Rising Seas

New Zealand Geographic’s current title story examines the issue of rising seas. Sea levels are slowly creeping up on us and by the end of this century an increase of one metre is predicted. We are already experiencing more coastal erosion, flooding and salt-water intrusion.

On the 30th of November world leaders are gathering in Paris to discuss political solutions to climate change. The current government of New Zealand just rejected a scientific report outlining the predicted impact of rising seas in New Zealand. To read more, click here.

 Cheers,

Arno

P for Paua

This story for New Zealand Geographic magazine took a few years in the making until I had enough strong photographs. The article talks about the link between poaching and a connection to the trade in methamphetamine or P.

Paua (abalone) is a shellfish important for the local economy and export industry. There is also a massive black market and poachers are stripping New Zealand’s coastlines. I joined fishery officers on their operations to catch offenders and preserve this precious shellfish for our next generation. Thanks to the officers in Whangarei and Ahipara for taking me along.

To check out the story click here.

Cheers,

Arno

Public Talk

The amazing exhibition “National Geographic, 50 Greatest Photographs” is now showing in Palmerston North at Te Manawa Museum.

For more information click here.

In partnership with Te Manawa Museum I will be giving a public talk about my work as a location photographer. My presentation is on the 20th of August 2015 at 12.30 pm at the Palmerston North City Library.

Check it out if you are in the area.

Life in Forest Canopies (2)

Another step closer towards my New Zealand Geographic assignment on ‘Life in tree-tops.’

A Rata tree usually germinates in the branches of a mature forest tree. Over centuries the young tree sends descending and girdling roots down and around the trunk of its host, eventually forming a massive, independent trunk composed of fused roots. Although called a “strangling hemiepiphyte”, the rata in New Zealand is not thought to strangle its host but rather outlive it. This giant Northern Rata is estimated to be around 1 500 years old.

Many thanks to Paul Stanley Ward, Tim Park and Ninette Rowland for an amazing day full of adventure and for giving me the opportunity to photograph this awesome tree.

Life in Forest Canopies

Currently I am working on a New Zealand Geographic story that explores life in forest canopies. Scientists have not yet fully researched plants (epiphytes) and animals that make the canopy of giant trees their home and new species are discovered on a regular basis. This assignment involves some serious tree climbing and I had the amazing opportunity to work for two days at Pureora Forest with the great people of “The New Zealand Tree Project” who had already rigged up mature totara, kahikatea and rimu trees with climbing ropes. Once I got used to taking photographs while dangling from a rope I started to fully appreciate the rich and varied plant-life 40 meters above the forest floor. I am looking forward to illustrate that other aspect of trees: as hosts of a vast ecosystem. To find out more about “The New Zealand Tree Project” click here.

Cheers,

Arno

© Copyright Arno Gasteiger

Well Foundation

Just saw in my local paper that the Well Foundation has successfully raised money for a portable echocardiogram scanner for the Special Care Baby Units at North Shore and Waitakere hospitals. This is an excellent result for the newly established fundraising body of the Waitemata District Health Board (Auckland/ New Zealand). Last year I was introduced to the Foundation by Phil from Port Group and started photographing in the Waitakere and North Shore hospitals. I enjoyed having access to many places that are usually restricted to photographers. The strongest images came from a photojournalistic approach where I was a quiet observer. What started out as a contribution to the Well Foundation led to other exciting assignments.

Check out this website where you can also support projects of the Well Foundation.

© Copyright Arno Gasteiger

© Copyright Arno Gasteiger

© Copyright Arno Gasteiger

Cheers,

Arno

From the Archive

As I was building the new website I had a good look through my archive and came across this image. It was taken in 1996 in American Samoa while on assignment for New Zealand Geographic Magazine.

When I first saw the harbour of Pago Pago I was immediately fascinated by a fleet of eight grounded tuna boats, rusty remnants of a powerful cyclone that struck a few years earlier. During my week-long stay I  returned many times to this spectacular site but was unable to produce an image that conveyed the right feeling. I tried to line up as many boats as possible, compressed with a long lens, in different light situations, but it did not work.

One afternoon as I was driving past again, I saw children playing in the harbour. Immediately I knew that this was the right moment. The playful movement of the children provided a visual contrast to the grounded shipwrecks that stood eerily rigid in the background.

By not including the whole fleet, the story was told in a more powerful way. A good reminder that when composing an image, most times “less is more.”

Cheers,

Arno