I’ve twice been commissioned to shoot Dr Jan Wright’s portrait while she was the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. I like making strong ‘story portraits’ – images that capture the essence, work, passion, or message of the subject. Dr Jan Wright was a perfect subject for this style.
Here’s the ‘official portrait of Dr Wright while in office. I wanted to put Dr Wright into nature, not just make it her back drop. The colours are very pleasing to my eye:
New Zealand Geographic commissioned me to record her portrait for the magazine. Here’s Dr Wright in her natural environment, with a carefully placed nod to the halls of government power, to signify the relationship and influence of her role. Here’s the link to the article.
Congratulations to George Bettle and his family; their house was a finalist in Home Magazine’s Home of the Year competition. Clearly a lot of remarkably good design went into it, and we’re chuffed that they selected one our images (Tui Black) to grace the main living space.

Tui Black in Home of the Year finalist, 2015. Photo courtesy of Simon Devitt & Home Magazine
The photo was is a result of harsh side light and dark forest behind, and a bit of luck. It’s a stunning frame and has created a lot of interested, so clearly George Bettle is a trendsetter, finding it first.

Tui Black ©Rob Suisted – www.naturespic.com
Thanks
to George Bettle, Simon Devitt and Home Magazine for the opportunity to showcase some of the large mural work we do. Due to the interest, we’ve now made it available as a high quality artwork that can be ordered here: http://www.robsuistedoncanvas.co.nz/new_zealand/canvas_print.asp?id=7441. Check out feedback we’re recieved from some of our mural clients.