Grad·u·a·tion (grajo͞oˈāSHən) - The receiving or conferring of an academic degree or diploma.
I just like the way they spell it out so that people who aren't highly skilled in linguistics can say it... grajoo-aSHan.
A huge day for everyone involved!! Including me. Otago University grads mean my email inbox is full and my phone doesn't stop ringing in the months leading up to the ceremonies.
Most years I blog one (or maybe a few more!) photo from every graduate I photograph... which often leads to a VERY long blog because there are so many awesome people and awesome shots! I have decided this year to showcase one shoot - because it suddenly dawned on me that you have never really seen photos from a single session.
So let me introduce you to Miss Isla Karetai...
I just like the way they spell it out so that people who aren't highly skilled in linguistics can say it... grajoo-aSHan.
A huge day for everyone involved!! Including me. Otago University grads mean my email inbox is full and my phone doesn't stop ringing in the months leading up to the ceremonies.
Most years I blog one (or maybe a few more!) photo from every graduate I photograph... which often leads to a VERY long blog because there are so many awesome people and awesome shots! I have decided this year to showcase one shoot - because it suddenly dawned on me that you have never really seen photos from a single session.
So let me introduce you to Miss Isla Karetai...
... she may look scary in that photo, but I promise you she isn't!! Isla and her parents, Mike and Margaret, and boyfriend Steve, came down from Waiheke Island for her graduation from Medical School.
The incredibly gorgeous cloak Isla is wearing is named "kahu pukeko mo matariki", which means 'Cloak of the Pukeko for Matariki'- one of the star constellations Maori used for navigation. It represents a journey and things that guide you on your way. The amazing woman who wove it, Ngaire Mcarthy, took 5 years to weave it completely out of Pukeko feathers and flax. 5 years!!! That is some patience!! It is very rare to find a korowai like this made in the traditional way, so it is truly a priceless treasure. Ngaire's three Iwi are "Ngati Tamatera," "Ngati Hako" & Ngapuhi".
And yes, her red shoes are the Pukeko's feet! Love, love, love!
And yes, her red shoes are the Pukeko's feet! Love, love, love!
Mike and Margaret are both doctors as well! So if you live on Waiheke Island, you know whose door to go knocking on when you are sick!! Naturally, they just oozed with pride for their beautiful, talented daughter...
Love.
Isla's graduation was a huge celebration for the whole family... I loved just watching the emotion and beautiful interactions between all of them.
This silver flower was made as a koha (Maori payment) for the cloak. Two identical flowers were made - one for Isla, and one for Ngaire. They are life-size replicas of the native clematis flower, as a Maori legend has it that Rangi (God of the Sky) gave a star to God of the Forest, which became the clematis flower.
I felt hugely privileged to be able to photograph these extremely special heirlooms for this family. This mere belonged to Isla's ancestor, Karetai, who was a chief in Dunedin 7 generations ago. It would have taken someone a life-time to carve, so it normally rests in the Otago museum to look after it for their family. It is absolutely beautiful, and so so smooth.
Big thanks to Isla for giving me permission to blog your beautiful graduation shoot, and for explaining all the traditional elements of your day in so much depth for me! I had so much fun with you all, and it was very special to be part of your weekend. I wish you all the very best for your future as a doctor! xoxo