Richard Hume – New Zealand Landscape Photographer & Photography Tour Guide

Hi, I’m Richard Hume, a New Zealand landscape photographer and photography tour leader. I’ve spent over 25 years photographing New Zealand’s wild landscapes, and for the past 5 years I’ve been running small-group New Zealand photography tours, helping photographers develop their skills and create more meaningful images in the field.

Early Passion 

I first discovered my passion for photography at the age of twelve, when I picked up a 35mm SLR camera and began learning how to see and compose images. That early curiosity quickly developed into a lifelong pursuit.

I am completely self-taught in landscape photography, and later spent several years working as an assistant to studio photographers while living in London. This period gave me a strong grounding in the fundamentals of light, composition, and technical control, and exposed me to a wide range of photographic disciplines

Developing a personal style

While living in London, I discovered medium format panoramic photography, which completely changed the way I approached landscape work. The ability to capture sweeping, immersive scenes had a lasting impact on my creative direction.

After returning to New Zealand, I focused fully on landscape photography, developing my work around the unique light, scale, and diversity of New Zealand’s natural environments.

Inspiration

I am continually inspired by the natural world in all its forms. Living in New Zealand means I am surrounded by an extraordinary variety of landscapes — beaches, forests, rivers, and mountains are always within reach.

This close connection to nature has shaped both my photography and my appreciation of light, weather, and atmosphere. I feel very fortunate to be able to travel extensively throughout New Zealand and other locations, always searching for new perspectives and conditions.

Equipment & craft

My work is driven by a commitment to producing the highest quality photographic artworks possible.

I currently use a Fujifilm GFX100S (100 Mega Pixel) medium format camera system with Fujifilm lenses, chosen for its exceptional resolution, detail, and tonal range. This allows me to capture the depth and subtlety required for large-scale fine art printing.

I use Gitzo tripods for stability and precision in the field, ensuring every image is captured with intention and technical control.

Gallery Representation

My limited edition prints are represented in several galleries across New Zealand, including Moku Gallery in Coromandel, Next Door Gallery in Auckland, Zea You Gallery in Taupō, and Tennyson Gallery in Napier. Further gallery representation, including the South Island, is currently in development.

New Zealand photography tours

I operate Richard Hume Photography Tours, specialising in small-group photography tours and workshops across some of the most spectacular landscapes in New Zealand.

These tours are designed around decades of field experience photographing in New Zealand’s diverse environments. The focus is always on being in the right place at the right time, with the right knowledge to respond to changing light and conditions.

My approach is practical and hands-on, helping photographers develop both technical skills and a deeper understanding of how to see and work with the landscape.

The goal is simple: to create outstanding images while also having an immersive and rewarding experience in some of New Zealand’s most remarkable locations.

New Zealand Landscape Photographer

A focus on New Zealand’s diverse and ever-changing landscapes continues to shape both my personal work and my photography tours across the country.