We caught up with our good mate Tim D at their studio in Tāmaki Makaurau where he works with his partner Petra Leary to chat about his new photo book Avondale. What began as a few local shoots turned into a full project capturing the people and places of a changing community. We talked about how it came together, the ups and downs of long term work, and how he balances it all with film, gigs and life with Kodak 🐕.
Congrats on the release of your new photo book Avondale! What made you want to focus on this particular community, and how did the project take shape over the years?
Thanks, bro. The release and the feedback have been huge. It’s nice to finally have it out there in the world after putting so much work into it.
I never actually set out to make a book. Back in 2020, a local charity called ILOVEAVONDALE received funding to commission artists to work on 16 outdoor frames on Great North Road—just before the spider.
Its founder, Dayne, asked Tom Scott if he wanted to be involved. Tom had moved back to the area at the time and was raising his young family in the same place he grew up. He saw the area was changing and wanted to document it. He asked me to work with him to create a time capsule of the place and its people.
About a year later, Melodownz asked me to work with him on a similar project—this time focusing on telling the stories of people who were part of the community he grew up in.
After that shoot, I realized I had created historically important documentation of Avondale at a specific point in time. Even though the photos were modern at the time they were made they were already timeless and also represented an era before they were made to an extent.
I kept working with the intention of making a book in my own time. With Katy and Lyss from ILOVEAVONDALE, we documented more locals and shared their stories.
“Avondale” book launch and exhibition. Photo: Tim D
You've always had a deep appreciation for documenting people and place. How did your approach shift (if at all) when working on Avondale compared to your debut photo book Mercury Plaza?
Man, I still miss Mercs every day.
I'm pretty excited that the book, which has been out of print for a few years, is getting a second edition—sponsored by Leica. 100 copies for 100 years of Leica.
The approach was entirely different. I had spent my life at Mercs—I was part of that place versus walking with allies like the Avondale work.
The Mercury Plaza book also had a deadline in which images could be made with the demolition impending, most of the images were made within the last year of operation. Older images were made sporadically without intent, most of this work was made with intent to make a book.
I've sharpened my swords a lot since these images, but I'm still really proud of it. I love the sequencing of the images. It takes you on a ride and rips your heart out.
Mercury Plaza. Photo: Tim D
From your time behind the lens, what’s one story or moment from the Avondale project that still sticks with you?
Man, even though you said “behind the lens,” I’ve got to mention the book launch. The love and generosity and support I was shown by people was unreal—one of the most special moments of my life, for sure.
“Avondale” book launch and exhibition. Photo: Tim D
You’ve mentioned before how important slowing down is in your work, especially when shooting film. Did that same philosophy guide how you approached building and releasing this book?
Long-form projects are a rollercoaster of emotions. You can be proactive, but I’ve got this mantra: “Things will happen when they’re ready and for a reason.”
I would’ve loved to release this book earlier, but the delays allowed more stories to be told and the launch to come together.
Between commercial gigs, book launches, and Kodak the dog, what does a typical day in your world look like right now?
Man, sometimes life feels like school holidays with responsibilities. Yesterday, I got up and took the dog to the park for a run. I'm trying to get back to my pre-lockdown fitness and return to Muay Thai.
Then I worked on some photos I shot last week in Rotorua for a film and made some prints I sold. I also did some planning for a show/talk I’m having at the Leica showroom this week—a retrospective of work I’ve made using their cameras over the years.
I’m really grateful for my life. It has its ups and downs financially, but when I’m not making bread, I’m entirely focused on my personal work. Shout out to my commercial clients for keeping the lights on and allowing me to do this!
Kodak 🐕
Any advice for someone wanting to start their own long-term photo series or book, especially one rooted in community?
There’s really nothing to it but to do it—and follow it through to completion. Respect for your subjects is paramount.
If you could hang out and shoot photos anywhere in the world for a month, where would it be and who would you bring along?
Man, I know it’s politically cooked, but as a Jordan-era, skateboarding, graffiti/hip-hop-loving kid from Aotearoa who grew up consumed by American pop culture, I’ve always gotta pick the States. Take me back to NYC with my girl—even New Jersey rules. It’s like Auckland—great and a bit shit, ha!
One love, Calis & Emilly, VPC since day dot!
