Two weeks ago I was invited to photograph a friend receiving his ta moko. A moko is a traditional maori facial tattoo and the woman's version is called a moko kauae. Ra was receiving his full face moko and at the same time Donna and Te Ata were also having their moko kauae tattooed.
The day began at Piha beach at sunrise with Ra and his sons cleansing themselves in the Tasman Sea before moving back to town so Ra could have his head shaved. We then went onto the marae for the design, drawing and finally tattooing.
I have presented the images of Ra and his family to him today, but am not going to present them to the public as we have some ideas about where they might be published, as well as them being used in a documentary of the day for TV.
But I do have permission to tease everyone with this image of Donna(left) and Te Ata, right after they've had their work completed. This image shows Donna and Te Ata looking at Troy who is Te Ata's son, just before Troy and other whanau begin a celebratory haka.
The day was full of intense energy and emotion that I will never forget. This shot shows the relief and fatigue and pride on both woman's faces as they look to their loved one. I have hundreds of amazing images showing every emotion from fear to pain to joy. The day was full of song, prayer, speeches, and haka.
I truly feel privileged to have had the chance to share that day and record the events and emotions. Sometime in the future I look forward to sharing more of these images with you all.