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Exquisite images of native New Zealand birds by Matakana photographers Deborah Martin and Paul Mason are on display at Ōrewa’s Estuary Arts Centre until Sunday, December 12.
Beyond What Eyes Can See features stunning close-up shots of birds, often caught mid-flight or mid-song, with soft focus backgrounds making each bird very much centre-stage and “popping” with sharpness and clarity.
Accompanying each photograph is a statement highlighting facts about each bird, and raising awareness of the threats they face.
Deborah says she and Paul share a passion for bird photography, but they also want to tell the story of each species and what they need to survive and thrive.
“We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful part of Auckland. Even during lockdown, we have the ability to witness many remarkable birds including migratory shore birds at our local beaches,” she says.
“All bar one of the birds in this exhibition need all the help they can get from humans in order to survive well into the future.”
The photographs have been taken in all sorts of settings, from backyards and beaches through to out on the open ocean. As well as the shots on display, images are available to buy as cards, calendars and framed prints.
Deborah says it’s great to be able to stage an exhibition after so long in lockdown, and she thinks Estuary Arts is well set up to keep people safe in the “new normal”.
“When we visited, we were able to quietly wander around and absorb lots of positive energy from the stunning work that is on display there at present,” she says. “They do so much to support local artists and the venue is stunning.”
Beyond What Eyes Can See is open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and from 10am to 3pm at the weekend. Info: www.estuaryarts.org/current-exhibitions.html
