Maddox Photography NZ

Maddox Photography NZ Hi I’m John an award-winning wildlife photographer and founder of Maddox Photography NZ. Bespoke birding tours available.

With a deep passion for birds and wild places, my work captures the soul of Aotearoa’s native birds.

Last night I had the privilege of presenting my Healing Through the Lens talk to the Northallerton Camera ClubIt was won...
09/06/2026

Last night I had the privilege of presenting my Healing Through the Lens talk to the Northallerton Camera Club

It was wonderful to see so many people come along to hear about my journey into photography, and how spending time in nature became such an important part of my healing following family loss. Photography has given me purpose, connection, and a way to navigate some of life’s most difficult moments, and it was a real honour to share that story with others.

Thank you to everyone who attended, for your warm welcome, thoughtful questions, and kind conversations throughout the evening. I truly appreciate the support and encouragement.

A special thank you to the Northallerton Camera Club for making it such an enjoyable evening. It was a pleasure to meet so many passionate photographers and nature lovers from the other side of the world.

www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz

Field craft is one of the most important yet often overlooked skills in wildlife photography.It’s about understanding an...
05/06/2026

Field craft is one of the most important yet often overlooked skills in wildlife photography.

It’s about understanding animal behaviour, knowing when to be patient, and recognising the right moment to act. It’s the daily practice of moving carefully through an environment, reading the signs nature provides, and getting closer to your subject without causing disturbance.

Whether it’s slowing your movements, positioning yourself for the best light, or simply waiting quietly for hours, field craft is what allows authentic wildlife moments to unfold naturally in front of the lens.

For me, wildlife photography has never been just about capturing an image. It’s about building respect, understanding, and a deeper connection with the natural world. The photograph is simply the result of that relationship.

Master the field craft, and the photographs will follow.

www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz

📖 My eBook is now officially on sale and available to purchase directly from my website!Whether you’re just starting out...
01/06/2026

📖 My eBook is now officially on sale and available to purchase directly from my website!

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your wildlife and bird photography, this concise 39-page digital guide is packed with practical, jargon-free tips that you can apply straight away in the field.

No complicated technical language. No endless pages of theory. Just real-world techniques, insights, and lessons I’ve learned through years of photographing New Zealand’s incredible wildlife.

If you’ve ever wanted to take sharper images, better understand light, improve your compositions, or simply gain more confidence behind the camera, this guide was written for you.

Head over to my website to grab your copy now..

https://www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz/

https://payhip.com/b/6wzeG

As many of you know, photography has taken me on an incredible journey over the years, and pretty soon I’ll be taking fl...
27/05/2026

As many of you know, photography has taken me on an incredible journey over the years, and pretty soon I’ll be taking flight to England to present my “Healing Through the Lens” talk.

It’s something I’m really looking forward to, and I’m excited to share my story and passion for photography with people on the other side of the world.

Even while I’m away, there will still be plenty happening here on the page, I’ll continue posting updates from the trip, sharing new blogs, photography adventures, and I’ll also be releasing my ebook, which I can’t wait to finally share with you all.

You can also explore my website for upcoming workshops, photography tours, and fine art prints, with plenty more exciting things in the works.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support Maddox Photography NZ and follows along on this journey. Exciting times ahead ✈️📷

www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz

24/05/2026

Back out photographing the Morepork today, focusing on creating depth in the image by shooting from longer distances away from the bird. Easier said than done in dense forest, where every extra step back seems to add another layer of branches and foliage between you and the subject. But when it comes together, that layered look can really help tell the story of the forest the Ruru calls home.

The day was made even better thanks to my super comfortable and versatile Boonies definitely appreciated after hours moving quietly through uneven bush terrain searching for those little pockets of light and clean compositions.

A huge welcome to everyone who’s recently joined the Maddox Photography NZ community, it’s awesome to have you here.For ...
19/05/2026

A huge welcome to everyone who’s recently joined the Maddox Photography NZ community, it’s awesome to have you here.

For those who are new, I’m John Parker, an award-winning wildlife photographer based in New Zealand. Most days you’ll find me out in the field photographing birds, light, wild moments, and the stories nature quietly tells when you slow down enough to notice them.

Wildlife photography has become far more than just taking photos for me. It’s about connection, patience, adventure, and sharing the beauty of the natural world with others who appreciate it too.

If you’d like to follow the journey further, head over to https://www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz/ where you’ll find:

• Wildlife stories and blogs
• Fine art prints
• Photography tips and education
• Upcoming workshops and bird photography Tours

If you know someone who loves wildlife, bird photography, or the outdoors, feel free to share the page and spread the word, I truly appreciate every bit of support.

Also, my newest blog is now live:

“What People Don’t See Behind Wildlife Photography"

https://www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz/blog/post/164878/what-people-dont-see-behind-wildlife-photography/

It’s an honest look at the reality behind the images, the patience, failed attempts, tough weather, long hours, ethics, and fieldcraft that go into wildlife photography long before the shutter clicks.

Thanks for being part of the journey.

John Parker | Maddox Photography NZ

Over the past little while I’ve been quietly working away on something pretty special… my very first E-book.It’s not qui...
17/05/2026

Over the past little while I’ve been quietly working away on something pretty special… my very first E-book.

It’s not quite a paperback sitting on a bookshelf, but it’s a project I’m incredibly excited about and one that I hope will genuinely help others on their bird photography journey.

This guide is built around everything I’ve learnt over the years photographing birds across New Zealand and beyond, from field craft and ethical wildlife photography, to camera techniques, composition, light, storytelling and creating more engaging bird images.

I wanted to create something that not only helps improve photography skills, but also encourages a deeper respect and understanding for the birds we photograph.

There’s still plenty of work ahead, but I’m looking forward to sharing more soon. I’d love to know… what are some bird photography topics you would love to see covered in a guide like this?

www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz

On those really sunny days when the harsh light arrives, most of us pack up the cameras and head home. But try staying o...
13/05/2026

On those really sunny days when the harsh light arrives, most of us pack up the cameras and head home. But try staying out a little longer and start looking for pockets of dappled light filtering through the trees.

When that soft light lines up perfectly with a bird, it can create something really special, beautiful contrast, depth, and a natural spotlight effect that draws your eye straight to the subject.

Sometimes the toughest light conditions can produce the most unique images if you slow down and work with the light instead of against it.

www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz

Shooting on a 600mm prime lens is incredible for filling the frame and capturing detail… until the bird suddenly lands w...
10/05/2026

Shooting on a 600mm prime lens is incredible for filling the frame and capturing detail… until the bird suddenly lands way too close.

The natural reaction is to step backwards so you can fit the bird in the frame, but in a dense forest that often means adding layers of branches, leaves, and bush between you and the subject. Sometimes it softens the image and creates a messy shot… other times it can add depth, atmosphere, and really tell the story of the bird’s habitat.

Personally I don’t mind a bit of foreground forest if it helps create mood and gives that “hidden in the wild” feeling. What do you think? Does the foreground add to the image or distract from the subject?

www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz

The Swamp Harrier, often known as the Harrier hawk (Kahu), is New Zealand’s largest bird of prey, with an impressive win...
08/05/2026

The Swamp Harrier, often known as the Harrier hawk (Kahu), is New Zealand’s largest bird of prey, with an impressive wingspan reaching up to 1.3 metres, and this beautiful bird was definitely trying to show us that incredible span.

www.maddoxphotographynz.co.nz

Address

NA
Te Awamutu
3800

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

Telephone

021 0241 3063

Website

https://youtube.com/@maddoxphotographynz?si=FpDM_xGsWvTLkpeC

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