August 18th 2026: Magazine days

For the first 20 years of my career as a working photographer, I focused on magazines and editorial photography. It's such a challenging genre, but also very rewarding as you share incredible stories and do your best to take readers on the journey with you through engaging photography.

I grew up on David Attenborough, National Geographic and New Zealand Geographic and dreamed of working with all of them. They told the important stories of nature and people and cultures ... each one a tome of ideas, deep thinking and curious views of the world. 

So you can imagine I was quite happy to see the latest edition of New Zealand Geographic feature a story on the sea lions who move into Dunedin each breeding season (November to March). Written by my good friend and talented writer Bill Morris, the story follows my journey with sea lions and learning to understand them, share waves with them and, when the stars align, photograph them. 

To see it come together in such a beautiful magazine still gives me a buzz. Go grab yourself a copy – it's the latest edition with the sunrise on the cover and a lead story, Snaring The Sun (also a great read). NZ Geo is one of the last magazines in New Zealand producing this level of work – it really is outstanding and worth subscribing to – and go for the print edition ... there's something about that physical form that deserves a place in your life. 

See you at the beach ... Derek

PS Lance Hay is the Biodiversity Ranger for Murihiku, which includes the Catlins. He and his team are planning to celebrate Sea Lion September with the Catlins’ communities throughout September. From colouring-in competitions for kids, to opportunities to meet the scientists behind the cutting-edge diet and range studies, this is the perfect chance to learn more about these fascinating marine mammals. There will also be opportunities to meet sea lion expert Jim Fyfe. Check it out at the ÅŒwaka Community Library and Information Centre from September 15-29.