Post Production Artist
Annalee Hart
On finding a passion…
Photography was my favourite school subject. When I left school I was lucky enough to get a job at a professional photographic lab which is where I stayed for 22 years and it was during that time that Photoshop became popular so it was a natural progression from analogue to digital for me, preparing image files that will be in digital or print ad campaigns, magazines or online.
On loving what you do...
I get a real sense of achievement and satisfaction when I work on an image. Even though I am not the person behind the camera and they aren’t ‘my’ shots, I become close to them and treat them as if they are my own. I never really wanted to be a photographer – it's the lab work or post production work I've always enjoyed. I’ve had many awesome and varying clients over the years including Max, Glassons, Ezibuy, Postie +, Hallensteins, Mi Piaci, Bendon, NZME, TVNZ, Les Mills, Mindfood, D&M, Servilles.
On advice for those starting out in their career…
It’s going to be fine! – in fact, more than fine - just do it!
On where to find inspiration…
I follow a lot of people on Instagram - there are lot of talented people out there! I also get my inspiration from my clients and am often blown away with images that come in. If I don’t know how to attack something, I’ll find a way, and by doing that gives me ideas to take things to the next level, so I’m always learning.
On favourite artists…
Where do I start? How about: Rolling Stones, Chemical Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Groove Armada, David Bowie, Queen, Fat Freddies Drop, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Disclosure, Portishead, Eurythmics, The Cure, Faithless, Talking Heads, Pink Floyd, Amy Winehouse…I could go on and on. With music, well Im half stuck in the 70’s and 80s - but I equally love modern electronic music of varying genres. To single one out, The Sunshine Underground by the Chemical Brothers was the track that introduced me to electronic dance music.
On the value of having a community…
Community is a group of people (large or small) who share common goals despite their differences and who come together to support each other, celebrate together or learn from one another. It doesn’t necessarily mean local - the world is so connected now in some ways we are all one big community. New Zealand has shown great community spirit just recently as a country in our overwhelmingly kind and caring response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the importance of shopping local…
Now more than ever it’s so important to support and buy local. I’mloving these new boutique bulk buy food stores, such as 'Good For' and 'Sprout The Grocer’ - which even had flour during lockdown! We also have a local great wine bar - Stafford Road Wine Bar and an outstanding restaurant (The Engine room) all within walking distance for me!
On the wonder of growing up in NZ…
Okura was such an amazing place to be a kid. The estuary, the water, the bush, the farmland and paddocks - where we used to pick blackberries and mushrooms as well as graze our horses - its was heaps of fun!
On a great life lesson…
The time really does fly by far too fast so just to try to live each day to the fullest. And never turn down any opportunities, you never know where they will lead!
On practicing gratitude…
I’m grateful for my husband – I never tire of his company. Also my health and to be living in this beautiful country that is New Zealand.
On contributing to Great Full…
Simply the aim of the organisation in raising money for causes that cause so much pain and suffering in our society. I’m honoured as well as humbled to be invited to be involved actually!
On supporting New Zealand’s community…
The health of our people is arguably the most important element of our society and any efforts/organisations that work to promote and help improve access to medical care have my full support. If people don’t have their health they will struggle with many other aspects of their lives, and of course our public system only goes so far. Personally it has been quite shocking to me in recent years to see the number of, particularly, young people getting bowel cancer - we need to do all that we can to support those who need it.