FromThePit 2025: A Celebration Of Aotearoa's Live Music Scene Through The Lens
For photographer Gabriel Hailtree, it's simple: 'I love live music. I love the language, I love the lights, I love the atmosphere, and I love working with all these elements to create photographs.'
It's this passion that fuels FromThePit 2025 —a curated collection showcasing 102 powerful images by 59 photographers from across the motu, all focused exclusively on New Zealand musicians playing live in local venues.
This year's exhibition highlights the mana of performance and the connection between artist, audience, and image.
For Thomas Nan, the purpose is clear: 'I love music photography as a way to try and capture the emotions of the bands and their songs, as well as the vibes from the gig - as a way to encapsulate what live music is all about.'
Previewed at the 2025 Taite Music Prize, the centrepiece of the exhibition is its Audio Visual slideshow—an immersive experience that weaves still images into a moving celebration of New Zealand's music culture, from iconic artists to fresh new talent.
Photographer Samuel Richards puts it best: 'Music photography for me is a way of connecting creatively my love of music with my love of photography. Musicians are great people to be around, and music is the best office to work in.'
In a time where the Aotearoa music industry continues to face challenges, FromThePit stands as a living record and a support of our local scene - honouring those who keep the music playing and the moments alive.
FromThePit 2025 is available to experience online and at locations across the motu during Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa | NZ Music Month, including Spark Arena Fan Zone, Supply Room in Wellington, and libraries throughout Aotearoa.
Auckland Central Library also features a physical print exhibition until 17 May.
To view this year's mahi, explore the archive, or learn more about upcoming events, visit FromThePit.co.nz.
FromThePit is made possible through partnerships with Sony, Audioculture | Iwi Waiata, Auckland Council | Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland UNESCO City of Music | Tāmaki Makaurau UNESCO Pā Puoro, NZ Music Month | Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa, Independent Music NZ (IMNZ), New Zealand Music Commission | Te Reo Reka o Aotearoa, and AgentX.
Designed and curated by some of Aotearoa's leading live music photographers— Dave Simpson, Chontalle Musson, Stella Gardiner, Brenna Gotje, and Jennifer de Koning — FromThePit 2025 is a powerful tribute to the artists, photographers, and communities that bring our music culture to life.
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