Celebrating five years of local music photography exhibition FromThePit, an exceptional collection of iconic contemporary live snaps was chosen to be on digital display across publicly accessible screens of Aotearoa in May 2023, including a placement in the Parliament visitor centre at the Beehive. This is Te Whanganui-A-Tara photographer Melany Barrintgon, who submitted a photo of Wellington five-piece Sheeps.

What’s your name, where are you from and how did you get into photography?

Kia ora, my name is Nel Barrington. I am based in Te Whanganui-a-tara (Wellington). I fell into the world of photography the moment I decided I needed something that was personal and creative. All it took was the right people to help me stop and see the magick of the world and for me to decide that capturing it could be something personal and the creative journey I needed. It has turned into a quite spectacular journey ever since.

What’s your philosophy around taking photos?

It’s all about exploring the art of photography and postproduction. With inspiration from nature and connection to Gaia, all I need to propose to myself is, how do I reflect ethereal influences through shooting and/or photo manipulation. The recipe tends to be lighting, prisms, double exposure and colour grading.

Which Kiwi act do you enjoy taking photos of most and why?

We are one lucky country to have so much talent. Let’s say Neil MacLeod and Marrowspawn. Their music and stage presence takes you on a journey through personal stories, expressions and relatability. Creating intimate and magical shows that are so beautifully presented and special to capture.

If you could pick one camera, one lens and one flash, which ones would you pick, and why?

Tough call, I would go with my current body, a Canon 6D MK II (great for astronomy) but that could change as I’m yet to try mirrorless. The lens would be a Canon 11-24mm f/4L USM lens (although 35mm is awfully tempting) and a Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT.