Just over a week ago, the temperatures dropped well below zero, and for the second time this winter, we awoke to a white-out around the city. There is something so magical about snow. Even the most ordinary looking things become serene and stunning when dusted with a few inches of white fluffy water. It is a bizarre concept.... but one that never fails to fill everyone with joy.
A good chunk of New Zealand came to a stand-still. People became more friendly and forgiving, and everyone down the street had something to yarn to you about. Young and old went out to enjoy snowfights, make snowmen, and ride real-estate signs down the steep streets. Some had to trudge to work with plastic bags inside their shoes, and socks outside their shoes (ahem, my husband?!), but even the boss didn't care if they were late. Some got a surprise day off work, and checked facebook every 5 seconds to read yet another status about snow. And some cuddled up beside the fire with a hot chocolate and a good book.
And me? What did I do? Oh, thanks for asking! I couldn't quite justify a snow-day because, let's face it, conditions just weren't that treacherous in the hallway between my lounge and my office. I had plenty of work to keep me busy at my computer, but I had a hankering to get out in the snow with my camera.
A good chunk of New Zealand came to a stand-still. People became more friendly and forgiving, and everyone down the street had something to yarn to you about. Young and old went out to enjoy snowfights, make snowmen, and ride real-estate signs down the steep streets. Some had to trudge to work with plastic bags inside their shoes, and socks outside their shoes (ahem, my husband?!), but even the boss didn't care if they were late. Some got a surprise day off work, and checked facebook every 5 seconds to read yet another status about snow. And some cuddled up beside the fire with a hot chocolate and a good book.
And me? What did I do? Oh, thanks for asking! I couldn't quite justify a snow-day because, let's face it, conditions just weren't that treacherous in the hallway between my lounge and my office. I had plenty of work to keep me busy at my computer, but I had a hankering to get out in the snow with my camera.
I called on trusty facebook to find me a 'liker' who a) had a wedding dress, b) would be willing to get out in the freeeezing conditions in her wedding dress, and c) could actually make it to a location I had in mind (close to my house!!) without compromising her own safety! While I had heeeeaps of interest, the location thing proved to be the limiting condition - especially considering I live up a hill, and most roads around Dunedin were unable to be driven on!
But in true Southern style, out came the 4WD and the chains... and I had a model! The beautiful, up-for-anything, and looovely Rebecca Griffiths met me in her stunning wedding dress... with a puffa jacket, long-johns and gummies to keep her warm in between photos! Rebecca, you are amazing! THANK YOU for putting your life (ok, maybe just your warmth) on the line for me to have some fun! Hope it was worth it for you! xx
But in true Southern style, out came the 4WD and the chains... and I had a model! The beautiful, up-for-anything, and looovely Rebecca Griffiths met me in her stunning wedding dress... with a puffa jacket, long-johns and gummies to keep her warm in between photos! Rebecca, you are amazing! THANK YOU for putting your life (ok, maybe just your warmth) on the line for me to have some fun! Hope it was worth it for you! xx
We had beautiful, soft, floaty snow for the first half of the shoot. It was thick and amazing! As it slowed down, the wind, rain and hail picked up a little... but we carried on!
Rebecca's lovely husband, James, came along for the ride too! I am not going to give him quite as much credit tho, considering he got to stay in his beanie and puffa jacket! Ok, confession... I was completely rugged up in all my snowboarding gear... annnd I even had the cheek to exclaim how much I was cooking under all my layers. I think Rebecca's ears were too cold to hear that tho...
Rebecca and James are gorgeous together. They got married in 2007, and have been working in Fox Glacier (actually, ON the glacier), and also travelling the world. They moved back to Dunedin to study this year... so we got the pleasure of becoming friends! Yay! They are hard-out snow and adventure bunnies... so I knew I was onto a winner when she offered to do the shoot!
Beautiful. I love this.
You are an absolute champ Rebecca!! Thanks heeeeaps for coming and playing in the snow with me!! And for not complaining when I made you lie in the snow!! Thanks also to James for keeping Rebecca warm and loving her, so I could get beautiful photos... and to Jacqui for holding the jackets and bags and cameras! You all made my snow day waaaay more interesting! xoxo