Balanced Symmetry

Symmetrical harmony in New Zealand’s natural landscapes

Reflecting Spire - Lake Heron, Canterbury, NZ (2023)

  • The calm water of Lake Heron reflects the tapering top of a green pine tree that stands out among the yellow willow trees and blue sky.

Golden Tree Reflection - Pekapeka Wetlands, Hawke's Bay (2020)

  • I took this photo of a couple of trees catching the first light of the day from the Pekapeka Wetlands boardwalk. It was a clear, cold winter’s morning and the frost in the hollow around the trees combined with the warm glow of the early sunlight adds a little extra to the mood.

    Note for photographers: I decided to emphasize the natural symmetry of the scene by placing the tree right in the middle of the frame, breaking the rule of thirds, and creating a symmetrically balanced composition.

Mirror-Like Mitre Peak - Fiordland, NZ (2021)

  • Mitre Peak stands majestically in Milford Sound, its symmetrical reflection perfectly mirrored in the calm waters below. The prominence of blue and green in this scene highlights the peaceful and rejuvenating elements of this inspiring and ever-changing location.

Mount Taranaki Reflection - Taranaki, New Zealand (2021)

  • In this photograph, Mount Taranaki stands majestically, its snow-covered peak glistening in the soft light of the setting sun. The mountain's reflection is mirrored in the tranquil waters of Lake Mangamahoe, creating a symmetrical image. The sky is painted with hues of purple and pink, casting a magical glow over the entire scene. The combination of the vibrant colours and the serene reflection creates a sense of tranquility and wonder, capturing the breathtaking beauty of this iconic New Zealand landscape.

Lake Camp Reflection - Canterbury, NZ (2023)

  • A reflection of the snow-covered Mount D'Archaic in Lake Camp.

Lake Camp Dawn - Canterbury, NZ (2023)

  • Imagine this view when you open the door of your mobile home in the morning. I raced out with my camera gear and quickly took this photo. Five minutes later the wind came up and made the reflection disappear. The snow-covered mountain is called Mount D'Archaic and is 2875m high.

That Wanaka Tree - Otago, NZ (2023)

  • The Wanaka Tree is a famous willow tree situated in Lake Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand. It has become an iconic subject for photographers due to its picturesque location and the unique visual appeal of a tree growing in the lake. In April 2023, I joined the crowd of photographers lining up their tripods to take a photo of this lone tree with its own marker on Google Maps.

    Why take a photo taken by countless people? Because it’s a scenic beauty!

Pekapeka Calmness - Hastings, Hawke's Bay (2024)

  • A calm and misty morning at the Pekapeka Wetlands in Hawke's Bay isolates a solitary tree from the surrounding hills, crafting a serene and tranquil scene mirrored on the water's surface.

Autumn Reflection at Wairepo Arm - Canterbury, NZ (2023)

  • A symmetrical arrangement of dark green pine trees amidst the yellow and orange tones of lakeside flora reflecting in the calm waters of Wairepo Arm, Mackenzie Country.

Flooded - Hawke's Bay, New Zealand (2023)

  • Even in the midst of disaster and tragedy, there can be moments of unexpected beauty.

    This image shows a remnant of the flooding that was caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in the fields near Pukehou, a small farming community in between Hastings and Waipawa. The flooded corn fields, while undoubtedly causing significant disruption to the community, have also created a unique environment that became home to water birds and fish. The reflection of the green hill and the trees shrouded in low cloud add a sense of atmosphere and depth to the scene, and perhaps even a sense of calm or serenity in the midst of the chaos caused by the cyclone.

Pouakai Tarn Reflection - Taranaki, NZ (2021)

  • Mount Taranaki reflected in the Pouakai Tarn on a blue-sky day.

Golden Hour at the Pekapeka Wetlands - Hastings, Hawke's Bay (2021)

  • The mist floating above the Pekapeka Wetlands on a calm, autumn day creates a moody atmosphere with a golden reflection of a tree lit up by the early morning sun.

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All photos from this series are available for licensing and as gallery-quality fine art prints.