News
Cavalcade January 09, 2017 08:28
“Cavalcade” was, I suppose, my first successful art photo. Back in 2006, I was following the Goldfields Cavalcade event into their hoe down location at the Alexandra race course. Gaby, Zoe and I enjoyed watching the horses from one of the trails walking through the historic town of Clyde.
I am not really a horsey person so I had tagged along with my cousin Kathy and her kids who completely fall into the horse mad category.
We were just leaving Clyde when, in the middle of a small traffic jam, Kathy stopped her vehicle in the middle of road, ran back to me and excitedly pointed out the large number of horses and riders that were starting to gather on the Clyde Hill skyline above the highway. “You must get a shot of that Janyne” she said.
I was lucky. I had packed my new Canon 5D camera and a good long telephoto lens. I ignored the protests of Gaby and Zoe (then aged 3 and 4), parked my can in the middle of the traffic jam and photographed a small slice of history.
The riders (and a few pack horses) looked like they were ready to charge and they were definitely enjoying themselves. There was a surprising amount of noise that could be heard from the ridge including a full blooded Red Indian war cry.
My photography efforts were at a slightly less than ideal time of day for perfect exposures. Because of this I decided try a few frames where I under exposed my back lit subjects. Back at home I made a few simple adjustments to my shot including a sepia (duo tone) conversion and a vignette. I believe this adds some drama to the story.
I haven’t seen any other photos of this moment in time so I feel pretty privileged to have this shot in my collection.
Shopping For Christmas Gifts? December 12, 2016 20:52
Just a quick note to let you know that we are able to offer pre Christmas delivery on most of my framed and unframed prints up until 17 December within NZ. We are also open every day until Christmas at the new Ranfurly Gallery. Just get in touch if you need any help!
New Gallery For Janyne November 23, 2016 16:36
We have recently opened a new workshop and gallery In Ranfurly, Central Otago.
The new workshop and gallery space is is a character shop on Ranfurly’s main street. The main driver for relocating to a new space was to get a more “fit for purpose” workshop space to satisfy the growing demand for my framed fine art prints. I was working in my partner’s garage but as my business grew we were having issues getting the boat and the old car out!
The new premises will be primarily a workshop and an outlet for selling my framed fine art photography and fine art prints. I will continue to operate my pop up gallery at selected art fairs and market days. I have learnt a lot from market days that I can put into practice at the new gallery. I am also continuing my career as a professional commercial and portrait photographer. This will mean that the opening hours for the new gallery will need to be a little flexible to accomodate photographing more beautiful images, operating as a professional photographer and taking care of my family. To help with out of hours coverage my work will still be available at The Practice, Ranfurly, where Amie Pont carries a full catalogue.
I would really like to especially thank my partner Deane (the creator of the beautiful timber counters and screens) and the small army of people who have helped establish the new space.
Having a space for my work and being able to be more organised about making great quality images from Central Otago is something I have long held a vision for in my career path and business. Now that we have established a great working environment, I am looking forward to producing new and exciting work.
In Camera Experience July 19, 2016 23:05
Many people who know something of my photography have probably figured that I am not shy about editing my photos. I really enjoy the opportunity to tell other side of my story or really draw attention to an aspect of an image.
This image is a little different. I really enjoyed experimenting with long shutter speeds and introducing camera movement (see my post about my blurred mountain sunrise). This time I introduced a vehicle and a few bumps in the road into the equation. Panic not, my very understanding man was at the wheel while I took frame after frame of slightly ethereal looking images of the Danseys Pass at speed. The light was perfect, casting a greenish glow over the landscape. Some images included more of the foreground where the ute headlights lit up vegetation on the side of the road. Some were sky, some were mountain, some were better than others.
This one was the pick and I enjoyed showing the landscape from a different point of view. This is me, I enjoy this stuff. Yes I did indulge in a little post production editing but this picture would never have happened with out a beautiful landscape, a ute and a couple of bumps in the road.
