilet to Tokyo life and attending a local Japanese school.
On completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Waikato Uni, I worked in Queenstown as a Japanese speaking guide, in Auckland sales & marketing for Fullers Bay of Islands, biked from Cape Reinga to Bluff (no e-bikes back then!) and on completion decided to become a Kiwi Experience bus driver.
I spent 12 years living ‘on the road’, touring our beautiful country with up to 50 young travellers onboard. My passion for photography started on the road as I was in beautiful places surrounded by colourful people every day.
I have settled back in the Blue Fridge Valley and work as a freelance photographer capturing weddings, family portraits and commercial work with a focus on tourism photography.
My Uncle Brodie who worked for Canon for 18 years has been my mentor and photography teacher. I self-published a book called ‘A Colourful Community’, capturing the spirit of the local Coromandel people.
IMAGE ONE
Vintage Truck – Tim
Settings: 85mm prime lens ISO 100 F 1.8 1/640 sec
I love using my 85mm prime lens for people photos and in low light situations; it’s a stunning glass lens and super sharp.
This image is of my partner Tim, taken while we were staying at Paradise Found near Glenorchy in the South Island. We were out wandering through bush and farmland and came across this old rusted out truck. It was one of those random moments photographed by chance, an image that is now printed A1 and framed in my photo studio hanging above my desk. It really captures Tim’s cheeky personality and the truck was super vintage cool.
This image is extra special to me now as Tim passed away last year after a three-year battle with two cancers.
IMAGE TWO
Cathedral Cove Kayaking – Kiwi Experience
Settings: 65mm ( 24 – 105 mm Canon lens) ISO 200 F8 1/320 sec
Taken with my Canon EOS 5D Mark 1V ( now my older camera, as I have gone mirrorless with R5 & R6)
This image was taken while on a photoshoot for Kiwi Experience capturing passengers enjoying kayaking with Cathedral Cove Kayaks. I was actually in a double kayak myself and took this shot as the sail went up. I felt like the image really ticked all the boxes for this photo brief as it tells a story, shows social interaction, adventure, beautiful scenery, vibrant colours and warm late afternoon light.
Felicity Jean Photography
www.felicityjeanphotography.co.nz
Instagram: felicityjean_weddings / felicityjean_photography / felicityjean_familyphotography
Words by Felicity Jean
Coromind: Coromandel’s Collaborative Magazine
Help us take Coromind Magazine to new heights by becoming a member. Click here
Change the Weather for Your Business: Advertise with Us.
Advertise your business in the whole Hauraki Coromandel in the coolest Coromandel Art Magazine, from Waihi Beach/Paeroa /Thames up to the Great Barrier Island.
Advertise Smarter, Not Harder: Get in Touch
