Debate Photobook

For the final issue of the year, the Debate team decided to compile our favourite photos we’ve taken on our travels. These images span from the Deep South of Aotearoa, to the dunes of the Sahara Desert; from the busy streets of Havana, to home in the Philippines. We hope they inspire you to dust off your film camera like we did. Or, go buy one from your local op-shop. With daylight savings, the sun is on our side and it’s the perfect opportunity to get shooting.

Reid McLeay (he/him) Walking is an underrated form of transport. We have so much to see in Aotearoa and the slow pace gives time to take it all in. These images are a reminder for us to go for a wander - and to stop and enjoy the view every now and then. @reidmcleay

Charlie Ratahi McFarland (she/her) This collection of photos were taken on my trip around Morocco with my sweet pal, Eliza - in the late euro summer of 2018. I was living in London at the time and came across a film camera in my local charity shop for 16 quid. London made me broke. So, I cherished every negative in that roll of film. I took my time and made sure each snap was worth it. I think being dirt poor made me a better photographer. Silver linings! Clockwise from right: a souk in Fez, Essaouira, Atlas Mountains behind Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Simon and the Sahara Desert @charlie.ratahi

Sam Clark (he/him) I was lucky enough to have travelled to Cuba via the United States in early 2019. That summer I bought my first camera, a Pentax Spotmatic. I was determined to learn how to use it, so I ended up shooting three rolls of film while I was there. These are my favourite shots from that trip. The two below were shot in Miami, Florida - a city filled with neon lights and a constant stream of cruise ships. The art deco architecture was great and it was an interesting place to stop for a night. The other three were taken in Havana, Cuba - which is and might always be my favourite place I’ve ever been. It’s a beautiful city with a vibrant culture. You can walk around for hours, losing track of time without the distractions of social media. @samsgra.m