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PROFILE
Training was always thorough in the Air Force, and the RNZAF being a comparatively small service, meant that photographers needed to have a broad skill base. Courses were undertaken in the first 3 years of service. Mike also completed a Motion Camera Specialist Course with the USAF Air University. The Air Force offered Mike extensive travel, much of it courtesy a 4 year posting onboard various Naval ships. It was this background, including duties as a crewman on the Westland Wasp helicopter, which helped him win the International Navies Photographic competition, run by the US Naval Institute. During his time in the Airforce Mike
specialised in airborne photography, including In his final 5 years of service Mike was the Flight Commander, Photographic, at RNZAF Base Wigram, in the South Island of New Zealand. He regularly flew to Wanaka, including official Air Force attendance at the Warbirds over Wanaka airshow. This is where Mike met Sir Tim Wallis who saw his work and encouraged his (warbirds) air to air photography experience. He retired from the RNZAF in 1995 following a 20 year career. Following his departure from the military, Michael was selected to head the Photographic Industry Training Organisation, and wrote and implimented over 120 qualifications which are utilised as the National Qualification Standards in photography and imaging. He completed 2 years as a manager of Shotover Jet in Fiji, and more recently has been based in Auckland as director of Corporate Computers Ltd. Mike also lectures part time at the University of Auckland, and has also established a manufacturing and import operation, digi-mate.com. Mike still undertakes commercial photography, primarily in advertising, wine & fashion. In action Mike generally uses an Asahi Pentax 67 (6 X 7 cm) format camera. He tends to avoid the 35mm motor-drive mentality, preferring fewer, but more thought out, photographs at slow shutter speeds (to obtain the prop blur). The Pentax can turn into a 30lb beast during aerobatic manoeuvres, but you can't beat the quality of the images. This website allows you to view and purchase Mike's original work, which has only recently been available for sale. All photographs are hand printed by Mike to exacting standards. Photographs displayed will be updated and new products added to the range. Any suggestions, via e-mail, fax or phone would be appreciated.
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Mike, shown here on the right with U.S.
Airforce General Chuck Yeager, has consistently maintained an
interest in aviation. This keenness was somewhat fuelled by airline people in
the family and the
inheritance of some darkroom equipment. This led to Mike joining
the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a photographer at the age of
17. 
reconnaissance,
aerial mapping, and of course, air to air photography. Other
aspects of military photography included, media shots, P.R. and
intelligence gathering.