People

Director

Dr. Kieran Haymes is a founding trustee of Photosynthesis and is driven by the belief that photography should be accessible for all.
Though his photography expertise had only extended to using his Nikon point-and-shoot film camera, he has built confidence and skill in using the studio and believes Photosynthesis is a novel project for the benefit of the wider photography community.

Grants Assistant

Ellen is a writer from North Canterbury. She is passionate about all art mediums, with a particular interest in painting and photography. She started volunteering from a young age, with a strong drive to help others. The Photosynthesis values belonging and inclusion strongly align with Ellen and how they serve the community.

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Graphic Designer

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Photography and Marketing

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Photography and Marketing

Photography Volunteer

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Intern early 2024

Volunteer

Volunteer

Volunteer
Georgia comes to Photosynthesis passionate about creating a magical environment for creation and story-telling. Georgia works for the Student Volunteer Army as their Head of Programmes and Engagement, and through her work knows just how important these spaces are for the community. Despite not being an artist herself, she enjoys being able to volunteer among creative people, and is here to help with whatever you need. You may also spot her sidekick/dog Juniper in the studio too!

Volunteer

Janneth was Photosynthesis’ second resident artist in 2023.
A Colombian-born New Zealander, Janneth is a multiple award-winning photographer and Engineer with a Master of Fine Arts (Distinction), majoring in photography, at the University of Canterbury. Janneth specializes in using photography, collaborative practices, community engagement and a broad range of artistic processes as a tool for social change and wellbeing. She works in multiple galleries in Ōtautahi documenting exhibitions and is passionate about sharing this knowledge.

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Chair and Treasurer

Jennifer Shields is a film and digital photographer. She’s had a passion for taking photos since she was in high school, breaking lenses in cul de sacs on shoots. Both her grandparents were avid photographers, and on mentioning her interest in film photography over Christmas 2020, her grandmother gave her a Canon EOS 300 to get started. In the six months following, her film camera collection grew to 10.
Jen is interested in what queer and trans photography can look like without portraiture. She loves spring and will take photos almost exclusively of blossoms when they’re blooming.
Outside of Photosynthesis, Jen is a trans advocate, Healthcare Lead at Qtopia, and President of PATHA.

Secretary

Director of Photosynthesis, Treasurer & Secretary of Photosynthesis Trust
Dr. Kieran Haymes is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Canterbury and the treasurer and secretary of Photosynthesis Trust. He believes expression through art should not be constrained by monetisation.
As a trustee of Photosynthesis, Kieran ensures that this space is operated to achieve the trust’s purpose of operating an inclusive and accessible creative studio that will enable and support visual fine art photographers, while maintaining its principles.
Though his photography expertise had only extended to using his Nikon point-and-shoot film camera, he has built confidence and skill in using the studio and believes Photosynthesis is a novel project for the benefit of the wider photography community.

Trustee

Trustee of Photosynthesis Trust
Audrey Baldwin is a Zimbabwean born, Ōtautahi based performance artist, curator, and event producer. She graduated from Ilam School of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury in 2009 and has been on the forefront of enlivening and activating public spaces in Christchurch since 2010. Her art practice incorporates live interactive performance, installation, video and photography.
She took on the role of Trustee because Photosynthesis’ kaupapa of skill sharing, collaboration and accessibility aligns with her passion for strengthening Ōtautahi’s vibrant local arts ecology and finding points of connection with contemporary art.