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people in windows : RWC 2011 auckland new zealand

A group of people looking out the window of a sky bridge, during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Auckland, New Zealand. (Peter Tasker)

A boy looking out the window of an ornate commercial building during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand. (Peter Tasker)

Two young men sitting in a window opening during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Karangahape Road, Auckland, New Zealand. (Peter Tasker)

It all seems so long ago. Of course if  we had lost, instead of  scraping home, the post mortem and mourning would be continuing. Now we have that satisfied acceptance of, -  job done – move on. Also, reality has rapidly re-imposed itself in the form of an election and the impending consequences that inevitably follow 40 years of world wide money debasement, – these are the next big games to be played.

The photographs above, ‘people in windows’, have just been added to the Gallery auckland RWC 2011. My photographic interest throughout the World Cup focused on the public, people in and about the streets, and of course up buildings and in windows. During a time of celebration, where people with cameras are accepted as part of the event, being photographed by a stranger is tolerated, even welcomed. Quite a number of times I was asked to take a photograph of one or more people, even though no thought had been given to how the subject would see or possess the resulting photograph. It is as though being photographed during such an event was an act of celebration in itself. As a photographer friend commented, it was a bit like ‘shooting fish in a barrel’. Actually, the whole period was outstanding for the universal atmosphere of goodwill amongst all, and I hope my collection of Rugby World Cup 2011 photographs become a valued addition to this significant event  : : peter

les bleus supporters : french colour french style

Portrait of French supporters covered in face paint, Rugby World Cup, RWC 2011 Auckland, New Zealand. (Peter Tasker)

Portrait of French supporters covered in face paint, Rugby World Cup, RWC 2011 Auckland, New Zealand. (Peter Tasker)

Portrait of embracing French supporters, Rugby World Cup, RWC 2011 Auckland, New Zealand. (Peter Tasker)

During the Rugby World Cup I had fun with street portraits – particularly of French supporters. They were easy going, good natured, and colourful. New Zealand’s ever present black clothing, of which I am as guilty as anyone,  became dull and oppressive, – making the simple purity of French colour all the more refreshing.

These three men, with their relaxed demeanour, similar height, build, and hair, were the perfect example of less is more. They looked fantastic, permanently embraced, simply walking slowly amongst the crowd, stopping occasionally to allow people to be photographed with them. They were delightful, – just one of the many beautiful moments I was fortunate to encounter.

Spectators, sitting in and looking out from windows, was another portrait theme I pursued during the RWC 2011. I’ll upload and post some of these examples in a couple of weeks  : : peter

all black parade RWC : auckland street photography

Street photography of Rugby World Cup 2011 All Black victory parade. (Peter Tasker)

Street photography of Rugby World Cup 2011 All Black victory parade. (Peter Tasker)

Street photography of Rugby World Cup 2011 All Black victory parade. (Peter Tasker)

I don’t think anyone anticipated a final score like 8 – 7. As feared, the French magically lifted their game, while Piri had an off day. Even so, now we have the cup, the hex is healed, – for a while. We must learn more about the French psychology of lifting your game when it really matters.

The effort many supporters went to was impressive, – getting there, dressing up, parents with children, – the universal good natured atmosphere. It has been a great occasion for all ages, a massive celebration with intensity that New Zealand will hopefully experience again.

Photographically, I’m pleased with my results of recording the Rugby World Cup as it occurred on the streets of Auckland, and will continue to upload further images. Now I shall resume my in-depth photographing of the Hauraki Gulf, and begin a few new projects  : : peter