The Grass Roots Media team has not always loved photography and social media.
In fact, during the latest Grass Roots Media rebrand, we had many frustrating goes at capturing and choosing images that told our story in a cohesive manner. We were tearing our hair out. We didn’t know what we were looking for in each image from a colour tone and story telling perspective. We were ready to learn and we needed an expert — if we found one who understood and loved the rural world, even better.
Enter Vicky O’Connor, rural photographer.
We knew Vicky’s work was beautiful but she helped us see imagery and photography in a new light. Our conversations developed into a friendship and a renewed passion for photography within our team. Soon Chelsea had a new camera in her hands and she is still working on fostering this passion.
It only made sense that we then used many of Vicky’s images on our own website and collateral as they were the perfect fit. You will see her work peppered throughout most of our brand and we have been so excited to share her work with you.
Allow us to introduce you to our friend. Meet Vicky.
Vicky, please tell us a little bit about your rural photography business and how you operate.
My business is fairly expansive covering a diverse range of genre, but mainly concentrated on the Rural Sector. I supply agriculture and marketing companies commercial images in package deals for quick easy access.
I have been operating by using contacts and social media along with just getting out and being seen. I have spent the last six months along side a graphics company to finally bring 18-years of work together in one place: www.erimagingphotography.co.nz
We are so excited for you! We know this site has been a labour of love and we have been cheering you along the way.
So tell us, why did you pick the rural genre?
I have been in the rural sector all of my life but the ability to escape into New Zealand’s world-renowned natural landscapes and culture with my camera is something I have always appreciated. Privileged in having access to such a diverse range of scenery and people, my passion for capturing and sharing these stunning experiences with others has only developed.
I love Rural Photography because I love the outdoors, animals and farming life. And of course you can’t beat down-to-earth rural people.
We totally understand. We love what you produce because we share that same passion.
We want to know how do brands go through the process of purchasing images from a photographer like you - do they just copy and paste it from your website?
I really hope people are honest and don’t do too much copy and pasting. The main reason being alongside the fact it is against the copyright laws, I donate 10% of what I earn to Childhood Cancer Research.
Everything on my website is for sale at the same prices as those situated in the shop. You can select the size and type of print you like and I will generate the order and post and organise delivery.
If you are after a commercial package designed for your social media pages or websites, I have packages available.
That being said, just ask! I have a contact form for people to send a message with the details of what they would like to purchase. I also have gift vouchers available on the website.
That’s great. Often people are put off buying photos because they think they will be too expensive? How much does purchasing a photo or packages of photos cost on average?
I can’t really answer that one specifically as there are many choices. I have product starting from $5 to $2000. Then my Commercial Gallery is set up at monthly and yearly subscriptions and then add on the amount of images you wish to use.
What basic three tips would you share with a real beginner, or someone who is nervous of taking photos to post on their social media account?
Forget the Rules….a photo is an emotion transferred on to paper or technology. If you are in the moment and try a few different angles, and really feel it, you will capture it. Equipment is NOT everything, but of course it helps.
That being said, if you are using a camera, work to teach yourself these four things: Lighting, ISO, Aperture, and Shutter speed.
For those on smart phones they do it all automatically …I am hopeless at phone or tablet phototography. I know some people are good at it but I feel the subject from my heart, to my arms through my lens and I can’t do that with a phone.
Thank you SO much for sharing your thoughts Vicky. Over and over again we have seen that you have a fantastic eye and understanding for the industry, which means your imagery is raw, unfiltered but respectful.
Trista Burn is an American-born-Kiwi-by-marriage communications specialist. She studied Communications and Business at Whitworth University and is currently learning the fine art of toddler negotiations.
A dairy farmer’s daughter and a legacy deeply rooted in ag, Trista firmly believes in the value of agvocating for the primary industries and sharing their stories with consumers. In other words - the heartbeat of GRM.
You can easily win her heart with a killer Apple Pie, Hazelnut Latte, or an invitation to Mexican Food. mmmmm tacos.
