Pronouns: He/Him

Iwi/ hapū/ ethnicity: Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Irakehu, Kāti Kuri; Scottish, Irish, English, French, and other European whakapapa

Region: Wellington

Art practice(s): Photographer, digital artist, storyteller

Email: neilwallacecreative@gmail.com

Neil Wallace (he/him) is a photographer whose work is grounded in encounter. He photographs what comes into his sphere of experience as he moves through the world, rather than arranging scenes or directing outcomes.

Much of his practice centres on manu/birdlife. These encounters are not so much sought out in remote locations but occur closer to home, through repeated attention, and familiarity with place. When manu come into view, they are recognised as a presence rather than pursued as a subject.

Neil also photographs people, architecture and moments of light when they present themselves. A couple caught in shared light, a building briefly illuminated, a pause that reveals connection. These images emerge through witnessing rather than orchestration, and through recognising when something meaningful has entered his field of view.

His practice is shaped by movement, proximity, and attentiveness. Working this way has led him to value presence over control and recognition over construction. Across manu, people and place, his photographs reflect the sacredness of encounter and the care involved in responding to what is already there.

Working with me

I do not work from a studio, and I do not set up lighting or construct scenes.

If you are interested in being photographed by me or having me photograph something or someone, it helps to be open to working with what is present rather than aiming for a fixed look or outcome. I photograph people in the same way I photograph manu, by noticing, waiting, and responding when something genuine emerges.

I prefer to connect initially by email, with first meetings face to face at a city café where possible. Clear intentions and openness to the process support the best outcomes.