BayBuzz No.79

Hawke’s Bay is a treasure trove of fascinating people and stories. For this round of BayBuzz (issue No.79), I once again travelled throughout this beautiful region of New Zealand, capturing editorial photos of individuals deeply immersed in their work. From passionate artisans crafting with their hands to farmers tending their land and entrepreneurs pursuing unique ventures, each subject brought something inspiring for me to capture with my camera. Their dedication, creativity, and authenticity make this region pulse with life.

For me, photography is more than just a job—it’s a way to connect with people. I thrive on the energy of meeting individuals who are deeply engaged in what they do. It’s a privilege to witness their world through their eyes and translate that into compelling visuals. I visited Ocean Beach’s Cape Sanctuary where I was met by Liz Lowe and Rachel Ward and I got to meet some of the lovely volunteers who dedicate some of their time to allow birds, animals, plants and trees to thrive in this magical place. I visited the Ravensdown the fertilising works at Awatoto, which was very interesting. I got to go up the new chimney and visit the mountain of sulphur that I had seen many a time on my way from Clive to Napier. I had a shoot with some of the Bigsave team in front of one of their trucks with the new branding on it - purple and pink, pretty cool! There was also an article about some cool drinking joints so I photographed Madame Social, Teresa Bar, and Brave. And last but definitely not least, Lizzie and I went on an adventure as we do every issue. This time we played croquet with the local players - it was a lot of fun! Whether it’s the weathered hands of a vintner pruning vines or the focused intensity of a chef perfecting a dish, every moment tells a story waiting to be shared.

Making portraits of people at work is one part of my commercial photography business here in Hawke’s Bay. Beyond this aspect of my work, I also photograph stunning homes for magazines, showcasing the artistry of design and architecture in a way that brings spaces to life. Which is what I did in this issue of the magazine. I was very lucky to be given access to two stunning William Gummer houses with Mark Sweet.

Additionally, I offer personal branding photography, helping professionals present themselves authentically and powerfully. Each project allows me to celebrate creativity and connect with people in meaningful ways, fueling my passion for storytelling through images. This is the website for my personal branding work: florencecharvinportraits.com