Picture Perfect
Suitable for all ages
Upstairs Atrium
Suitable for all abilities
Free
This brand-new exhibition features 40 stunning images from the portfolios of our eight New Zealand Defence Force photographers.
The exhibition also features the story of photography as a trade in the RNZAF, which dates back to 1929, and a display of historic cameras taken from our collection.
As well as stunning pictures there’s a lot of history thrown in – including the amazing fact that pictures not always taken on phones in digital form!
Our thanks to the talented NZDF team – Petty Officer Chris Weissenborn, Leading Aviator Classification Connor Williams, Corporal Jalesa Nomani, Corporal Maddy Butcher, Corporal Naomi James, Leading Aviator Classification Rachel Pugh, Sergeant Sean Spivey and Corporal Andy Jenkins.
In 1929, at the age of just 16, Francis Fennessy (pictured drying aerial negatives) was enlisted as the first New Zealand Permanent Air Force photographer. He went on to set up photographic units around New Zealand and the Pacific, trained many early photographers, and was a trade examiner during the war. Francis retired from the Air Force in July 1964 having attained the rank of Wing Commander. 2021-078.13
During World War One, cameras and photography were found to be an excellent source of intelligence on the battlefield. Aerial photos could be examined to assess the number and distribution of enemy troops and artillery.
For this reason, the photographic trade was established in the
air force with the first photographer enlisting in 1929.
By World War Two it was apparent that photography was much more than just a military tool – pictures were also very useful for public relations and recruitment and the trade continued to grow.
In the early years photographers exposed, developed and printed black and white photos and bases were equipped with dark rooms, but technology was quickly changing.
The RNZAF offered full trade training for photographers and, by the 1970s, there were 35 photographers based around the country with a central hub at the Central Photographic Establishment at Ohakea.
As colour film became more popular in the 1970s, film processing was outsourced with enlargements being hand-printed.
By the year 2000 photography was mostly digital and today all photos are digital files.
The photographic trade continues to be busy with the NZDF’s team of eight photographers recording training course groups, graduation parades, machinery faults, accidents, personnel portraits and technical shots, as well as producing publicity
shots and social media photos and videos.
NZDF photographers are also on call to deploy with the rest of Navy, Army and Air Force personnel. This work can range from going on exercises through to short notice humanitarian aid missions and NZDF deployments anywhere in the world.
Made in Japan. 5 x 4 inch (125x100mm) sheet film in pre-loaded cartridges.
This camera was used by the Wigram Photo Flight in the 1980s before being transferred to the Air Force Museum for image reproduction before the advent of digital imagery.
Made in Germany. 35mm strip film in pre-loaded cartridge.
This high-quality camera was used by the Ohakea Photo Flight in the 1970s and early 1980s.
Made in Japan. 120 format roll-film in removable film-back producing 5.5 x 7cm negatives.
This camera was used by the Wigram Photo Flight in the 1980s before being transferred to the Air Force Museum for image reproduction before the advent of digital imagery.
Made in Japan. 35mm strip film in pre-loaded cartridge.
By far the most common format of camera, 35mm SLR cameras were commonly used by all photo flights from the 1970s until the advent of digital photography in the early 2000s. This camera was used by the Wigram Photo Flight in the 1970s and 1980s.
Made in the United States. 5 x 4 inch (125x100mm) sheet film in pre-loaded cartridges.
These cameras were used by RNZAF photographers from the 1950s until smaller formats were preferred from the early 1970s onwards. This example was used in the photographic training school at Wigram in the 1980s.
An RNZAF photographer with a 6x8 inch format camera on his shoulder at RNZAF Station Nelson during World War Two. Image from the BJ Simpson personal album collection - ALB88106044
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand holds all surviving negatives taken by RNZAF photographers and it is a fascinating record of life in war and peace. These are being steadily transferred to digital format so that we can share this important collection with the world. Our online photo library holds over 55,000 of these historic images and is free to search, and download, at www.airforcemuseum.co.nz/photographs
Opening Hours
Open daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
(except Christmas Day, 25 December)
Free entry for New Zealanders & people living in New Zealand
Location
45 Harvard Ave, Wigram,
Christchurch, New Zealand
Phone: 03 371 9600
