One of the highlights of my event photography year is the National Barista Championships. The New Zealand Specialised Coffee Association turn on a full weekend.
I take photos.
Each barista has 15 minutes for four cups of espresso, a milk drink and a speciality coffee. A lot to pack into the time. And chat's required. Some great story telling involved.
This year some added education with "the Knowledge Lab". So much to learn about grinders, milks, machines and even smoothies.
The judges are such an important part of the event. A big job across the two days. For the first time, live on-stage finals judging. I'm sure challenging for both judges discussing their views and baristas hearing how they'd gone, but provided a unique opportunity to capture this aspect of the finals process. And a fire alarm didn't even stop the judging.
Peter and his crew at Whirinaki Whare Taonga always do a great job with the lighting. And if you've heard me bang on about lighting you'll know how much that means.
And how about a birds eye view? I get to spend a few minutes in the rafters. So hot couldn't spend any longer, but worth it for a different perspective.
So after regionals, 15 into heats, 6 into finals and one winner Max. Congratulations. Check out his coffee at The Beanery on The Terrace.
But none of this is possible without orgainsers, sponsors, MC's, an audience and volunteers.
Multiple coffees were required to complete these images. And 28,000 steps.
Andrew
ATPhoto
