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Michael Lahood

@michael.lahood

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Photographer and Cinematographer .
Project Move.
To inspire a life of movement.

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2023 reel 🎞️

Near the start of the year I had a director want to work with me because he thought “I was a good run and gun cinematographer”.

That’s definitely a compliment! I still do a fair bit of solo shooting, but I’m ready to prove that I’m ready for more.

The few projects where I did have bigger budgets and bigger crew were such a sick time. The goal is now to show I’m ready to tackle some bigger setups and push the lighting/camera to the next level.

Bring on 2024 with some talented directors, awesome agencies and just great people and crew to work along side 👌🎬 by @michael.lahood

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3 years ago

Project Move #14 @oskar_i_wolff

Oskar loves being able to push himself, encourage others, and share a truly beautiful sport. He became obsessed with rock climbing at 10 years old after his first visit to Hangdog in Lower Hutt. He started climbing with the Dynomites climbing club, and began competing that same year. From there the passion for competition climbing only grew, and some years in, he discovered outdoor climbing. Its complexity drew him in immediately — outdoor climbing is intricate, and the attention to fine detail needed to succeed on climbs at your limit is mesmerising.

When pushing the edge of what he is capable of, Oskar is enthralled by the process of trying to maximise his chances of sending. Paying attention to every small detail during the projecting process is key — and it’s something you can never fully perfect. Every boulder presents different challenges, which keeps him on his toes. He has never reached a point where he felt he’d “perfected” climbing. That could sound daunting, but really, it’s just a lot of fun. Going to stunning places with good friends creates unforgettable experiences.

“Movement is how I stay present. Life can feel hectic, but when I’m on the wall, all of that melts away. I plan my next moves without worrying about how hard they’ll be — my mind stays locked on what’s directly in front of me, nothing else. Each foot move, each hand move — the focus stays in the moment. Only the things I can control occupy my thoughts.”

@sonyalpha.anz @blackdiamond @scarpa_world @southernapproachnz by @michael.lahood

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6 days ago

And here are a bunch of frames from @feelingsclubshow that I was stoked to be the Cinematographer for - so grateful to @taylornixonfilm for trusting me with his frames. Bring on season 2 I reckon…

Starring:
@charlie1.5 as Toby
@livsparker as Ms Evan’s
@shelbykua as Patricia
@joetoo_ as Dean
@_laurenohara as Samantha
@raunchy_twyford as Headmaster Sutherland
@billyc0x as Aiden
@tioreorem as Hinewai
@billy.rmc as Tama
@sam.r.gardner as Jake
@robynjmalcolm as Agatha
@kimcrossman as Felicity
@two7fiver as Ernest
Oscar Kightley as Coach
@thomassainsbury as Mr Anders
@crane_zo as Maya
@benji_hudson as Noah
@yourstrulyymegg as Matilda
@luke_cederman as Mr Cederman
@hay_ringo as Mr Ringrose

Crew:

Directed and Written by @taylornixonfilm
Edited by ashneil_d
DOP @michael.lahood
Produced by @tbrownortiz
EP @kimcrossman
1st AD @livingwillston
Art Director @blomfotography
B Camera Op @charlieh.dp
Camera assist and colorist @dougbagg_ @lazydaystudio_
Gaffer @lumos_lx
Lighting Assists @arnethdp @josh.gaborian @annemarie_groves
Continuity @tessgoughstalker
3rd AD @ashleighwaterss
Prod assist @daisymitchinson
Sound @robert.pendergrast
Costume @EllaMae @Samlittle
HMU @isabellefinleymakeup
MU Assist Ezra Hammond
Rentals @gearroomnz by @michael.lahood

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11 days ago

Project Move #13 @natalie.peoples

Natalie is a vet, but doesn’t like to be described as one. She rather describes herself as a crazy, chaotic person who loves to get outside - especially when she can take others with her, or inspire others to get outside themselves. She’s not very good at choosing one thing, so she likes to give anything and everything a go - surfing, trail running, hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, riding horses - anything you could imagine that takes place outside she has either done it, or wants to do it. She thrives when something is completely new to her. Natalie loves being an adventurer and inspiring others to “get outside and touch some freakin grass”

Natalie was actually one of two who took me up Foggy Peak alongside @mollys.missions . At first the conditions was dark and head torches were on, making the edits really challenging but as the sun came up… man we got some good stuff.

“Movement is such a broad term, and can be used in so many different ways. The ability to be able to go out and do things, whatever that may be - move my body and say yes to every opportunity that is presented to me is such a privilege. Inspiring others, and making them realize how amazing the outdoors are is everything to me and that is all because of the movement I do.”

@sonyalpha.anz @cactusoutdoor by @michael.lahood

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13 days ago

Some frames from Smoky - a feature film I DP’d early last year. We got to view it on the big screen last week with all the cast and crew. The film is still doing some rounds in festivals but I can’t wait to show more of the work we did. Big thanks to @jamesfinkjensen , the director and the whole crew! by @michael.lahood

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15 days ago

Took my time finishing this one…

Tympanic is ready for a festival run - Can’t wait for everyone to see it soon 👂🏼
.