This image was received a silver award at the 2016 NZIPP Iris Awards. The finishing touch is a good wide mat board and a crisp white bevel edge frame and it is available to purchase.
Awards Success.... July 14, 2016 09:35
(the award winning portfolio)
Recently I was a finalist in the Creative Photography category at the national Iris Awards held in Wellington. The Epson/New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) Iris Awards attract thousands of top quality entries from around the country and overseas each year.
To cap off a busy month one of my recent works, a composite landscape titled Devil’s Elbow, was also a Top 10 Finalist at the Christchurch Art Show Awards. This composite landscape photo attracted the attention of competition judge David Woodings and was selected out of hundreds of artworks to be displayed in the Top 10 entries at the Art Show.
My Iris Award winning portfolio, which included one gold and two silver awards was made up of creative interpretations of Central Otago’s landscape where she showed an alternative view of regularly photographed scenes. I always strive to present a different view of Central Otago. I enjoy using photographic and editing techniques to tell my story of our region and its geography. My other prints which also prominently featured Central Otago landscapes achieved a further five silver and two bronze awards making it my most successful year yet at these awards.
Being a finalist at the Iris Awards and Christchurch Art Show Awards is a high point in my photographic career. Being recognised at these awards has come at a pivotal point as I turn my attention to the fine art side of my business. Being able to provide high quality prints and framing for my images is the icing on the cake!
I really want to thank all of the people who have helped give me the confidence to pursue my dreams, including my partner, my kids and my parents.”
Snow at Wedderburn June 16, 2016 10:52
One of my newest works is a composite triptych of a snow storm at Wedderburn. I really wanted to experiment with images that were cropped to a long vertical shape. This image is "quiet", just like a snow storm and each element has been carefully chosen from the local environment to add to the winter story. I am thrilled that it received a silver award at the 2016 New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers Iris Awards.
Grace October 30, 2015 08:09
"Grace" is a work of mine that is finalist in the 2015 Central Otago Arts Gold Awards and is currently hanging in the Central Stories Gallery in Alexandra. This is a triptych of merino horns, pig jaws and goat horns. Here is what I have to say about it.....
"My personal manipulation of the back country hunting tradition. In these sun-bleached, long dead skulls, teeth and horns, I see new shapes - then arrange them to make more shapes and further manipulate, to create whimsical forms that I recognise but not in this context - delicate filigree, feminine floral arrangements, sensual curves, snow flakes. There is a sense of gentle humour here but I believe that seeing this strange and delicate beauty holds a certain respect for the animal and putting food on our table."
Wool On Creative Fashion Event October 15, 2015 05:48
The Wool On Awards have long been a favourite event to photograph for me. There are not that many opportunities for catwalk photography in Central Otago so I really enjoy using my skills to get the best shots of the garments and the models. The professional lighting setup, models, hair and makeup all help too! The creativity shown by the entrants this year has been outstanding with quite a few first time timers which is great for the event. Click here to view a selection of my photos from the event. If you were lucky enough to be there in person, check out my gallery of table shots from the event.
Cromwell Exhibition for Janyne September 29, 2015 08:19
I am opening a solo exhibition of my photography at the Golden Gate Lodge, Cromwell. The exhibition will be running from 1 October to 30 October 2015. Twenty seven framed, fine art prints will be hung in the Pisa Cafe and all of the work will be for sale.
Fresh from winning gold and having my best year to date at the at the Epson/New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography Iris Awards, I will be showing my new winning work along with some of my most popular prints. These include an eclectic mix of landscape, still life and illustrative work.
Creating the images has been a process of showing my own personal vision of Central Otago. I am enjoying the quirky mix landscape and experimental work that I am making at the moment. Sharing my work in this way has pushed my creative boundaries and has helped me develop ideas that may challenge people’s perception of photography. I am really pleased with how my prints are looking for the exhibition and the framing has certainly added the finishing touch.
