A freelance photographer born in South Africa living in Auckland, New Zealand. My artistic bent at a young age was fostered by my father; he showed me the world around us, opened my eyes to the natural beauty of our world; nature at macro level. I learned to appreciate the drama of the mountains, the verocity of the Indian ocean, to SEE what was around me. Growing up in South Africa with its wild landscapes and unique cultures gave me a depth of character that has seen me through many experiences.

Dad loved his camera, he happily snaps away wherever he goes. I learned too, on an old instamatic something or other, and then on my husbands very old pentax film camera, very basic, and what beautiful photographs you could make on that camera. All I had was natural light and not much else.

Now, working as a full time web designer keeps me busy. Circumstance prevented me from being the professional working photographer I used to aspire to be; something about to late after school, and simply not the opportunity in those olden days, or, too early as a young mother, impossible for a new immigrant in survival mode with a young family....and so on.

Until.

A process of a new self discovery became necessary after a traumatic and disfiguring fight with cancer, eight years ago. The need to document and create, highlighted by the realisation that our time here is so fleeting and life is fragile, lead me to finally concentrate on making photographs again. For me this became my focus, enabling me to heal both inside and out. It was a joy and I rediscovered my self and the world around me, grateful for every day I had.

Unable to be a "pro photographer", I prefer to think that making photographs is instead my passion, my creativity thus protected from the rigors of the necessity of income. I dont have any awards or publications to boast of. I havent written or published any books. However, what I have is a deep and unwavering commitment to the photographic medium. Funny, I thought my photography was to show the world from my view to anyone who wanted to see it, however I now realise, its showing myself to you. A somewhat scary thought.

And this is where I beg for excuse, because I am a hopeless romantic and although I strive not to capture cliched chocolate box images, I indulge in floral macro photos and similar, simply because I love them, these are for me, taken because I can. I cant help myself. The gentle swell and glow of a pregnant woman with child, the happy wedding couple, children of all ages; they make me happy, lift my spirits and remind me, never to forget the joy of every living day. I also realised that my photographs make people happy, and that makes me happy in return.

My friend Tony Bridge, talks of the Moment. That's absolutely how I feel. So much so that I have learned to recognise that moment, search it out, and seize it, OR slow down, and gently round up the light and visualise, relish it and then make the image as you truly feel and see it. Either way, my results are precious moments in time, moments that make my heart sing, or simply just snapshots of a moment, memories, and segments of a life lived passionately after a second chance at it. I still miss some precious moments, fleeting and gone before I can capture them, and its like a pain, of lost opportunity. I hate it when that happens!

This website is not an advertisement for work, because I am not a professional photographer, rather, its to share some of the work I have done, simply because I can.

I do sell some of my photos through Photo New Zealand (view portfolio here), and make some portraits, landscapes and whatever takes my fancy. It remains my passion and it always will be.

Wendy

0212425071
email : wendy@wendycainphotography.com