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Story: Photography

Ans Westra's photography practice

Video file

From the 1960s photographer Ans Westra was a committed but unobtrusive presence in public places, with a rolleiflex camera slung around her neck and head bowed as she looked into the viewfinder and took her next photo. In this 2006 film, Westra explained her approach to documentary photography.

Using this item

Blair Wakefield Exhibitions

Reference: Ans Westra - Private Journeys/Public Signposts [videorecording]. Producer, