It was a cold, rainy morning at Murrays Bay—the kind of day where the weather apps promise low clouds but deliver a full-blown downpour instead. Sitting in the back of a van sheltering from the rain, Photocountry host Rajeev caught up with landscape photographer Wayne Boardman to talk about the reality of the craft, shifting gear mentalities, and the art of slowing down.
From Instagram Meets to Medium Format
Wayne’s photography journey began simply enough: taking daily walks along the beach in Torbay with a basic camera to send shots back home to the UK. When Instagram first launched around 2010–2011, Wayne was right in the center of New Zealand’s burgeoning community, hosting local ‘Instameets’ where hundreds of passionate photographers gathered purely to create and connect.
While social media has evolved over the years, Wayne’s dedication to capturing the landscape hasn’t faded. Today, he shoots on the Fujifilm GFX medium format system. Moving away from rapid-fire shooting, the system forces him to slow down, plan thoroughly, and focus on image detail and colour science.
“It’s about slowing everything down... You don’t need a camera that shoots 30 or 40 frames a second for landscapes. Invest in what you actually shoot, not what you think you might shoot.” — Wayne Boardman
Moving Beyond the Iconic Shots
New Zealand is world-renowned for its postcard locations—the Wanaka Tree, Hooker Lake, and the Moeraki Boulders. However, Wayne emphasizes the importance of stepping off the beaten path.
Whether it’s shooting the Wanaka Tree from an unusual side angle through the forest or exploring lesser-known spots like Wilson Chasm near Franz Josef, Wayne encourages photographers not to simply “follow the herd” or place their tripod in the exact indentation left by the person before them.
Among his most recognized images is a shot of the wobbly jetty at Lake Te Anau. Captured during a brief 15-second window between camera setups, the image went viral on social media and has since been licensed globally for travel campaigns, clothing, and design projects.
Planning, Mindset, and the “6 Ps”
For Wayne, landscape photography is as much about mental health and process as it is about the final image. It serves as a necessary counterweight to a stressful career—a quiet space on a beach or hillside where daily worries fade into the background.
He lives by the military adage: Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. His routine involves analyzing tide charts, wind patterns, and sun positions across apps like Windy and The Photographer’s Ephemeris. But even when the weather fails to cooperate—like a rainout at 6:00 AM—being outdoors and going through the process is a win in itself.
Documenting Local History: The Dairy Project
Beyond sweeping vistas, Wayne has spent time working on a deeply personal long-term project: documenting New Zealand’s traditional corner dairies. Recognizing that these local hubs are slowly disappearing, he aims to capture their character and history before they’re gone—documenting the stories of second- and third-generation owners and preserving a slice of Kiwi nostalgia.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
Don’t Rush the Composition: Leave your camera in the bag when you first arrive at a location. Walk around, get a feel for the space, and explore different perspectives before locking your tripod into place.
Buy the Right Tool for the Job: Avoid getting caught up in gear acquisition syndrome (GAS). Choose gear that specifically serves the genre you enjoy.
Represent the Truth: Edit to reflect what you actually saw. Temporary distractions (like a construction crane) are fine to clone out, but stay honest about the scene.
Keep Chipping Away: Mastering photography takes years. Don’t be discouraged by empty hands or bad weather. Perseverance is what builds a meaningful portfolio.
If Wayne’s approach to photography resonated with you today, remember his advice: don't just follow the herd. Look for those unique angles, put in the preparation, and most importantly, keep chipping away at your craft.
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a fellow photographer. Until next time, stay curious and keep shooting!
Listen to the full conversation on Episode 65 of Photocountry on your favorite podcast platform!
