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I’m still working through my Cook Island images (30 days provides for a fair few photographs) but I’m always drawn to strong black and white pictures. Here, Peroni (apparently only his mother and I call him by that name) and Harry – both seasoned Vaka voyagers – helped me out with a photograph that works for me better in monotones than it does in colour.
Hundreds of images of the Cook Islands to process now I’m back but here’s a sample of some of the pictures from the shoot which the tourism authority will be using to promote the destination abroad (click on the e-card below).
no comments I’m just winding up a 30 day shoot of the Cook Islands. Overall, its been very productive – probably the strongest shoot of any destination I’ve photographed. The length of the assignment was undoubtedly the largest contributing factor to its success, providing for a bigger quantity of images (150 top images not the standard 30), better quality ( I was able to survey the locations and plan for the shots in optimum conditions) and greater depth (as in I wasn’t just looking to shoot the “big pictures” every time and I was mindful of laying a solid foundation for a library that met the tourism authority’s on-going marketing needs).
And, overall, I think it represented better value for money for the tourism authority as I reduced my rate to ensure a better outcome and there’s likely to be a stable of spin-off souvenir publications I’ll publish to promote the destination after the dust settles. I even got to shoot some personal work (follows).
I’ve enjoyed the Cooks but I’ve been shooting for 30 days straight and I’ll be happy to get home and put the cameras down (albeit briefly as my manager tells me I’m booked for Tonga and Vanuatu shortly after I get back).
 no comments Still in the Cooks but the talent has turned up for the next three days so the shoot moves from landscapes and tourist attractions to tourists enjoying the destination and engaging with the locals. Here’s one just in that I quite like: no comments In the evening hours of my assignment here in the Cooks, the gift book I’m planning on the destination is taking shape (a compilation of the best of the images captured). I have weighed up doing a Pocket Guide (40 short stories, illustrations and 100 photographs) rather than a gift book but it appears the market is a lot more likely to be receptive to the later. Pity, as I’ve met some interesting characters and pieced together some stories that would make good reading. Still, pictures it is and there is an abundance of them here which, collected, should make a reasonable publication. A few quick tips for those visiting: Neil and Janet’s roadside cafe about 10 minutes out of town going clockwise. Neil’s a serious barista -roasts his own blend of exotic beans – and his coffee shop bakes perfect croissants Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Koka Lagoon Tours, I can’t speak more highly about. Perfectly paced, a taste of all the lagoon has to offer, great ukulele playing, entertaining cultural insights and arrives on the island an hour before the crowd. Oh, and a fish recipe that is to die for (which I was told could happen if I persisted in trying to find out the recipe). Two more: Meana and Loui’s Island Living shop which – apart from being so cute – is a hub of locally made products and Kay George’s Art Gallery – simply ’cause I love her work. So far, the food everywhere’s been great. As I said earlier, the Tamarind Restaurant for Sunday breakfast and Waterline Restaurant for a sunset dinner. And, possibly, the biggest tip I can offer: don’t come here for a week, rent a house and stay for at least two, make sure you include a couple of days in Aitutaki, and explore Rarotonga either on a small motorbike or in one of the cute little soft tops you can rent. Did I mention the Saturday markets (below)?
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