“I’ve always been fascinated with people and how powerful and complex we are. I think the way we express ourselves through our mannerisms and emotions really offers an insight into the essence of who people are, and I like to try and capture that in my work.”
Scroll ↓
Koa Thomas, also known as Mickey to those closest to him, is a British-born photographer currently residing in Raglan, New Zealand, a place of solace amongst the seemingly never-ending lockdown restrictions. He is living in Whaingaroa, translated as ‘the long pursuit’ in native Maori, a small ad hoc feeling coastal town that sits amongst a panorama of mountains. Thomas is captivated by the human character and creatively collects moments in time through his incredible photography. Baring each subject’s soul and natural state isn’t achieved through merely shooting a camera; finding connection through art is instinctive, uncovering fearless seconds that represent the raw truth of a place or person. Thomas’s upbringing and early nomadic years filter his original eye for the fragility of humankind, allowing his work to translate individual narratives and experiences you find in the world's most remote corners. We had a pretty awesome chat about his latest projects and what is next to come, but for now, shooting, surfing, sipping on coffee, and a little simple living seems to suffice, and we don’t blame him.
How did your photography get started, what was the driving force behind picking up the camera?
When I was 20 years old I booked a flight to Mumbai. I had saved up some money working construction jobs and my only plan was to see how far through Asia I could get until my money ran out. I had a little point-and-shoot camera that I used to take photos and realised that I could capture someone’s character or the atmosphere of a certain place as I saw it, within an image. That’s how it all started.
I’ve always been fascinated with people and how powerful and complex we are. I think the way we express ourselves through our mannerisms and emotions really offers an insight into the essence of who people are, and I like to try and capture that in my work.
How has your UK upbringing shaped your work?
I think my work can be quite raw and moody at times, which could subconsciously be a reflection of certain parts of my early life in the UK.
Looking at my work as a whole I see similarities within the images that weren’t taken deliberately. I think where I’m from and the life I’ve lived so far is unconsciously reflected in my work. It can be a bit dark and moody at times, but then I guess the UK is pretty dark and moody a lot of the time too.
