Photographer
Eva Bradley
On the path to becoming a photographer…
As a news reporter I loved aspects of my job, but I often felt I was turning up with a camera at the lowest moments of people’s lives. It’s the nature of news but it didn’t feel good. I threw caution – and my career – to the wind, and went off-shore sailing for a year. On my return, I randomly got a gig waiting tables. A photographer I knew came in and suggested I assist him with wedding shoots and voilá, I discovered my passion. I also discovered the value in giving up on dreams if they don’t feel right, because the best dreams can only find us if we make ourselves available.
On being a creative person…
I understand why people say something is ‘in their bloodstream’. I am at my happiest when I’m being creative and for me because I am so busy with my photography business, I do this collaboratively - working to understand and then execute creativity on someone else’s behalf.
On what’s involved in being a photographer in New Zealand…
Being a professional photographer is demanding because there has been a vast amount of change within the industry since the digital revolution.
Working hard and wearing the many hats of a small business owner well is now equally as important as creativity. The upside is I get the flexibility of self-employment and using the backdrop of beautiful Hawke’s Bay to help tell my stories. My commute to work consists of walking to my studio at the other end of the house and my ‘office’ incorporates some of the country’s best wineries and the architecture and landscape that comes with them.
On advice for people interested in starting out in creative pursuits …
Trust your own creative style and stop scrolling Instagram! Carve your own path and turn down the noise of life around you so you can hear your own creativity talking.
On being inspired by joy….
I’m a bit of a joy junkie. Other people’s emotional highs become mine too and it’s a massive hit to get people to the point they trust me enough to forget I’m there and focus on each other. Wedding and family shoots are my favourite shoots because of the challenge of visually documenting peoples’ emotional connection.
On being inspired by Kiwi music…
Anika Moa has provided a soundtrack to my life since her first album ‘Thinking Room’ came out in 2001, so of course once babies arrived, ‘Songs for Bubbas’ and her following two children’s albums were going to feature…I just didn’t realise how much! I kid you not, these albums have been on repeat every night for about seven years now, my kids insist!
On why it’s important to shop local…
The turmoil of the past few years has dented Kiwi pride as well as small business and it’s time to reclaim that, even if it’s in the small purchases – it matters.
On what community looks like
It doesn’t have an @ or a #. It's real life, and real effort to sustain real connections.
On what’s great about raising a family in New Zealand…
I love that I can live life and raise my family like it was 50 years ago. My kids catch a bus to the local country school but I’m still only 10 minutes from the city – Napier.
On a significant person in my life…
If Hawke’s Bay photographer Richard Brimer hadn’t been out for dinner that night, my life would have taken a totally different path. I’m forever grateful that he gave me an opportunity, and wholly supported me pursuing my own creative path after a few years assisting him. 17 years on, I still follow what he taught me about the use of natural light and simple, classic storytelling.
On experiencing gratitude in life…
I am grateful for the incredible support I received in the maternity unit of Hawke’s Bay hospital after the birth of my first child. I was there for a week and the patience, skill and kindness was provided during a time I felt so overwhelmed and outside my comfort zone was incredible. I don’t think there’s a pedestal high enough to put nurses on!
On supporting Cure Kids through Great Full’s Jams project...
I am currently reading a novel by Trent Dalton and there is a line in there that sums up why we should give back and help others:
“My human heart needs to stay warm, but it can only stay warm by warming your heart.”
I know I should do more to help others for my own benefit, but I never get around to it, so I was stoked Grate Full made it easy by offering me the opportunity!
Photographer Eva Bradley (@eva_bradley_photography) captured beautiful moments of Cure Kids Ambassadors – twins Amelia and Grace – for Great Full’s JAMS project.