New Beginnings.

I know, I know, I've been really MIA recently. But it's for good reason, I promise. I had been planning on making a blog post about this earlier but I've been so busy that it's been far to hectic to - plus it just kind of made sense to post something now that I'm all settled into my new place. 

That's right. My. New. Place.

My best friend who has been living abroad for the last seven months came home last month for a bit of a holiday. Obviously I've been rather envious of her life this year, but because I've been overseas a fair amount and I had plan to save money whilst at home, I had always swept that prospect under the carpet. However, when your savings aren't going well, you're not getting the hours you need at work, and all three of your parents suggest you move overseas without you even saying you were thinking about it... you kind of have to jump at an opportunity. Am I right?

So four weeks after applying for a job teaching English in China, I have found myself in Shanghai, in my own apartment. I've only been here just over a week but it feels pretty good, I gotta say. Things have moved so quickly but when in your life are you able to just pack a bag and move overseas just like that? There's very few times where it's possible and now it's pretty cool to be able to say I've done it. 

It's all very early days obviously and I haven't even taken my camera out to photograph the city itself, but I have just kind of wanted to get settled and used to work and things before I go out shooting. And I mean, I will be living here for a year, at least. So I think I'm good for time. 

So, if you hadn't worked it out already, that means I'm no longer able to take bookings in New Zealand. If you're in China - hit me up! In the mean time, here's some photos of my new place. I promise I'll get out photographing soon. Watch this space. 

My shelves are a bit empty at the moment but I have a whole stack of rolls of films to use so hopefully that works out! My prayer flags, prayer beads and malas are all on my walls and out of sight from the windows unfortunately - the last thing I want to be doing is making a political statement about Tibet in China. It's nice to have some mementos from home though.

IKEA, I am your biggest fan. Spice jars and a spice rack sitting on my windowsill to hold loose change and jewellery. 

I've taken up Gaelic football while I'm here - I bought these Nike boots for $75NZ, so cheap! 

I am obsessed with these plants. Will be needing more soon enough. 

The wider view from my room.

Samara

Now Playing - Epilogue - Lights & Motion

For a while now I've wanted to be more active about working on the way I photograph portraiture. I've talked to a few people about this and how I didn't really know where to begin. In an ideal world I'd be able to work with  

• a model who 
• was someone I knew well enough to feel comfortable with directing, 
• was willing to take risks
• was happy to brave winter
• a makeup artist that was 
• professional, 
• friendly 
• proactive
• a stylist who would be 
• prepared to take risks, 
• helpful in prompting the model
• understanding of the vision I had (or in some cases, the lack of vision that I had).

By some happy coincidence, I happened to somehow set myself up to work with the dream team that went above and beyond this list. Cannot express how far Samara pushed herself when it came to facing the elements. For a girl that feels the cold like a hairless cat, she didn't once complain about how few layers we had her in on multiple occasions. Debby Esperson is a dream gal and I'm so excited to work with her in the future! As is Amita Kala. If ya need a stylist, hit that woman up. 

Further than these three, I had two sidekicks come along to assist me which was awesome. Hats off to Nese and Finn for being my bag gal and bag guy and being great ones at that.

I had such a great time with our dream team and definitely feel like even though I have a lot to learn, I accomplished something. Watch this space, this is something I'll be working on a lot this year!

Devon