Proudly sponsored by Nelson Auto Glass Specialists
This month’s Local Legend, proudly sponsored by the team at Nelson Auto Glass Specialists, is photographer Mary Lorier, a dedicated member of the Nelson Camera Club whose work behind the lens has helped capture some of the region’s most meaningful community stories.
Mary is an active member of the Nelson Camera Club and, in collaboration with Nelson RSA’s Barry Pont, led a volunteer project photographing local veterans – an experience she describes as both rewarding and deeply moving. “It was a tremendous learning experience for all of us, and it is because of the Nelson Camera Club that we were able to do the project,” says Mary.
Working alongside Barry and fellow club members, Mary helped organise and carry out portrait sittings. “During the project there was a real sense of pride,” she says. “There was a physical shift in the veterans when they put their medals on. They stood a little taller and prouder. There was also a sense of the unspoken, a kind of introspective weight in the air for some, in what they had gone through.”
Mary and her husband Michael have been members of the Nelson club since moving to the region three years ago, building on previous experience with photography clubs elsewhere. For them, the club’s strength lies in its collaboration. “The members of the club are very wonderful, helping with the use of lighting gear, contacts and mentoring. It was an enriching project to be a part of. They really helped to make it happen,” she says.
She adds that the club also opens doors to opportunities that would be difficult to access independently, including photographing the recent Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Rally. “Within the club there is a whole breadth of experience among its members, and these kinds of opportunities provide a huge amount of benefit.”
