"One of the main reasons for visiting the Chathams in springtime was to try and find any of the native Chatham Island Forget-Me-Nots flowering in the wild. I had seen an image years ago of them blooming against a rocky foreshore with aqua sea behind it, I was hooked! So despite the weather forecast looking very changeable and most likely very wet, I crossed my fingers and with Vivienne my neighbour, we went ahead with the trip.
After spending a couple of amazing days on neighbouring Pitt Island, we came across to Chatham and on the first morning, it started out quite grey and wet - there's that weather forecast! But after a morning spent in the bush, we headed to the north coast and after investigating some Chatham Akeake trees on the beach, I took a wrong turn back to the car and by pure chance, I stumbled across all these blooms, growing wild in the sand dunes. Those beautiful big glossy leaves alone are something else, but to find them in perfect flower like this? I couldn't believe it! Vivienne was waiting back at the car and I couldnt let her miss this, I sprinted back to get her as I gasped for breath, told her she just had to come take a look!
There was a clump of reeds growing over the flowers, so Vivienne pulled them back and sat on them to keep them out of my way, as I captured different shots from multiple angles. But this composition with the other plants behind and the light in the reeds plus that clear blue sea? Gorgeous. It's fair to say I was pretty ecstatic and this image was a lot more than I could have possibly hoped to find."
Equipment: Phase One XF 100Mp Trichromatic Medium Format Camera + Schneider Kreuznach 35mm blue lens
Exposure: 1/80 sec @ f16 ISO 400
Location: Chatham Island
Click on this image to view a short video: 
Limited Edition:
50 prints (total all sizes), individually numbered, personally signed & certified
Year of Release:
2023
Printer:
Peter personally prints all his 100% cotton-rag paper & archival canvas on an HP Z9+ PS printer (9 colour "Vivera" archival pigment inkset, giclée process)
Print Permanence:
>250 years indoors (paper & canvas prints), as tested on HP Z9+ printer by Wilhelm Research Institute, California http://www.wilhelm-research.com/hp/Z9.html
Copyright:
Peter Latham 2023
How long do orders take? This varies depending on the nature of the artwork, but please allow approx 2 weeks for me to print & package unframed paper prints & 3 weeks for unframed, varnished canvases (which are sent rolled inside a tube), plus delivery time via NZ Post. Framed pieces vary depending on the nature of the work, but can require 2-3 months lead time, so please check with me to confirm availability & timeframe. I try to carry my most popular frames in stock to minimise any delay, but please also note that delivery times may be longer, if I'm away on a photography trip.
Can I hang your work on a sunny wall? It's wise to avoid direct sunlight for any artwork, but unlike traditional photographs which fade after a few years, I go to great lengths & expense to use the finest archival materials to ensure my work will stand the test of time. Paper prints can be susceptible to humidity & develop "cockling" (wave like undulations in the paper) if exposed to extremes in temperature - so again, just avoid direct sunlight! Print Permanence Ratings state the materials I use to be resistant to any noticeable change for a period greater than 250 years (indoors). Obviously if the print is in a sunnier than average position, this rating will diminish, but you can order in confidence that your work should endure for several generations.
Are other sizes or options available? Please let me know if you'd like a custom size or frame. There are too many options to list on this website, so please enquire.
Are Black & White prints available? Yes, black & white or sepia prints may be ordered from colour prints at no additional charge.
Do you do commissions? Yes, I’ve completed a wide range of unique commissions over many years & I always enjoy a new challenge! My charge for this depends on travel costs & what may be involved to capture something special, so please get in touch & we can have a chat!
I see the piece I want to order is SOLD OUT, will you be printing any more? Definitely & utterly "No". I am frequently asked this & the answer is always the same, I will never corrupt the integrity of any print edition - limited editons are strictly that!
Unframed prints & canvases are sent rolled in sturdy postal tubes via NZ Post airmail which is very cost effective. When receiving a rolled (paper) print, I recommend that you take it directly to your picture framer who can flatten the piece for you before framing. Larger prints can be difficult to roll back into the tube without damaging the print, so please avoid the temptation to open it at home!
For unframed canvases, I will e-mail you details of the “canvas stretcher frame” you will need to order from your picture framer. The most important aspect when stretching a rolled canvas is that it must be heated (with a hair dryer) before stretching - this softens the varnish coating & allows easy bending on the edges. Alternatively, the canvas can be laminated to a board & framed like a paper print, using a picture frame moulding. Glass is not required as the canvas is coated with a U.V. inhibiting varnish, which can be wiped clean with a soft damp cloth. Instructions for heating & stretching unframed canvases are enclosed with each piece, but can also be downloaded here.
What is a "stretched canvas"? This is where the canvas is stretched around a pine "stretcher frame" & is ready to hang.
What is an "image wrap"? This applies to a stretched canvas, where the image continues around the sides of the frame (vs. using a solid colour on the sides).
What is a framed canvas? This is where I mount the stretched canvas into an outer "box" frame (available in dark brown, black, white enamel, silver & fine black or champagne gold). This is a very contemporary look, the negative detail is very effective & works equallly well with both modern & classic interiors.
I want to hang a piece above a fireplace, is that OK? Firstly, with your fire going, check the temperature on the wall where you wish to hang the work. Generally speaking, heat will radiate out from your fireplace into the room, not directly above to where the piece is hanging, so you should be fine. I would avoid hanging directly above a radiator, but again, check the temperature of the area where you wish to hang.
Export sales are exempt New Zealand's 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax) where I ship the piece to an address outside of N.Z. Please note you are responsible for any import duty, should that be applied by your country's customs!
Once receiving an order from you, I will contact you with a shipping quote (for a framed canvas within NZ, this is usually around 10% extra of the piece's value) & will include packing & insurance. I will confirm an approximate delivery period & send you a link to my secure PayPal service where you can enter your credit card details. Alternatively, I can forward you my account details for direct credit. Once your payment is processed you will receive your receipt & I will advise tracking details once it has been sent.
Unframed paper & canvas prints are sent rolled in sturdy postal tubes via NZ Post Economy Courier, which is very efficient & cost effective. Your local picture framer can then offer many options for framing these for you.
Framed canvas pieces are shipped overseas via TNT who I have found to be very reliable over the years. I spend considerable time packing all pieces myself into custom boxes to ensure your work is thoroughly protected against any mishap. On receipt of your goods, it is imperative that you immediately open & inspect to ensure that your piece has arrived in perfect condition. In the (very) unlikely event of any problem, please contact me within 24 hrs so that an insurance claim can be lodged & a replacement piece sent.
Please note I cannot ship glass framed paper prints as the risk of damage is too great! I supply paper prints unframed (rolled in a sturdy postal tube), so simply take these directly to your local picture framer to be framed. There are many styles & colours of frames available, please feel free to contact me for advice if you can't decide what best suits your print!
