|
|
 |
|
Pete Smithies - Waiouru |
How long have you lived in Waiouru?
Since 2006. My wife and I moved here to pursue a dream and a call from God.
Having fallen in love with New Zealand over 20 years ago – it wasn’t a difficult decision, but it was a LONG hard process. We got our citizenship last year!
Did you attend school here?
No – I attended School and Technical College in Wales (when Wales were good at Rugby – not a good fit for an Englishman at the time) and Art College at Southport in the UK
What’s the best thing about being a Central Plateau local?
The lifestyle, the central location, the awesome ever changing scenery, the space and NO TRAFFIC !!
What’s your favourite feature of the area you live in?
Has to be Mt Ruapehu followed by the rivers and the golf courses.
What’s your claim to fame? What best describes what you do?
I can pretty much do anything that involves a computer or a camera!
Having spent over 30 years in all the different multimedia/photo/video/design streams – I don’t have to outsource – We offer a “one stop shop” for virtually any multimedia needs .
What inspired you to get into this field of work?
I love to create images. Moving from still to video and then design, interactive multimedia and web development was a natural progression. Moving from film to digital has rekindled my first love and Whispers Gallery is a great opportunity to showcase what I love most.
Share your successes with us?
Since starting Pete Smithies Media 5 years ago, I see every new satisfied client as a success. Most of my work has come from personal recommendation – that’s the best and most rewarding marketing.
What made it possible?
I always endeavour to go the extra mile, don’t promise what I cannot deliver and always advise alternative options if I feel the client could be better served with another approach or supplier. This has cost me work in the past – but has enhanced my reputation.
What are your future plans/goals?
Together with my wife and daughter, to see Whispers Gallery established and in so doing, enable local art and craft makers to prosper too. I know how hard it was for me to get started! I would also like to see Pete Smithies Media become a key business in the region.
What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to get through?
The first 18 months of launching Pete Smithies Media – getting opportunities to show people what I can do. Living in a fairly transient place, I think some people were a little sceptical as to whether I would stay in the area.
What strengths/experience do you need to be good at what you do?
Patience, creativity, self-motivation, flexibility and confidence
Any funny moments you can share with us?
As a young photographer, who was more used to doing weddings and portraits – I had to photograph a military funeral, I was asked to get a group photograph of all the senior officers attending. I arranged the group and called out to them in a loud voice “OK, everyone look into the camera and NICE BIG SMILES please”
They didn’t!
Your advice to someone wanting to get into what you do?
Ensure that you diversify as much as possible, be patient, humble and never stop learning.
To view Pete Smithies Media in Waiouru click here...
To view Whispers Art & Crafts Gallery in Waiouru click here...
For accommodation in Waiouru look no further than Whispers Apartment click here...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|