Aotearoa Light | Peter Laurenson

Light, for landscape photographers, is the element that makes all the difference. Dawn and dusk are known as the 'magic hours' for good reason. The interplay between sun, cloud and landscape can bring magic at other times of the day too. And when light is shed figuratively it can bring clarity, insight, wonder and realisation.There is much to gain from venturing into wilderness. To move safely in the unconstrained natural world, not modified for our convenience, can demand absolute in-the-moment focus. Other times, the contrast between city and wilderness allows us to step away from our 'every day', gifting us the time and space to more deeply engage with companions, to more honestly know ourselves, to ponder bigger issues.Concerned about the challenges our warming planet brings, photographer, tramper and occasional climber Peter Laurenson presents stunning images of Aotearoa New Zealand that convey the benefits of our wilderness; reminders of what we must protect and nourish if humanity is to thrive.

A New Zealander based in Richmond, Peter Laurenson is father to Ben, Ed and Will and partner to Catherine Johnston. Since 2019, he has been editor of the Federated Mountain Club's Backcountry and writes for Wilderness magazine and other publications.Peter had a career in marketing management, including periods with the NZ Tourism Board and ecosanctuary Zealandia. More recently, marketing work has given way to tramping, mountaineering, photography and writing.Since his first backpacking trip away from New Zealand in 1988, Peter has visited many mountainous parts of the world. The website www.occasionalclimber.co.nz showcases his mountain and travel adventures.His other books are Khumbu: Gateway to Mount Everest. Pathways to Kinship (2011), Mountain and Adventure Heritage winner, NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival 2022; and Occasional Climber: A Journey to Mount Clarity (2013).