About the Photographer

Kevin Riley

Like many people who are at ease behind the lens, the last thing I feel inclined to do is write about myself. However, I do recognise that if you are interested in my photography so far, it's only fair that I share a snippet about who I am, my experiences and how they shape my view of the world that I try to capture as frozen moments.

I've been behind a camera since a young age. This was a time when Polaroid Black and White was still a form of magic and if you had shot colour then the local chemist would have your prints back from the lab in just 5-7 weeks. This eventually led me to set up my own basement Darkroom. Eventually I had enough money to travel both Internationally and locally in New Zealand. Everyday scenes and people away from the main tourist route became the subject of my photos and underpinned my confidence with the camera while testing and questioning my sense of composition.

Most of my paid working life has been as a Cinematographer on Film and TV productions based in New Zealand after I started out in the Lighting Department. I've put together film crews and shot a wide range of productions that have involved Drama, Stunt and Visual Effects work. I was honoured with an AFTA award in 2011 for the Cinematography of “Legend Of The Seeker”. New Zealand Onscreen has a more detailed biography of my film work at this link. This line of work demands a collaborative approach from a wide range of creative and skilled people who endeavour to deliver a predetermined story on time and on budget. I did really enjoy the constant challenge but also knew that creating images to my own standards and at my own pace was something I wanted to further pursue in time.

In the last few years I have reawakened my enjoyment that comes from shooting Land and Seascape Photography. I’ve adapted my skills gained throughout my working life and focussed solely on perfecting the composition and lighting of images. Hopefully, this conveys to the viewer a deeper connection with the places I have explored on my field trips.

Rekindling the passion for Photography has in itself been a lesson in slowing down. Slowing down to take the time to seek out and experience environments that inspire me. Being at ease with the thought to wait for the right light or to know when to just enjoy the experience of being in nature and return another time for a composition that today eludes me. Embracing the process to refine my images before sharing them.

My hope is that these images will inspire others to take a second look, to respect, preserve and treasure our natural world. If you care to see where this photographic journey has taken me then I invite you to view a sample of my current collection at this link. Should you have feedback or are curious to know more about any image then drop me a line at krileynz@gmail.com