Aukaha Te Waipounamu Landscapes

Mihiata Ramsden (Ngāi Tahu, Rangitāne), proud māmā to George Moki Tānemahuta and Nina Ihiroa Rākaitekura, and photographic artist with a passion for capturing and sharing stories.

Ko te Ahu Pātiki tōku maunga
Ko Koukourarata tōku awa
Ko Makawhiua tōku waka
Ko Ngāi Tahu, Rangitāne, Ngāti Māmoe me Waitaha ōku iwi
Ko Ngāti Huikai tōku hapū
Ko Peter rāua ko Annie ōku mātua
Ko Mananui tōku tungāne
Ko George raua ko Nina āku tamariki
Ko Mihiata ahau

Creating memories is one of the most important things that anyone can do and memories are the only things that we can take with us, which is why photography is so important to me. It’s pretty much a physical memory. The whole concept that a picture can tell a million words – that is totally true. But along with that it can bring back feelings and smells – all the senses that put together an experience or a memory. I also love to have fun! A photo shoot for me is the best type of fun – I find it so exciting to be around people and if I can lift their energy levels with happiness then I feel like I have done my job. It’s not the end result (although obviously that’s the goal) but rather the experience of telling a visual story that I love. All you need is to understand light, and how to build a relationship, and the rest will follow.

Above: Lindis Pass.

Above: Koukourarata.

Above: Banks Peninsula.

Above: Waimakariri River.

Above: Koukourarata.

Aukaha is a regular feature that celebrates the creative talent of Ngāi Tahu whānau. If you would like to see your work (prose, poetry or visual arts) published in TE KARAKA, please contact us.
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