New ZealandAaron Sami

Life. As I Shoot It. / 5 Years

New ZealandAaron Sami
Life. As I Shoot It. / 5 Years

Today is a day I’ve been looking forward to for some time now. Not only is it summer, but it is 5 years since starting a project that was originally intended for 1 year.

Life. As I Shoot It. – lifeasishootit.com

A project where I would take and post a single photo, every day, a visual diary of sorts.

In the last 5 years so much has happened and many milestones have been reached. Again, I’d like to thank everyone who has ever given me encouragement, criticism or just come along for the ride. I’m forever grateful, this is massive for me.

Here are two personal (un-commissioned) photos from each year that I love. Choosing one was too hard.

See them all at lifeasishootit.com/archive

This is my life. Enjoy.

Day 4 - 04/12/10

Day 4 - 04/12/10

Driving around Hamilton early Saturday morning with two of my friends. And in Fair Field we came across this sign. Even though it’s from the very beginning, I still love it. 


Day 238 - 26/07/11

Day 238 - 26/07/11

It was our first day of the 2011 snow season. We left Hamilton late as we thought the road into National Park would be closed due to the mass overnight snow dumps. We arrived around 10am and it took two hours to get to the carpark as someone had crashed on the access road. We rode until they told us to go and were greeted with amazing sun rays as the sun set on the horizon.


Day 673 - 03/10/12

Day 673 - 03/10/12

During my first job after graduating I was making day trips to Whangarei once a week. With my camera always by my side it was only natural that an epic light show at sun down would take place.


Day 710 – 09/11/12

Day 710 – 09/11/12

Whilst living in Auckland I took some friends back to Hamilton one Friday evening. I took this during dusk as we were approaching the Bombay’s.  


Day 905 – 26/05/13

Day 905 – 26/05/13

My flatmate at the time shared my sense of exploration. One evening during the week we headed down to a local spot to watch the sunset. A not so typical shot of Rangitoto.


Day 1022 – 21/09/13

Day 1022 – 21/09/13

Upon my return from Canada in early 2010 I got to know my friend Troy over a season of snowboarding and photography. When he arrived back in New Zealand in 2013 we reminisced and found peace in the rain. Taken at one of my most favourite places in the world- Te Toto Gorge, Raglan.


Day 1248 – 11/05/14

Day 1248 – 11/05/14

Jacob. A great tattooist and friend. He’s left a mark on me, literally.


Day 1295 – 16/06/14

Day 1295 – 16/06/14

During our time in New York City we walked everywhere. Catching the subway in between and only catching a cab once. While I waited for Monita outside who was in the bathroom in Grand Central Station the sun set looking down East 43rd Street.


Day 1629 – 16/05/15

Day 1629 – 16/05/15

Monita. The girl that stole my heart. Before we left the house to attend her best friend’s wedding.


Day 1767 – 04/10/15

Day 1767 – 04/10/15

The last overseas trip taken in the 5 year period was Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road had been on the bucket list for some time. We drove at a ridiculous hour of the morning just to see the sun rise. It was worth it.

I love creating images that speak to me.

I grew up in a small town that nobody really knows about, Levin. Spent a good ten years in Hamilton making some of the best friends anyone could have. And now I’m living, working and playing in the city of Auckland, New Zealand. Also a small country that people have trouble locating – I’m looking at you America!

Life is about stories, and that’s what I love to capture and document. My shooting style is unobtrusive. You may be a natural in front of the camera, or have no idea what to do but before we even start I’ll make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed.

Things I love: Travelling to wherever I can, my partner Monita, homemade burgers, wood fired pizzas, the smell of rain on a hot summers day, mountains, the snow, sunsets and sunrises, star gazing, natural light, the aesthetic of wood, crashing waves and day dreaming.