Professional photographers support conservation

Date:  10 October 2016

One Shot (formerly photonewzealand) represents the country's top professional photographers and distributes their work through its online image library. Through One Shot over 60 photographers from all around New Zealand have offered their time and expertise to capture images of conservation projects free of charge.

DOC and community conservation groups can request the free services of a One Shot photographer. The images taken can be used to promote the organisations' conservation work and celebrate their achievements on websites or in promotional material.

In return, photographers can add to their portfolio of work through capturing unique experiences with conservation volunteers and can gain access to spectacular environments, such as offshore islands and remote national park interiors.

Dave Buckton of Take Only Pictures, photographs a stoat trap being set
From left: Rob Lile, One Shot; Martin Rodd, DOC; Gillian Bishop, Tasman Environment Trust
Image: Aude Rigaud

Rob Lile, Director of One Shot, says that this is an opportunity for DOC to use high quality imagery to better tell the story of conservation in New Zealand.

"I really admire the work of the Department of Conservation and communities' engagement in conservation but feel too few people have an understanding of all the great work going on out there.  Every day I see award-winning images of New Zealand's nature and spectacular landscapes which tell this story so well." 

"My vision is to see New Zealanders gain a greater understanding of conservation work and hopefully be inspired to get actively involved.  It's about giving back to a cause that's important to who we are as New Zealanders."

DOC Partnerships Director Martin Rodd says the outstanding conservation images gained through the Oneshot partnership capture a view of conservation that can too easily go unnoticed.

"Professional photographers just seem to capture the moment, species in their natural environment, people restoring waterways, protecting native plants and animals, building tracks or simply enjoying the New Zealand outdoors – all things contributing to a better New Zealand.  It's inspiring work and will hopefully excite more people to get involved.   

"One Shot has some of the most amazing nature photography I've ever seen and alongside others we manage some of the world's most amazing species and scenery. Providing access for professional photographers to these places to showcase this work seems like a win-win all round.

"Community conservation groups can particularly benefit from access to professional imagery and expertise which is often beyond the budget of most voluntary bodies."

More information about the professional photography opportunities can be found on the One Shot website.

Contact