China has some unfortunate connotations, but on the plus side it does make for some funny jokes

a bold fashion statement.

Jackson, you could do some housekeeping eh?

That would be one of the coolest things to happen on our blog ever. Sofie has an email address…

Hi Im Chris Im a genealogist and not only do I like meeting people with my last name I like finding out how we are related. Im going to take a gander and assume your father is my great uncle Jose or well more commonly Joe. I say…

You can't be too careful! ;-)

My first guess was "birdwing" and I googled that and then thought, no, wait, like that but different..."swallowtail"!

The majority of swallowtail species and greatest diversity in form and lifestyle are found in the tropics between 20°N and 20°S,[3]: particularly Southeast Asia, and between 20°N and 40°N in East Asia.

I'm sitting very close to '40°N in East Asia', which would seem…

Here is a stock image which looks similar, Chris. Amazing butterfly. I hope you see lots more!

You said your eyes were closed. { ;)

Oh Hebe, that sucks. :-(

Is that kaka beak in the foreground there?

Heh, I noticed all 3 of us in the black. { : )

I do want to put this shot up but. It didn't need any work Sacha.I Like it. As I said earlier, bit grainy.

On the internet, no one knows you're a sheep.

Keep your mask on ;-)

only if you’re good at Photoshopping em :)

Although there are some beauties, some are also too grainy (from my old camera) and some are rather revealing too so.... they go back in the…

Keep your mask on ;-)

;-)

I have many portraits of regs at hand, and even great shots of their partners (ahem) but have no permission. Got great shots at PAS book launches, even you Jackson, Mr leyland, Sacha, Jackie, the list is long.....…

Or anytime you are anywhere near Auckland, we have the kernel of an idea for a portrait photography workshop. I'm hoping a few PA regulars might offer their services as models.

Just quietly.

Will…

It is quite interesting that strangers feel the need to touch them. Really, they are just a very cheap hair do { ;)

“Gravatar!”

I did use it for a while. Seemed a bit dark. ;-)

BTW, this screams "Gravatar!" :-)

Nice one!

And that mirror must help avoid hallway traffic collisions, too...
:-)

This is a self take in the hall mirror

In vaguely-related news, this lovely poster is doing the rounds...

Nice, reminds me of these 'Hero portraits'

Ha. Some good ones there.

Seems we do a bit of dress up. Who knew?

This one was supposed to be The Silence from Dr Who, but the photo on the wall indicates an even more sinister lineage.

I reckon!

*My nextdoor naybore's suggestion was, "They're called banana slugs because you peel them off…

Honestly, I'd rather have a slug of gin....

Thanks!

Are there any in this country?

In my experience they're not especially rare in either Auckland or the Shore. In winter they often try to come in the house, but being less than adept at using door handles, generally confine themselves to the porch.

They seem…

Well, exactly, it's a 喜鹊, but, here, see – still, at least that dictionary gives the option of pure romanisation as 'xique', even if it has all of zero examples.

We're in the in laws village for the May Day break. This morning while the wee one was around at a friend's place I ducked into the county town for a bit of shopping. Turned a corner onto a road rather spectacularly lined with…

Ok { ;)

" Self portrait with dog"

Aww. She makes the daffodils bloom!

That's like a painting. Great shots Geoff.

Can absolutely see why Geoff. The Harbour shot is stunning.

Sofie, that is a particularly lovely shot.

Originally hand printed at the dodgy old Auckland University darkroom.

Thanks for the contributions Sofie and Jackie. Nice one 'other half!' ;-)

I knew they weren't worth much...... { ;)

This was taken by t'other half.
'Tis me.

Screaming Meemees.

Well, this gentleman would have said yes. Master, the late great Sonny Day.

Asking people permission to share their likeness in a fully public forum is something most of us don't regularly do.

It's an interesting thing isn't it? I have a lot of things that might qualify, but not having taken them for the purpose of public display, I wouldn't be…

Good point. Asking people permission to share their likeness in a fully public forum is something most of us don't regularly do.

I'd like to, but my portraits are of people close to me and I don't feel comfortable posting them here.

Not to mention you've set an intimidatingly high standard. ;-)

Can't promise anything, but I have a few. Will make them aware of your existence. No harm in asking, right?

I wish I would know how to do that, Jackson :) I have no contacts within that industry in Auckland. I reckon it's because I started moving in this direction only recently. For example I've done the above photos during last 6…

It would be great to see it IRL. Any thoughts of bringing it to Auckland later?

I heartily commend you for it.

Much appreciated. There are those like me who otherwise would never have seen your work so the more the merrier I say. Great stuff Alex (only my humble but loud opinion)
{…

...Perhaps Bryan Staff could be persuaded to bring some of the photos from his Queens Dragoons exhibition ('80s?) to the party, too...

I was thinking of posting that link in the intro myself. The contributions to date have all been pretty stunning. Nice to be able to post some larger pictures.

Thanks again Alex for the opportunity to show your work here.

Hardly. Already something of a star, if you ask me.