New Zealand Local Photographer’s Shooting in the FGS Temple Capture the Beauty of Food
On 1st July 2021, New Zealand local photographer Alex McVinnie visited Fo Guang Shan Auckland Water Drop Vege Cafe to take some photographs of food. Alex has been engaging in full-time photography 10 years ago. His main field is food photography. Most of his works are submitted to Metro magazines or commercial cooperation websites.
Two weeks ago, Alex was in FGS Buddhist Temple Auckland to have a meal. He enjoyed the vegetarian food in Water Drop Vege Cafe very much. At that time, he had the idea of using a camera to record his food. He then asked if he could take pictures and the detailed process of the food preparation. He further explained that he is currently in the middle of preparing a collection of works on monastery food. He strongly believes that food is not just about the taste, but also a way of communicating with the public. He hopes that the food in the Temple can be recorded and organized into a book for the public.
Upon receiving Alex's visit request and after some careful consideration in understanding his photographic works and intentions, various of vegetarian meals were prepared for him to shoot. Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland, Venerable Rulian, and staff members Karzin and Lucy assisted in the shooting process. Alex was grateful and delighted to receive so many materials for his photography shoot. He also said that he liked the decoration of the Temple very much and having the opportunity to take photos in the Auckland Temple made him feel very lucky and blessed. For him, the Temple is full of surprises and he cannot wait to bring his mother to visit next time.
On behalf of Abbess Manshin, Venerable Rulian presented the 2022 Auckland and Christchurch Temple calendar and the annual BLIA NZ Members’ activities report to Alex. Venerable Rulian also recommended Alex to sign up for the 5th Art Salon Exhibition which will be held in November. Alex was very surprised and said that he would be delighted to sign up and participate in the grand event.