Chasing the sun.
While waiting for our visa applications to go through we went around Hawke’s Bay taking photos. Unfortunately, this meant getting up early before the sun but, its worth it when you can get a feed at the bakery instead of going to work after.
On our most recent trip, when it came time to get up, a cold wind was rushing around the house making me think it wasn’t worth the 30 minute drive to stand in the cold; especially with all the clouds hanging around. When we arrived at Waitangi Park there was a band of cloud along the horizon blocking the sun but, thankfully, the sunrise colours came through. I enjoyed the soft light and mellow colours, despite hoping for something more vibrant. I liked contrast of black against the yellows, something I have created in past photos.
Waitangi Park
Afterwards, we shot down the road to Marine Parade to see what we could capture. There were a few photographers down here so I didn’t get to take the shots that I had hoped. The light was super nice at this stage as the sun was starting to peep over the band of cloud. We hung between the Tom Parker Fountain and the Soundshell taking photos of whatever caught our eye. My favourite shot ended up being of Pania of the Reef.
Pania, half sea creature, half human, would swim in the moana (sea) during the day but come up a stream in the evening (where present day Napier now stands). She fell in love with Karitoki, the chief’s son and they eventually had a son, Moremore. Karitoki wanted Pania to remain on the whenua (land) so, one night he tried to place cooked food in her waha (mouth) as he was told this would prevent her from returning to the moana. A ruru (morepork) called a warning out to Pania and she escaped back into the moana. Her people joined her and took her down below the surface. She was transformed into the reef, which is said to take the shape of Pania with her arms outstretched. Karitoki and Pania’s son, Moremore, became the kaitiaki (guardian) for the rohe (area), a taniwha disguised as a shark, stingray, or octopus. Read the full story on Hawke’s Bay Tourism’s website.
Pania of the Reef
Our last location was Oak Avenue. I drive past this all the time but I ‘ve never stopped to take photos. I enjoyed shooting at this location and we stayed for quite a while. We were sheltered from the bright sun and wind, which made it nicer for me but also for the photos. I really liked the dappled lighting that came through the trees and the bright greens this light created.
Oak Avenue
Kia ora, thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed and don’t forget to check out the rest of my Hawke’s Bay photos in my portfolio.