Dwali Festival Food in Wgtn | Murray Lloyd Photography

Flag flying at Dwali Festival in Wgtn, New Zealand.

For a slice of India in Wellington you could go to a restaurant but a more authentic experience is the local Diwali Festival held each year in Wellington and Auckland. Although nicknamed the 'festival of lights', for me the undoubted highlight is the food and the frenzy that goes with it.

Food at Dwali Festival in Wellington.

Food at Dwali Festival in Wellington.

Food being served at Dwali Festival in Wellington.

Food being served at Dwali Festival in Wellington.

Dancers at Dwali Festival in Wellington.

Women admiring saris at Dwali Festival, Wellington

Food Photography Tricks | Murray Lloyd Photography

Food photography of Minted Summer Pasta and Potatoes by Ruth Pretty.

"Can you eat the food you photograph?" or "what are all the tricks to make the food look so good?" are the two questions I am most often asked about as a food photographer. Surprise registers when I say pretty much the only thing used is a little olive oil .

The only time I can remember a trick is when we put raw new potatoes in a salad, as with cooked potatoes the skins slide off . I would say lighting, fresh ingredients and props are the  keys to a  strong food photograph however some food photographers try other approaches - check this video out

Coffee - Art at Photospace in Wgtn | Murray Lloyd Photography

In Wellington, away from the looky looky crowds, Photospace is one of the places I go for good coffee. James, who has some old Italian built machine (he bought two from trade me - one for spare parts) prides himself on the quality of his brew. If you are a regular visitor to the gallery you probably will have sampled James' offering - if not, take a walk up the marble staircase, contribute koha, look at the art...you might be offered one too.

Organic Piglets in New Zealand | Murray Lloyd Photography

I ran into these little piggies at Ti Kouka, an organic farm in Hawkes Bay. I have been told that less than 1% of pork production in New Zealand is organic.  Although this number is unconfirmed I figure these piglets are pretty rare.

Pigs at Ti Kouka organic farm

Organic cow

Portrait of owner of Ti Kouka with his dog

View from Ti Kouka

Organic cows

Organic sheep and lamb

Organic sheep with lambs

Organic sheep and lambs

Organic calfs

Home Preserves in Student Flat | Murray Lloyd Photography

Home preserves in student flat, Dunedin, New Zealand

Burning couches, the undy 500 and egg throwing are well known student activities in Dunedin. With this in mind it was surprising to see the home preserves in pride of place when visiting a student flat.

George Cross Rugby Buns | Murray Lloyd Photography

Two buns with George Crosses on them at Rugby World Cup

The buns were photographed in Bristol on a visit and got me thinking of what might appear on New Zealand baking in 2015 - the year of the World Rugby Cup. Perhaps a NZ flag or the corporate colours of the ABs or even a silver fern