This environmental portrait of Tautau has been selected in the Top 10 from more than 1,000 entries in the TAMRON 2026 Photo Competition.
The photograph was taken during a portrait session on Moturiki Island in Mount Maunganui, where the focus was simply on documenting Tautau in a place that reflects who he is. As a musician and medicine man, his connection to the land, the ocean, and his music is an important part of his story. Rather than directing or heavily posing the session, I wanted to create space for genuine moments to unfold naturally.
It's especially meaningful that an image built around authenticity, presence, and place has been recognised by the judging panel. Environmental portraiture has always been about more than creating a strong photograph. It's about telling honest stories that reflect people in the environments where they feel most like themselves.
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"Love your mahi, really magical bro. You saw with the Eye of God & created something authentic & really quite magnificent! May you & your whanau be blessed a million times over, exponentially." - Tautau
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This photo was selected in the Top 10 from over 1000 entries in the TAMRON 2026 Photo Competition.