Rach Young Creative Photography

13/09/2026

Three years!! This project took me three years, and I'm excited to present it to you.
I began this project on February 28th 2023, two weeks after Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand causing unbelievable destruction to parts of our country.
My focus was on specific parts of Hawkes Bay and over the next three years I photographed the changes that occurred after the Cyclone.
The project focus was to show the regrowth and regeneration of these devastated areas and to show those who didn't see how devastating Gabrielle really was.
With much respect to the people of Hawkes Bay I present this to you with love.

FOTOFEST Hawke’s Bay Photography Festival Napier City Council - Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga

11/09/2026

I'm learning new skills and techniques through my art and design studies at Ucol. My goal is to adapt what I'm learning and incorporate these new skills and ideas into my photography.
Studying art history is incredible, I absolutely love it and it has really opened my mind and my imagination!!
I've been creating a few unique pieces lately, here's one 😃

07/09/2026

Always looking for these beauties to photograph, I love them ❤️
Getting them to pose in the right light.... well thats a whole different story 😆 I'll keep working on them!

05/09/2026

Doesn't everyone love going to the mail box and there's actual mail in there?!
Especially when your certificate arrives for winning the NZIPP New Zealand Student Photographer of the year!!!
Thank you to the team at NZIPP for getting this to me ❤️
NZIPP

03/09/2026

01/09/2026

Ōtātara Pā Taradale, Hawkes Bay
Three pou stand strong marking this place of significant importance and local history.
Alongside their ancestors they overlook the Tūtaekurī River, Waiohiki Marae and the people of Hawkes Bay.

Napier City Council Hello Hawke’s Bay

30/08/2026

Pukehou, Hawkes Bay
Another favourite spot of mine to stop and photograph. This group of trees has long held my interest and imagination, to see them and the fields around them change with each season is quite beautiful.


Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga

28/08/2026

This image is simple in its presence but speaks of balance and space! My intention was to capture the little farm shed, but I'm drawn into the lone tree on the hill and the vastness of the sky. The clouds tell a whole story of their own! I absolutely love this image!

Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga

27/08/2026

This is my version of the Wanaka Tree, but it's not in Wanaka it's in Hawkes Bay. I drive past this tree all the time and think one day I'm gonna photograph that tree... and the other day I finally did!
I now feel this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship between me and this tree 🤭

24/08/2026

Excited to the absolute maximum to be a part of fotofest again in 2026!!!
An awesome opportunity to be involved with an epic photography movement and your opportunity to see some incredible work by very talented and passionate photographers.
Get amongst it, mark it on your calendars and come and see our stuff!
More info will follow over the next month 📷
Exciting!!!

FOTOFEST Hawke’s Bay Photography Festival