The first commercial photographer in New Zealand (Isaac Polack) set up shop in Auckland in 1848.  Photography has changed a lot since then with the formal portraits taken by Polack no longer as popular as they once were. But in the 1950s wedding photography was still a lucrative business. Amy Harper, a specialist in weddings, sometimes had bridal limousines in a queue outside of her studio on a Wednesday (one of her busiest days of the week!)

Mister J. Cumming, a Levin photographer, undertook weddings as well. Wedding photography 'on location' became increasingly popular after the Second World War. In England, former army photographers would wait outside of churches ready to offer their services to the happy couple on the off chance they would be interested! But studio based wedding portraits were in demand as well.

Mister Cumming didn't just photograph weddings. In a 1960 Levin Industries Catalogue he advertised his services for commercial and industrial photography (then based in Trafalgar Street), and many photographs taken by him are of local events. The National Library states he was active between 1955-1968. 

The photograph on the slide is hand coloured. This was another service photographers offered, but one which would soon become obsolete as better colour films, papers and printing became available.

 One of the smallest record labels in the country, TALA was set up in Levin in 1957. In the beginning it stood for 'To Assist Levin Artists' but, with few local acts coming forward, it was changed to 'To Assist Local Artists'. Either way, this label had around forty releases, each featuring New Zealand artists. 

The label's owner, Wally Clark, was quick to pick up on international trends in music and always found local bands who were playing the right tune. This particular tune is by the Warren Sisters who were one of Clark's original TALA talents. 'Lace Covered Windows' was released in around 1968 and was among the last TALA releases.

Follow the link below for a picture of these artists on Kete 

https://horowhenua.kete.net.nz/item/b734f09f-9000-4f64-a332-7f4c1bb84990

Wally Clark was also a professional photographer who also cornered the Levin TV hire market- a very busy man!  

 One of the smallest record labels in the country, TALA was set up in Levin in 1957. In the beginning it stood for 'To Assist Levin Artists' but, with few local acts coming forward, it was changed to 'To Assist Local Artists'. Either way, this label had around forty releases, each featuring New Zealand artists.

The label's owner, Wally Clark, was quick to pick up on international trends in music and always found local bands who were playing the right tune. This particular tune is by the Warren Sisters who were one of Clark's original TALA talents. 'Lace Covered Windows' was released in around 1968 and was among the last TALA releases.

Follow the link below for a picture of these artists on Kete 

https://horowhenua.kete.net.nz/item/b734f09f-9000-4f64-a332-7f4c1bb84990

Wally Clark was also a professional photographer who also cornered the Levin TV hire market- a very busy man! 

Professional photographer: digital and video