The Marine Parade viewing platform in Napier was the subject of one of Mauro Pacella's surreal photographs. Photo / Mauro Pacella
The Marine Parade viewing platform in Napier was the subject of one of Mauro Pacella's surreal photographs. Photo / Mauro Pacella
Iconic Napier locations have been captured from a new perspective through the surreal photography of Mauro Pacella.
The professional drone pilot from Argentina, who is on a working holiday in Napier, was inspired to take the photos while on a walk along Marine Parade.
Pacella was captured by the geometryof the gardens and the viewing platform and wanted to create a visually striking image.
He wanted to create surreal images which would make the viewer question the reality of the scene, experience vertigo and wonder how it was created.
He wanted Napier residents, who would recognise the locations, to see them from a different perspective which would "make the mind fly to a completely different place to the one they [have] known for years".
To take the shots, he first analysed the location, planned the image then found the perfect time of day to photograph.
After he had taken the photographs he edited it to "achieve a style, a signature that could be recognisable".
"I'm always looking for symmetry, geometry, lines, mirror images, angles, hard contrast and heavy, sharp detailed scenes," he said.
In the image of the viewing platform, a whale was digitally added to give further impact.
The Marine Parade Gardens are pictured in a whole new view by the Argentinian photographer. Photo / Mauro Pacella
The photos captured Napier's attention after Pacella shared them on social media to "take the mind of the community to an 'alternate reality' in these difficult times".
They gathered the response Pacella wanted with many speculating about how the images were taken.
Pacella has been interested in photography for about seven years and said it was an important part of his job as a drone pilot in Argentina.
His little brother first brought a camera into their house and the pair became interested in the art together, often comparing points of style, colouring, composition and techniques.
Pacella first arrived in New Zealand late last year and came to Hawke's Bay in January.
"I was immediately caught by Napier, the city, the beach, the ocean, the vibe, the buildings, the history and culture," he said.
