Since May so much has happened.
This year I am a Canon EYEcon Mentor. I feel honoured to have been asked, and excited about the opportunity of sharing our experience, knowledge, and philosophy, with the winner.
Two months ago our building was brought down under the jurisdiction of CERA. What was meant to be a cathartic experience turned into a psychological disaster as halfway through the actual demolition Christchurch experienced yet another major Earthquake. It was a huge blow as we stood there realising that the end was out of our hands. We finally accepted that it was out of our control, and the process of recovery was going to take a long time.
We left town for a month. We had a window, and a payment from insurance for the furniture we lost in the demolition. For 30 days we escaped. We returned energised and full of hope.
We have started making progress with our insurance. We have sought out an architect, and the process of building a new castle has started.
Susie (our studio manager) has gone away for a few months. We are excited for her travels and experiences.
We are back in business. Our current home is an amazing place for photography.
We want people to know we are working hard to get through what will be a long and difficult, but worthwhile, time until our rebuild is completed.
We want more portraits, weddings, and commercial work.
This will get us through.
Thanks to everyone for their help and love.
Our best wishes
Johannes
PS Today I am thinking about things that tomorrow I will enjoy.
Here's hoping it all goes well for you and the rest of Christchurch.
All the best from everyone at Queensberry
Ian
It will only get better from here. It was strange to realise that we weren't as okay as we had said we were. Going away was the best thing we did and now we feel that things are healing.
We know that they are on the verge of getting very exciting for us.
Glad to hear you're up and running. Would love to visit and meet you! Glad volunteer any post processing, or second shooting to do to keep me from getting rusty!
It was tough...but everything will be fine. The aftermath will end with smile, just don't give up hope.
Hey Mr JVK,
Dale here from Photo & Video days of the late 90s. Sorry to hear how things have been panning out for you there in brilliant Lyttleton since the quakes. From all the reports I'm hearing back things appear to be on the mend ever so slowly and I hope things come right for you sooner rather than later.
Scrolling through your blog I still love ya work by the way, looked up to it back in my P&V days when Maree used to call us over to the old Agfa printers with a 'check this one out' and I still admire and look up to it today.
All the best, Dale