Never really been one for the Art Deco weekend, but being asked to do some images by the Art Deco trust may have just changed my mind. What really grabbed me was the fantastic atmosphere that I can only compare to Euro Disney , where everyone is smiling and happy and content with life, maybe Deco is an adult fairy land , where you act out the past and enjoy the simpler things . I really enjoyed the experience and the freedom. With plenty of fantastic cruise ships and the French navy in tow it felt extremely international , with people that I 'd photographed coming from from France , Australia (particularly Perth,} South Africa, Germany, Holland and of course the UK , with plenty from the good old US of A for good measure. As someone who doesn't really like to leave my lovely studio environment with all its luxuries , venturing into the NZ environment between 8am and 7pm with the New Zealand harsh sun or should I say lazer beam can be doubting especially without power packs and strobes even some heavy duty profoto packs struggle against this southern hemisphere sun.Dragging unsuspecting tourists into door ways and soft shade became de rigger.
The evening is when Napier really comes alive and the packed streets become a slightly subdued Cuba , except for the fifties cars with their gleaming light and colour The beautifully maintained vintage cars , and the ever present light and glow from the sound shell and the dome make it a magical night.
Nice soft light sympathetic posing for the era and then run through exposure3 to get a wet plate look. Note Not to be compared with the modern wet plate master Ian Ruther
Taking pictures on bakerlite 120 camera
Art Deco weekend definitely had a youthful vibe to it , with plenty of dancers from Wellington and Auckland that were amazing to watch as they went through their jazz and swing routines . Originally Art Deco was a new and vibrant style embraced by the young in terms of their dress , housing and nic naks . It's great to see a new generation of young people embracing the Art Deco spirit.
