Sara Tautuku Orme is a photographer whose career spans more than three decades across commercial and long-form work. She has worked across documentary, portraiture, fashion and advertising – and now focuses on projects grounded in people, place and long-term relationships.
With a background in sociology and art history (Canterbury University), her work has consistently explored identity and representation. Her early analogue practice in the 1990s – including This Is Not The Red Carpet (Cannes, 1993) – looked at gender, performance and visibility – themes that continue to run through her work.
Alongside her personal projects, Sara has built a substantial commercial career – shooting campaigns for Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines. Her work often draws from real people and lived environments – bringing a sense of authenticity and connection into large-scale productions.
At the same time, she has maintained long-term personal work. Her project Whenua, based in Te Teko where she has whakapapa, has been developed over more than a decade through ongoing relationships with whānau and community.
Her current project, Kaumātua Aotearoa, is a three-year body of work documenting Māori elders using large-format film alongside recorded kōrero to be published in 2027 alongside a national touring exhibition.
Sara’s work has been exhibited in Aotearoa and internationally – including at Aotearoa Art Fair, Solo show at Arts House Trust – Pah Homestead, Tim Melville, Caelum Gallery (New York) and Blindside (Melbourne) – and is held in public collections such as Waikato Museum and Arts House Trust. She is a two-time award-winning recipient of the Contemporary New Zealand Art Award.
Her work is grounded in working closely with people over time – where trust, connection and experience shape the image.
Event Details
When: Wednesday, May 13th. Doors open at 6 pm for a 6:30 pm start
Where: 921 Studios, 21 Michelle Road, Unit 9, Wigram, Christchurch
Cost: Free entry for AIPA members, NZIPP members and students. Non-members $10
RSVP: vpchristchurch@aipa.online