PXL - Simon Waterhouse

New Industrial Architectural Photography

Simon Waterhouse — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:15:28 +0000

A month back I was commissioned by BSW Architecture of Auckland to photograph an industrial building they designed in Christchurch. Daily Freight is part of the broader Main Freight business, but is in itself a large enterprise. This custom designed/built building features a terminal with rail access as well as modern and comfortable office facilities. The size of the building makes it difficult to photograph, but the many aspects of the design also presented some challenges for interesting architectural photography. I ended up making two trips to take photos (as well as another trip that ended in disaster – but that’s another story!) One late afternoon and the other early morning. The early morning shoot ended up delivering the goods (pun intended).

Portraiture Photography with Anna

Simon Waterhouse — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 22:08:04 +0000

Anna is an extremely talented musician and singer in Christchurch – I was fortunate enough to be asked to supply some portraiture photography for her. One of the images is now being used on posters around town to promote a gig she’s performing in. You can hear some of her music on her myspace page.

Deliver Me To Hell

Simon Waterhouse — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 04:16:37 +0000

During the last two weekends I took some photos for a project a friend was filming. Little Sister have created an interactive comedy-zombie youtube film for New Zealand pizza chain “Hell Pizza“.

Check out some of the photos – Emily plays the character “Sarah”;

Deejay plays “Steve”;

Ben plays “Jason”;

The directors of Hell Pizza, in zombie makeup after peforming a cameo in “Deliver me to Hell”

Nudel Underwear Commercial (Video)

Simon Waterhouse — Thu, 27 May 2010 22:32:48 +0000

Last weekend, a friend of mine Morgan and I shot a short internet video commercial for his brand of men’s underwear “Nudel”. The whole thing was shot within two hours in Morgan’s home, on a Canon 7D, with a real coffin! The total budget came to a bowl of cocktail sausages and a plate of chips. Thanks to everyone who generously donated their time and skills. Check out Nudel Men’s Packaging online.

Starring:
Alexandra Schwass
Kristen Spencer
Kim Ward
Dani Moloney
Jonny Schwass
Kurt Preston
and the lower half of Morgan Williams.

Produced by:
Camera and assistance generously supplied by Nick Palmer.
Shot by Simon Waterhouse.
Editted by Morgan Williams and Simon Waterhouse
Motion Graphics by Simon Waterhouse

Rough and Tumble Lodge

Simon Waterhouse — Mon, 24 May 2010 03:30:58 +0000

A few weekends ago, my partner and I were given the opportunity to make an trip to the Northern West Coast – We were invited to take stay at the Rough and Tumble Lodge, situated right on the banks of the Mokihinui River, halfway between Westport and Karamea. The lodge owners Susan and Marion needed some photos of their little piece of paradise. We drove the 5 hours from Christchurch on Friday night, stayed 2 nights and drove home on Sunday. We managed to score some reasonable weather (even better than the East Coast!), took some great photos and even managed to sneak another trip to the incredible Oparara Basin.

The lodge is absolutely beautiful, nestled in pristine native bush. Susan and Marion have created some little jungle walks on their extensive property. The lodge features a magnificent common area with a rugged style – exposed beams, open fire and mezzanine lounge areas – not to mention a collection of New Zealand and National Geo-graphics to keep you reading for a lifetime!

Have a look at the photos;

Looking from the river bed back at the lodge.

The long drive way really builds the suspense as you arrive!

Inside, two massive tables and chandeliers made from driftwood.

Each room features en-suite bathroom, queen/king bed and two singles upstairs.

Dani exploring the jungle trails.

Its far too easy to curl up on a couch with a magazine and a hot drink.

The mighty Mokihinui River – inevitably being dammed at some stage in the future.

This is the trail head for the Crazy Paving Cave and Box Canyon Cave, in the Oparara Basin. A must-see.

Box Canyon Cave, Oparara Basin. These caves feature native cave-spiders and wetas.

Last but not least, yet an impossible scene to show just how amazing this is! Moria Gate Arch, Oparara Basin.

Photoshop Green Screen Masking Technique – Preview

Simon Waterhouse — Sun, 02 May 2010 21:57:48 +0000

Using a green screen for photography is something that’s been whirring around in my mind for a while – I figured that by using the same technique used in film and television, I could probably save time and energy making masks, and perhaps even make it easier to clip out difficult objects, like a persons hair. Clear cutting and masking can be a consuming task at the best of times!

I was contracted to create an image for a client that would benefit from using a technique like this, so the night before the shoot, I set up a trial run down at the studio to see how it would work.

I’m going to write up a full tutorial about using a green screen to create accurate masks in Photoshop – but in the meantime, have a look at the trial run below. The models are Lee and myself!

Here’s a composite image that I put together – Left to right: Me, Lee, Me, Lee:

Heres a shot of one of the RAW files, showing the green screen and some of the lights:

Christchurch Architectural Photography

Simon Waterhouse — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:23:23 +0000

Last year I was given the opportunity to photograph a stunning Christchurch home. Situated in the heart of the seaside suburb of Redcliffs, this property affords fantastic views out over the mouth of the estuary. One of my good clients, “Cutting Edge Kitchens” produces high end kitchens in and around Christchurch, and this property’s kitchen was one of their projects. The house itself was built by Stephen Spencer of “Spencer Building Ltd”.

I thoroughly enjoyed photographing this property and attempting to show its relationship with its surroundings. Have a look at the architecture photographs below;

More photos with Dave Wallace

Simon Waterhouse — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:28:13 +0000

I had another opportunity to take some photos with Dave Wallace. This time the images were to be used to general biographical purposes, so he was after something a little less dark, and a bit more relaxed. We shot in three locations, including the studio, and managed to get the whole shoot done in less than 4 hours. Here’s a small selection of images from the afternoon.

- Photography by Simon Waterhouse
- Assisted by Lee Howell
- Makeup and Styling by Lucy Harvey

Dave Wallace Video by Gorilla Pictures

Simon Waterhouse — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:04:32 +0000

Just a quick one – Logan McMillan has just posted the video he directed for Dave Wallace – check it out. Also, photos from this shoot can be found here.

A Week in Queenstown

Simon Waterhouse — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 08:45:47 +0000

I’ve just returned from a week in Queenstown with my partner Dani and our friend Lisi. We managed to score a perfect week – in weather, activities and company. We split our time between riding our bikes on Queenstown’s amazing trails, and rock climbing at the amazing Wye Creek. We also managed to sneak in a day in Wanaka to sample its climbing. Here are a few images from the trip.

On the road to Arrowtown, this field with scattered hay bales was too scenic to drive past.

Dani admiring the view from Wye Creek, standing below the crag section known as Proud Monkey Roof. We climbed a route that went directly out of the overhang on huge holds, called “Dream Thing” (21)

Lisi climbing “Aretnaphobia” (20) at Road Side Attraction, Wanaka.

Beautiful stonework crafted from local schist is prevalent throughout this part of Otago.

Lisi and Dani at Wye Creek, silhouetted against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Lake Wakatipu.

Dani mastering the art of riding “skinnies” at Seven Mile mountain biking area, just out of Queenstown. There are hours of fun to be had in this reserve.

Lisi rappelling after climbing “Aretnaphobia”

This is me climbing the same route – photo by Danielle Palmer.

The three of us after a long day climbing long routes at Wye Creek.