Did you ever run across photos that captured you instantly? That took you to a place, and got you dreaming? Such is the case with our featured photographer this month, Larry Prosor. With photos from New Zealand's North Island and Northern California for this feature, he takes us to two very different locations—and gives us a true sense of place.

New Zealand (above)

Larry is a novelist, screenwriter, and photographer. His books include Dream Walker, Lake Tahoe, and Endless Nevada. His words and images have appeared in numerous books, media, calendars, advertising, and art worldwide. He believes storytelling is best told by living an artful life filled with interesting stories. California-born, he lives in New Zealand. 

Larry Prosor. Photo: Will Prosor

How did you get interested in photography?
My grandfather photographed and wrote magazine articles of his travels in Baja California and Alaska. When I was twelve he gave me his old 35mm camera with handheld light meter. I soon became a young photo junky addicted to Kodak. Through trial and error with 35mm film, light meter, individual lenses and manual settings I developed skills to create images of merit to keep feeding my creative desires.

New Zealand (above)

How long have you been a photographer?
I first made money at photography in the late 70’s/early 80’s while living near Lake Tahoe in my early ski bum phase. I scratched up the money to purchase a used Canon F-1 camera with some quality lenses. What to shoot? How about my extreme skier friends leaping off cliffs and pushing their limits? I accumulated a collection of images I thought were worthy and nervously drove down to the offices of the skiing magazine, Powder. When I spread the images on the light table the editor gods were so impressed they granted me an exclusive nine page feature of my photos including a fold out poster. After I had chased down the editors for the full amount of money they owed me, I saw my future appear in a crystal lens. 

New Zealand

Larry's wife Cindy and son Will helicopter skiing in the Southern Alps, New Zealand.

What is your favorite place or thing to photograph?
Check my website, www.larryprosor.com, and you’ll see why I’m lacking answers. A photo is worth a thousand words? 

New Zealand (above)

How can photographers be a part of change in the world?
Photography certainly has the power to change lives. How many photos have inspired people to travel this amazingly diverse planet and connect with fellow occupants of this Earth? Seeing a photo of a mountain and pursuing the dream to stand on the summit to witness the world from above. With camera mounted on a surfboard to document the thrilling ride of a wave of liquid energy. The very worthy excuse of a camera carrying stroll through the forest quietly embracing Mother Nature while drifting into mindful contemplation. Being a witness through a viewfinder of a sunset so lovely it brings tears. To create an hours long single exposure while staring at the Milky Way in universal wonder. 

New Zealand (above)

Northern California (above)

Do you have any trips planned for the future, and if so, what are you looking forward to?
The past decade or so, I usually travel from New Zealand to swap hemispheres during the summer. I look forward to returning to our old rustic family cabin in Northern California on the edge of an alpine lake. Family and friends gather in generations of our mutual tribal history. Standing on our porch looking across the water, the Pacific Crest Trail runs along the ridge luring seekers to walk the journey from Mexico to California. Many fine photos on offer all around the mountain world we are blessed to visit. And when the summer comes to a close in California, back to New Zealand in time for spring. An abundance of traveling and photography opportunities every time I come to either hemisphere. 

New Zealand (above)

Northern California (above)

Any photography tips you want to share?
Leave behind the not-too-smart-phone and get into a high quality SLR camera with fine lenses. Rise with the birds and shoot the first few hours of day - then put the camera away - then back to the camera to chase long shadows. Take time to compose the photo in a viewfinder. Get creative on where you put the subject in the frame. Turn off autofocus. Scout locations before shooting. If you wish to work with people, respect their wishes. 

New Zealand (above)

Is there anything else you want to share with us?
Travel, photography and writing leads to being an observer with eyes wide open to experience the world. Photos and words reflect back on our tracks we leave through life.

Larry surfing in New Zealand. Photo: Logan Murray

Find Larry online:
www.larryprosor.com
amazon.com/author/larryprosor

All photos courtesy and copyright Larry Prosor, except where noted.