GTRtist's photostream  

the annual auckland lantern festival came around again... somehow this year we ended up mostly in the food areas so didn't really get a chance to take photos of the lanterns... however, while some of my friends snuck off to get some milk tea i did manage to find a couple of my photo buddies in the crowds to get some shots of the fireworks!

when new years came around again we headed out to the same abandoned wharf as i went to last time... my camera was initially pointed towards the sky tower in anticipation but to our surprise there was another fireworks display out in the harbour... ended up having to swivel my tripod back and forth the whole time lol

each summer telecom puts up this awesome tree which lights up according to messages sent via a connected phone box. it is only set up for a short period of time so late one night a few of us decided to check it out even if that meant losing valuable sleeping time. it was well worth it though and at 1am in the morning, it was less crowded too!

no ultra fast 50mm prime lens. no super powerful speedlight. no bulky umbrellas. just a crummy 18-50mm and a flimsy diy light scoop made of cardboard and tinfoil. yet this is an image that attempts to capture the essence of the moment and these are the kinds of photos that satisfy me the most! planned photoshoots have their place but to me, its the spontaneous moments in life that make the best images.

some of us were pretty keen to visit the casino (don't worry i don't gamble or anything). it was lame though because you can't take any photos inside! but the view you get when you walk outside was pretty nice so all good.