Mana Island / Fiji
“The recipe for Island Life: Crystal clear waters, palm fringed beaches, live coral reefs, fresh fish, endless sun, and most importantly a good dose of family and friends.”
Day 1
After the beautiful wedding of Soni & Vishaal on the mainland, it was time for some rest and relaxation – and too experience the Fiji everyone imagines. The morning after the wedding reception we were all picked up and taken to a very non-descript dock and boarded a boat that would get us to the island in around 40 minutes.
As we approached the island the stress of everyday life just seemed to disappear, the weight had been lifted. Or perhaps it was that we were floating on the clearest of waters, watching tiny electric blue fish dart around.
We checked into our rooms and explored our home for the next two nights. With the ocean water warmer than the pool, this would definitely be a hard place to leave. We headed down to the backpackers for lunch (where the food was half the price and the view was twice as good). After a couple of hours spent in the pool and the ocean it was time to shower up, drink up and laugh it up.
Day 2
Waking up early we got in a bit of tennis before heading back down to the backpackers for breakfast. With the others all heading out to Cloud 9 for a few hours, Monita and I hung out with her brother and niece (who came out for the day) and spent a good part of the day snorkeling and kayaking.
After they left we headed up to the lookout point at sunset and admired the beauty surrounding us. As the others had arrived back we all got ready for our last meal together. Dinner was Al fresco, and the mosquitos were the ones that got the last bite!
Day 3
Half of us were due to leave the island in the afternoon while the other half stayed one more night. After some rearranging of bags and checking out of some of the rooms it was time to spend a couple hours snorkeling and chilling on the beach. Before we knew it was time to shower, grab our bags and depart.
It was sad to leave, but we were happy knowing just how close this paradise is to home.
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.