Written and Directed by @jackodoudney
Starring @ariki_erby @zanlelouw
Director of Photography @michael.lahood
Editors @steffen_haavik_taylor @jackodoudney
1st AD @chadkukahiko
Production Designer @misstrust1969
Sound Designer @thelukiway
Make Up/Prosthetics Designer @chilli.artistcreative
1st AC @dougbagg_ @geraldtheac
Gaffer @rend_anodyne_hollow
Sound Recordist @judah_matangi
Visual Effects Artist @haydensmithie
Gaffer Assistant - Faun Driver
On Set Photographers @steffen_haavik_taylor @namtipyelhsa
On Set Assistant @foreverdasan
Poster Photography @steffen_haavik_taylor by @michael.lahood

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17 days ago

Project Move #12 @kirishibahara

Kiri began climbing in Wellington when she was 11. These days she is based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, just a short drive from the Castle Hill Basin, a wonderland of towering limestone boulders. The shapes and grandeur of the boulders inspire her to spend many months “projecting” boulder problems - learning the intricacies of positions and putting together individual movements until the whole climb comes together.

“Movement is about the feeling of flow and focus that keeps me coming back to climbing. It’s about the community that shares my psych. And it’s about connecting deeply with beautiful places.” by @michael.lahood

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25 days ago

Project Move #11 @pennymouat88 and Piper

Penny’s trail running journey all started with her Dad and golden retriever in the Port Hills. Despite performing to a high level at netball - over the years, the mountains kept calling. Trail running is where she can push her limits, and finds that trail running is the best way to see the country, and wider world.

Ōtautahi is where Penny was born and bred, though, studied at Otago University. Now, back in Christchurch, she teaches High School English and coaches top level netball. Outside of work, she is crushing the trails with her fiancé, Rainer, and Border Collie, Piper.

The trails seemed untamed and wild with new territory to be discovered. New Zealand has so many racing opportunities, so what first started out as a hobby, has quickly turned into her main passion. Penny is now sponsored by @merrellnz and races at the elite level. She is looking to race more overseas, in particular, Europe and the US.

“Movement for me means being able to manipulate the idea of power and stillness. To me, it’s a game changer being able to switch between the two. Trail running allows for a natural rhythm to flow throughout my life. In tough moments, during races or training, my perspective is clear, as this rhythm can be ramped up or down. I love being able to smash goals - finding a limit or barrier, and being able to push through it. I’m very competitive and I’m always looking for that next step. Movement allows me to think in this way. It’s a space where I can absolutely let go.“ taken in Taylors Mistake by @michael.lahood

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a month ago

Project Move #10 @mollys.missions

Molly has found her love and passion in the outdoors. She was brought up on a farm and spends almost all of her (spare) time in the mountains - hiking, running, mountain biking and hunting. At the young age of ten Molly’s dad competed in multiple Godzones, a multi-day adventure race set in the South Island of New Zealand. Since then Molly always had her sights set on being the youngest female to ever complete a Godzone which she achieved at the age of 18. She has since been hooked on expedition length racing and has completed 7 expedition races and many smaller events so far. Her highlight was the 2025 Godzone and arguably the toughest race in history and her first ever world champs in South Africa at 19 yrs old.

Molly invited us to hike up Foggy Peak with her on the outskirts of Christchurch - little did I know it was 800m of elevation basically straight up from the car. Shooting Molly and @natalie.peoples was definitely a challenge as they were crazy quick - but that sunrise made it so worth it.

“Movement to me means the freedom of stepping away from your everyday life. It strips you back to the basics of survival and creates this calm sense of freedom. The mountains make me feel so small, because the nature around you is so large - it makes me feel ALIVE. My mind is quiet and it puts your daily worries and busyness into perspective”.

@bivouacoutdoor @sonyalpha.anz by @michael.lahood

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a month ago

Project Move won’t have an end point. I want the project to inspire movement in whatever shape or form that be. by @michael.lahood

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a month ago

Way back in December 2025 I was honoured to be the Director of Photography of @taylornixonfilm’s web series @feelingsclubshow

Seeing the hustle Taylor showed from day one to bring this show to life was straight up inspiring. Every week he’d be telling me about a new route he was taking to get new eyes on the idea. He built a solid crew, amazing cast and a set that genuinely felt like a family of mates getting good shit done.

I’d love to thank the entire cast and crew specifically but I’ll leave it to just two for this post. @charlieh.dp and @dougbagg_ you absolute legends. Bloody loved having you in the camera team. Operating in my place when I tore my Achilles after day two on set would have to be a highlight 😂. You lads kept me in check, were open to lend an ear when I needed someone to bounce off and you kept the vibes so high.

I’m so excited to get season 2 up and running and I know Taylor will not stop until this show comes to its natural conclusion. Seriously try and stop him…

@dougbagg_ on the bts! 📸 by @michael.lahood

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a month ago

Project Move #9 @kianapohe

Kiana was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay, surrounded by sport and a whānau who never put limits on what she could dream of. From a young age, Kiana was driven and highly competitive, she was the kid begging her mum to train on Christmas Day. That work ethic and relentless drive have shaped who she is today. Growing up, she dreamed of becoming an Olympian. Like many athletes, Kiana faced setbacks. Injuries, uncertainty and the loss of her nan to cancer tested her, shaping not only the athlete she was becoming, but the person too. “The future is there to fear.” Words from her sports psychologist that challenged Kiana to ask herself: How far are you willing to go to reach your full potential? She realised fear could either hold her back or become fuel. Kiana has since stepped away from the track to pursue a career in Rugby, after representing New Zealand dev 7s in Fiji earlier this year. She now has her sights set on debuting for FPC at the end of this month.

Kiana invited me along to one of her track sprint sessions. In total she was only performing six sprints of a couple different distances - so I had to think fast to find a few angles.

“My movement is shaped by my whānau, setbacks, loss, resilience and an unwavering desire to improve. Sport is not who I am, it’s what I do. Movement gives me purpose. It is a vital part of my hauora and something I will never take for granted. To move is a privilege.”

@sonyalpha.anz taken in Auckland, New Zealand by @michael.lahood

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2 months ago