We had a comment on Facebook the other day from a reader in Gisborne suggesting that making Box of Light each week had to be the best job in the world. It made me stop and think about all the hard work that goes into making these weekly reports – the trips where we don't get any surf, the hours of editing and the travel to lots of new and amazing places hoping the elements will conspire to present some gold for me to capture.
That's when it dawned on me ... our Gisborne friend is absolutely right. Even the negative bits are pretty damned awesome – making Box of Light is the best job in the world. There's a wee engine room behind it all though and I probably don't thank them enough and maybe even take them for granted a bit. Making all the travel possible is my beautiful wife Rachael and our three kids. They hear about all the fascinating places I travel to and the adventures that come my way and they make it possible for me to enjoy those and make the most of them. While I'm off exploring new parts of the country they keep things ticking over in the background and tirelessly provide me with inspiration ... and keep my feet on the ground. They make it possible for me to have the best job in the world.
This past week is a great example. I'm working on a really exciting project with writer Paul Hersey. We've been travelling to a series of high-country stations to learn their stories. I don't know whether it is because I grew up on a sheep and beef farm and I'm reconnecting to my roots, but these trips have been some of the most rewarding photo assignments I've had. Not only do I get to work with an inspirational writer, mountaineer and climber of Paul's calibre, but we've been meeting some truly fascinating characters. As soon as I can reveal more about the project with you I will ...
Are these waves ever going to stop? Here's the latest forecast.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS If you haven't already completed our survey here's the link. We've had an amazing number of responses so far thanks to our friends at Canon, Skullcandy and Neff offering a bunch of great prizes. You have until Friday ...
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