A Milestone Photo That Started My Photography Journey

In 2018, I set off on a year-long working holiday in New Zealand with no plans or expectations. I just needed a break from a job that had me feeling pretty down.

I was traveling and working along the way, and I really liked the “work for accommodation” setup. When I got to my first host’s place after a long drive, they greeted me with a big smile and the best chocolate milkshake I’ve ever had!

“This is amazing! Thanks a lot!” I said with a grin.

My host laughed and said, “You should thank LUCY. That’s her milk you’re drinking!” LUCY was their cow, munching away happily outside. I was curious and excited—this was my first time knowing exactly where my milk came from!

During the week I stayed there, I got to know LUCY well. Each morning, I’d bring her down from the hills, feed her some treats, and milk her. At first, I was a bit nervous about being so close to such a big animal, but LUCY was super gentle and friendly. She loved feijoas, a local fruit, and I’d often pick some and toss them to her in the field.

One day, I took my camera out to snap some photos of LUCY. I lay on the grass, trying to get a good shot from a safe distance. LUCY must have thought I was playing with her because she came charging over and nearly stepped on me!

When it was time to leave, I said a heartfelt goodbye to LUCY and thanked her. I promised I’d come back if I could, though I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get the chance.

As my trip was ending, I really wanted to go back to that first place (I had stayed with eight different families in total) because it meant a lot to me. Even though it was out of the way, I made the drive back, only to find out that LUCY wasn’t there anymore. She had tragically fallen off a cliff and was found only after some time. I was completely shocked and heartbroken.

That night, as I transferred the photos to my host’s computer, she looked at them and said, “Thanks for taking these beautiful pictures of LUCY.” I went back to my car to sleep, and I couldn’t stop crying.

This photo and the time I spent with LUCY have left a lasting impression on me. This experience has also ignited a profound sense of purpose and meaning in my photography journey.

Thank you, LUCY. I’m deeply grateful for the moments we shared.