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My story
Meet the person behind the camera
One of my first pictures on my first camera
Image from my school photography collection
Kia ora! My name is Leticia and I'm the photographer behind Cool Change. I have a genuine passion for travel, adventure and photography and this site is all about sharing the images I have taken over the years while exploring the world.
My love of photography started at an early age and at sixteen, I was the proud owner of my first film SLR camera. It was a second hand, fully manual Pentax that had no light meter and I loved it. My first pictures were of some adorable kittens at the local veterinary practice where I worked part time.
Photography was my favourite subject at school. I would lose myself in the darkroom for hours as it was so satisfying to develop my own film and print the images. Working with film makes you disciplined about composing your image correctly as unlike today, there are no filters or auto adjustments. For me, photography is where art meets science.
After high school I toyed with the idea of doing a photography course but back then, it wasn't a job where you could "make a living". I ended up getting a job at a local insurance company and my photography became a part time passion.
After photographing friends for years, I eventually got up the courage to venture into the world of wedding photography. While hugely satisfying, photographing weddings is incredibly stressful, especially when using film.
Eventually I transitioned (albiet very reluctantly) into the world of digital photography. While it certainly has it's benefits, such as instant gratification, I still work like I did with film - compose the shot and get it right first time.
Early Film Work
Photojournalistic Style
Over the years I have completed a number of photography courses. I particulary enjoyed learning how to work in a studio with lighting and medium format film cameras.
While my photography skills have certainly improved over the years, my photojournalistic style has remained the same. This means I focus on telling the story as it happens, with minimal post processing manipulation.
Where to Next?
The adventures will continue and I'll keep on snapping! I've created this website for myself to help remember and reflect. I also hope to inspire others to get out into world and experience as much as possible.
While my mobile phone is used way too often for my photography these days, I am committed to using an actual camera where possible to capture authentic and interesting images.
Who knows, one day my side hussle may help to put food on the table! I also plan to fulfil my dream and get "that call" from Nat Geo! Girls gotta dream right...