The Golden Gate Lodge has long been a supporter of my work with a display of my black and white “Cromwell Through The Lens” images in their reception area. I have received a massive amount of support to get this exhibition off the ground. I would especially like to thank the Golden Gate Lodge for the use of their venue, my partner Deane for helping me frame all my work, my parents for helping me hang the exhibition and my kids for putting up with me! Everyone’s support and encouragement has given me the confidence to develop my creativity.
All of the works hung at the exhibition can also be viewed as framed and unframed fine art prints in this online gallery, www.janynefletchershop.co.nz.
On competitions... September 08, 2015 08:59
Ben Ohau - Gold Distinction Award, NZIPP Iris Awards 2014
In these most recent awards, I was extremely fortunate and managed to achieve one gold, one silver distinction, three silver and four bronze awards. It hasn’t always been that way. I have entered these awards and received one or two awards in my early years. At times I nearly gave up, but it has been a learning process. I carefully looked at what was winning, not to imitate, but to better understand our craft and good storytelling. The Iris awards give me an opportunity to look at what I have done in the past year. A chance to be introspective and analyze my work to help me make good decisions about creating better images and better stories. The Iris Awards have pushed me to create my best work and take creative risks that I may not have otherwise taken.
Thank you to the NZIPP Honours board, the sponsors and the other volunteers who help to make it happen.
Proof of Gratitude August 17, 2015 10:09
"Proof of Gratitude" is my gold award winning print from the 2015 Epson/NZIPP Iris awards. For a few years I have been wanting to assemble an image about my thoughts on the Centenary of World War I, particularly the sacrifices from rural parts of New Zealand. Every element that I have included in this image has meaning for me.
The memorial arch I have used as a "frame" is from the Hills Creek Cemetery in Oturehua, Central Otago. I thought long and hard about including the names on the archway but without the names it just didn't look right and my partner (and creative consultant!) agreed and suggested that it lacked meaning without them. The idea of using the arch to frame a significant landscape and then adding a further border (barbed wire) came from looking at old postage stamps.
The landscape is Mount Kyeburn which has special significance to many people living in the Maniototo. Some of the area surrounding the mountain, after World War I, was part of the soldiers settlement. The 'Soldiers Syndicate' was formed by cutting off just over 8000ha from Kyeburn Station. The idea for the title came from a PHD thesis about soldier land settlement in New Zealand after World War I authored by Ashley Gould.
The barbed wire border represents farming and the soldiers from rural areas but could be seen as more of an image from the battle field itself, some judges at the Iris awards chose to view it this way. Additional elements I have included are seven crosses, one for each soldier that was killed in action. The Cananda Geese which are long time residents of the Maniototo are known for working together on their long distance migratory flights and have also included some background texture made out of Central Otago grasses and tussocks around the edge of the frame.
Award Winning Landscape 2015 August 17, 2015 09:39
Award Winning Illustrative Images 2015 August 17, 2015 09:30
The Illustrative Category at the NZIPP Iris Awards is all about story telling. So not only does an image need to be very technically strong and creative but it needs to tell a story. My 2015 portfolio in the Illustrative category did well with two bronzes and a coveted gold award. My very popular road signs print is now an award winner. I am looking forward to telling the full story of my bronze award winning phone box, look out for more news on this later in the year. I am soon going to write a separate blog post about the gold award winning print that was my tribute to the World War I soldiers from rural NZ.
Award Winning Creative Images 2015 August 17, 2015 07:21
This is my award winning portfolio of images in the Creative Category at the Epson/New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography Iris Awards. The Creative Category is all about trying new things and creating art. I collected a Silver Distinction (Goat Horns) and two strong Bronze awards (Antlers and Pig Jaws). I wanted to explore the idea of making beautiful shapes out of not so beautiful things. I think the three images sit well together as a collection and I am considering putting them together as a triptych, watch this space......
Why you should work as though your kids are watching.... August 06, 2015 06:57
Just read this great wee blog post - good thought for the day....
The Wall July 27, 2015 13:06
This is my working wall for all things related to creative photography projects and awards. I print rough copies of my work and "live with them" for a bit. The images that are not doing it for me go to one end of the wall and the good stuff to the other end - sounds a bit loopy but I got this idea from the Top Gear "cool wall". Note the post it notes for ideas, editing and corrections. People like me need to keep it simple and visible!
Billy goat horns to botanical specimen? July 20, 2015 10:04
One of the enduring themes for my work has been making visually interesting and beautiful things out of stuff that is not so pretty (to some people!). In this case, I borrowed three sets of trophy goat horns from my lovely man - I knew about trophy deer heads but goats were a new one on me. I managed arrange these in a circular formation and photograph them from above (no mean feat as they are quite large) and then a bit of a repeat in photoshop. I think I managed to make these gnarly old billy goat horns look like some sort of botanical specimen - what do you think?
Arts in Central Otago July 20, 2015 09:49
http://www.centralotagoarts.com/ Check out the dedicated website for all things arts in Central Otago. The Central Otago District Arts Trust has built an arts community that showcases and profiles the amazing work of our Central Otago artists. If you are wondering ‘What’s On’ in Central Otago they have an exciting list of activities on the Central Otago events calendar.
The truth of the matter... July 01, 2015 13:01
The truth of the matter is that sometimes accidents happen. In this case, the plan was for a beautiful snow capped mountain sunrise. What actually happened was that the shutter tripping in my camera was just enough to tip it off the tripod (muggins here hadn't attached it properly) and the slow shutter speed caught this image as it fell. Lady luck then smiled on me - I managed to catch the camera before it hit the ground and got this unusual but interesting shot.
Touching base with my creativity June 23, 2015 08:11
I have been thinking. I really want to tell a little more of the story of my art photography. Hopefully some people may be interested but this is mainly to help me on my creative journey. I have much to learn and sharing my images, experiences and thoughts on a blog may help.
I am a bit inexperienced with blogging and an average writer so typos and spelling mistake will undoubtedly creep in. I do have a Facebook profile but not everyone does Facebook and I want to write more than the average FB post. Also this is more about my art than other parts of my business.
I really want to hear from people about what they would like to see, their thoughts about my work, the creative process and photography. I love talking with people about this stuff at my exhibitions and market days. So often these people say they know nothing of art but they have some really cool insights and definitely know what they like. I hope, in some way, that I am helping to start them on a pathway of appreciating and enjoying all sorts of visual art. I would especially like to hear from these sorts of people.
Anyway, let's get started.........
A rural New Zealand Stonehenge? June 23, 2015 07:30
These are the remains of old yards at a farm in the Maniototo. The rocks are effectively "fence posts" and in days gone by would have had wires strung between them. They were a little tricky to photograph on the day I was there but I am enjoying the shadows they are casting and the unusual setting.
Circles March 11, 2015 10:01
I have been getting a little creative with circles lately - check out my two new framed prints Idaburn Hills and Idaburn Hills Triptych.
More photos of the photos...... March 10, 2015 20:45
Good news for shoppers looking for a little more information about our framed photographs. We are gradually adding images of the framed photos and the mouldings we are using to the our store. This is a work in progress but we hope it will help with those all important decisions.
Exhibition Opening Tomorrow February 05, 2015 17:37
Exciting news - tomorrow I am opening my first exhibition in the Maniototo. My show is part of "Art on the Rail Trail" which showcases the art of a number of talented Central Otago artists all along the Rail Trail. Cafes, hotels,studios and galleries between Clyde and Middlemarch each feature mini solo art exhibitions as part of this eight week long group event. Art on the Rail Trail opens on Friday 6th of February, Waitangi weekend 2015 and will end after Easter in April 2015. For more information on the artists featured on the Rail Trail check out our websites www.centralotagoarts.com
My mini exhibition will be on show in the restaurant at the Ranfurly Hotel. I will have 22 pictures on show and all are available for sale.
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