Wanganui fisherman Cameron Long is an ace snapper.
For the past six years he has combined his job as an offshore fisherman with an interest in photography.
From a seaborne perch, Mr Long has built a portfolio of birds, wildlife, and marine scenery.
Now his work is being showcased at Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum.
Three of Mr Long's photos will be on display after he took out a treble of awards at this year's Southern Seabird Solutions Trust's photograph competition.
He was crowned overall winner for his stunning shot of an albatross gliding above the water, one wing dipped lazily in the ocean.
It was taken between Dunedin and Timaru, about 20 miles off the coast, as the boat powered towards home.
The competition was open to fishermen and their immediate families.
Mr Long said his work as a commercial fisherman for Nelson-based Amaltal Fishing Company gave him opportunities to pursue his passion.
"I don't bother taking photos of fishing gear or fishing practices & I'm interested in birds and wildlife and scenery," he said.
"It's been a hobby for a while now. I've gone digital in the last 18 months, but I've been photographing for about six years."
Mr Long does not know any other fishermen who double as photographers, and his workmates never bat an eyelid when they see him pulling out his camera.
As a fisherman, he works on a five-weeks-on, five-weeks-off rotation.
When he is on the boat, which travels all around New Zealand, the shifts are 12 hours on, 12 hours off.
Photography gave him an outlet to relax and think about something different, he said.
"I've never been taught, but my mum's brother is a pro photographer, so I'm always picking his brain."
Family members benefit from Mr Long's skills, with many displaying his work on their walls.
He plans to get his winning photo printed on to canvas, and hopes to hold an exhibition of his own work one day.
Until then, the winning photos, including Mr Long's, are on display at Te Papa's Nature Space until mid-August.
The Southern Seabirds Solutions Trust encourages fishermen to become aware of seabirds and assist in their protection.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.