I AM an Exploration Geologist, Researcher (completing a PhD in gold geochemistry), Natural Vibrational Energy Healer and passionate Photographer. All of these aspects are facets that reflect my deep connection with the land. I grew up on a farm in Southland (New Zealand), and was given my first camera at the age of 10 and have been hooked ever since.

Through my work as an exploration geologist I have travelled and lived in a variety of diverse landscapes. As with countless other intrepid exploration 'geo's', my experiences were not those of typical tourists, and almost never included destinations that would be featured in a tourist brochure. This however was the main attraction - to experience the ‘real' country. From remote mountains in New Zealand, to equatorial jungles of Kalimantan and Ghana, to the arid interiors of Australia, northern Ghana, Nevada and Arizona, and the ‘barren lands' of Nunavut (Canada) - all incredible opportunities for someone who loves photography.

I AM particularly drawn to working in remote and challenging environments, even more so if travel to field areas involves helicopters. My passion for photography is rivalled only by my love of helicopters and being ‘in the wild'.

 

In my research I have worked extensively with macro photography on micron-sized ‘landscapes' using Scanning Electron Microscopes. Regardless of the field of view (microns or kilometres), the worlds I photograph are remarkably similar, and blur the distinction between science and art.

 

Early in 2007 I shifted to Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin, South Canterbury (New Zealand), so that I could be immersed in the pure mountain energy that feeds the soul. A significant part of this is being surrounded by the ever-changing inspiring landscapes that make the ‘Mackenzie Country' a photographer's paradise ... that and that it doesn't rain much ..... and there are lots of helicopters!

 

Enjoy the photographs .....

 

Namaste, Donna