About me

In 1995 I decided to pack my bags and leave to go to New Zealand. Leaving my parents, family and friends in the Netherlands behind, I ventured off to the 'Land of the Long White Cloud'. (Atearoa is still the Maori name for New Zealand, it is said when a Polynesian navigator sighted New Zealand in 950 AD, the island had a huge white cloud above it.)

                  >> Joep van der Pal

The first 6 weeks of my time in New Zealand I stayed with an outdoor instructor, Eric Ramsteijn, in Christchurch, the largest city on the south island. Eric worked at Christchurch Polytechnic teaching students the basic skills of kayaking, rockclimbing and other outdoor activities. I was able to join him during work photographing him teaching his students. I used these photos as an additive to my portfolio to be able to enroll for the Professional Photography course at Christchurch Polytechnic. The course started in February 1996

I first visited Cholmondeley Children's Home in August 1996 photographing a documentary assignment of social services. Touched by the warm help and dedication of, specially Paul and miss Judge, and the rest of Cholmondely's staff, I decided to document a book for my final submission. I spent a total of 3 1/2 weeks at the home and thanks to the Cholmondeley staff I could spend most nights there during these weeks. This gave me the opportunity to photograph the home as a child who is staying there would know it.

                  >> Cholmondeley book cover

I shot a total of 20 black and white films (Ilford Delta 100 and 400 asa) and every weekend I would develop the films at the Polytechnic and make proof sheets. With the help of Julie Riley we made a final selection of approximately 200 photos and edit that down to 60. The printing of the photo's on 210grams Agfa semi matt 12X16" paper took one week. Thanks to the dedicated help of my good friend Dennis Berends we were able to get the pages to the bookbinder in time. I made a total of 2 books, one for Cholmondeley and one for myself.

After a two-week exhibition in Christchurch, I was happy to receive an award for 'Excellence in Black and White Printing' from Ilford, H.E. Perry Limited.




                  >> Ilford certificate

The New Zealand Journal of Photography has also published a story with photos from the book in its number 29, November 1997 issue.

I have dedicated the book to my dear mum Tineke.

Thanks to Miss Marion Judge, Paul (who unfortunately isn't with us any more), Sue Sara, Jay, Hamish, Juscinta and all the staff and children at Cholmondeley. Special thanks to Tineke and Guus van der Pal and Dennis Berends for their help and support. Also Julie Riley and Murray Hedwig, my tutors at Christchurch Polytechnic for making it all happen.

After travelling and working in New Zealand I decided to go back to the Netherlands late 1998. Currently I am employed by 'Photoburo Roel Dijkstra' and working as a full-time press photographer. Photoburo Roel Dijkstra is a press agency based in Vlaardingen near Rotterdam and supplies photos for newspapers and magazines, both national and international.