Volcanic Aotearoa is my fine art photography book exploring New Zealand's volcanic landscape, its colours and organic shapes, and the history and Maori legends woven through it. This is the story of how it came to be.
Where the story begins
My connection with the landscape started early. As a young boy, my brothers and I spent every spare minute exploring the country around our home, building makeshift bush huts and finding new adventures. That creativity has always been true to my spirit, running through my childhood, my education and into adult life. The urge to explore is the ember that still burns in me, and I always look forward to the next journey.
A change of direction
In 2020 I suffered a life changing back injury. After two surgeries, I had to walk away from my previous career as a construction project specialist. It was a hard road, but it turned me fully towards photography and towards telling the story of this landscape through my work.
What the book is about
Volcanic Aotearoa gathers my photography of New Zealand's volcanic country, the Central Plateau and its mountains among them. It is a book about place: the shapes the land takes, the moods of its light, and the history and legend that give it meaning. You can find it on its product page, Volcanic Aotearoa.
The work beyond the book
The same landscape runs through my wider catalogue of black and white fine art. If the book draws you in, you can explore the prints in the black and white collection, and read how each piece is made on The Process.
Frequently asked questions
What is Volcanic Aotearoa about?
It is a fine art photography book exploring New Zealand's volcanic landscape, its colours and shapes, and the history and Maori legends behind it.
Where can I buy the book?
You can order it from its product page, Volcanic Aotearoa, with free tracked worldwide shipping like all orders.
Does Stephen still photograph this landscape?
Yes. The volcanic country of the Central Plateau remains central to the work, and much of it is available as black and white fine art prints.
