Paula Funston, Ko Kardina ahau (I am Kardina) (PORTRAIT 2021)

This is a set of images that I took of a friend to help me practice portrait photography. It's beautiful that through taking these image she has connected more with her heritage as a Maori and I have learnt more about my friend. Kardina is from a mixed Maori family from New Zealand that is currently living in Australia. She knew she was a half cast, it never caused any prejudice but she didn’t grow up surrounded in a Maori culture and doesn’t speak Maori, but still feels strongly connected and proud of her Maori heritage. This experience has reminded me that photography can be very powerful in connecting someone with their culture and providing deeper connections between friends, that portrait photograph isn’t just about taking photos, it’s the opportunity for the photographer and person being photographed to learn more about themselves and each other.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.