It always seems to me a work of magic when people capture beautiful images. It’s a great art to be able to ‘see’ through a lens, and to understand how that restricted field of vision changes reality. A good photographer is able to create meaning and insight simply through their framing of what to the uninitiated seems ordinary. That craft is one of seeing; of having finely honed instincts for what is there to be seen. It requires sensitivity to light, to seeing the way it paints people and places and gives mood and texture. I’m full of admiration for those who are gifted in this way.

We were fortunate enough to have several associated with the film The Insatiable Moon. The first of course was our brilliant cinematographer and DOP Tom Burstyn – a creative genius. He has a knack for capturing magic with minimal fuss – we used fewer lights and less time setting up than any standard filmmaking operation because of his skill. Of course, he has a lifetime of experience which he can call on to produce cinematic miracles. But we also were blessed with the presence of Tom’s niece, Violaine. She made the courageous decision to fly from France to be with us for the duration of the film as our stills photographer. We had no idea at the time of what a gift she would be. Her coming at all was an example of the generosity and goodness of people who became part of the project.

We quickly discovered that she had twin talents as a superb photographer as well as a brilliant graphic designer. Vio captured magnificent images which showed she understood the essence of the story. She did it in a way which was both unobtrusive and non-invasive, and quickly became a favourite among other members of the crew. As we got to know her, we became aware of terrific design skills, exhibited in work for some very high profile clients. And it turned out she’d done lots of design for film posters. Part way through the shoot, she came up with a concept for a poster for The Insatiable Moon. We helped to find a studio space where she could take Rawiri Paratene to get the necessary shots. What I’ve seen thus far of the design process is spectacular. Violaine was a great contributor to the process, and has provided us with the source material so necessary to promoting the film when it’s finished.

Another accidental encounter was with Steve Hardy, a local photographer who simply showed up on location one day and started taking photos. In conversation with him, it turned out he was an amazing guy. He has for many years devoted himself to capturing people in the Ponsonby area who he considers interesting. That category includes most of the local street people, and it turned out we had many friends in common. What a superb vocation, to be dedicated to spending his life recording images of a world that most people walk past but don’t see. Steve stayed with us throughout the rest of the shoot, befriended everyone in the crew, and eventually became an extra as well. We hope that we may be able to assist him to hold an exhibition of his remarkable material sometime in the future.

Alongside Arthur, all of these people are seeing things…

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