In Conversation | Jono Parker

In the first installation of our 'In Conversation' series where we explore the creative lives of our Shelter community and collaborators, we sat down with local photographer and friend of The Shelter Jono Parker.

Jono Parker
Full time Photographer
Based: Auckland, New Zealand

Images by Jono Parker

Tell me about your background and the pathway that led you to where you are today?

I actually have an architecture degree and during uni we were always encouraged to pick up a camera and capture our building models and architecture that inspired us. It wasn’t until I had graduated in 2012 and was a month and a half in to my masters of Architecture that I decided it wasn’t the path for me. I put that on hold and decided to put all my eggs in one basket and really give photography a go. Fashion has always been a huge passion of mine so the transition happened quite naturally.

Your photography contains an energy and evokes curiosity in your viewers... explain your process to capture these essential essences that make up your work?

Whenever I’m doing a shoot I love to include architecture, to me fashion and architecture naturally compliment each other well. I always have the bones of the direction of the shoot, usually working this around a location or specific piece of architecture that is inspiring me at the time. I then find the stylist that I know will work well in the style of the space and we concept from there. Finding the correct location is essential and working all elements in with the space creates the unique energy in my work.

Images by Jono Parker
Hair and Make up by Rebekah Banks

Your range of work is extremely diverse, what do you enjoy most about the smaller test shoots you often do at The Shelter?

The beautiful thing about doing these smaller shoots is not having a brief or a client. I can express my own creativity. It's so natural and unforced. I also get to do the styling, which I love. Often these shoots are some of my best work.

Who would be your favourite masters of photography and why?

I’ve always been really inspired by Helmut Newton – a lot of the work I have done has really been reflective of his style. I also find Henrik Purienne and Neave Bozorgi particularly inspiring.

You frequently visit the shelter... can you describe the unique attributes of the shelter that you enjoy?

I love the fit out of The Shelter – something about the way the spaces are composed, the black and white minimal look – it doesn’t feel like you’re in a shop and I always feel at home here. I love all the designers - I get lots of inspiration for upcoming editorials from just browsing the racks. The Shelter family, you’re all so welcoming. I often just pop in for a coffee and a chat or do my emails in the cafe!

What was the last thing you saw, read or heard that really inspired you?

HOLIDAY by Henrik Purienne

Images by Henrik Purienne
Image source: Village Books Co

If you were planning your ultimate day away from work (and with an unlimited budget), how would this look?
Are there some elements/objects from The Shelter that would be on your desired list?

On an unlimited budget (and maybe for longer than a day) I’d pack my Crash Baggage suitcase and jump on a plane to the Amalfi Coast. You’d find me sunbathing on the beach in a Reinhard Plank hat and not much else – European style.

If I was limited to just a single day off work I'd spend it at my favourite piece of architecture on Waiheke, called 'Tent House' by good friend & architect Chris Tate, sipping wine out of the paper thin An Astute Assembly wine glasses.