2017 May
Two weekends ago Grabb had the privilege of accompanying Doug Gartner deep into the Kaimanawa Ranges to Owhaoko A Lands, a remote location, to shoot for their new product brand. We were all choppered in by Helisika from Porunui early on the Friday and were retrieved on Sunday before the approaching weather front ensued.
The photographic brief was to tell the story of Owhaoko Trust, their commitment, association and preservation of their land in one image. For this we spent the weekend traipsing across rivers, through tussock and Manuka to find the right combination of hill shapes, valley shapes, bush, water and of course the most flattering light.
We were staying in a brand new back country hut fully equipped with double glazing, hot showers and even a real toilet – hardly roughing it! We were up and photographing an hour before dawn to clear skies and thick frost. The valleys were chockfull with mist that hugged the valley floor as rays from the dawn sun crept across the wild landscape to chase misty tendrils into oblivion.
The roar had just finished so we were alone to explore wherever we wanted. The silence was deafening. The beauty stunning.
After a very successful 3 days we were airlifted back to civilisation. Thanks to the Owhaoko Trust for setting up everything, guiding us and making us feel at home in the wilderness.
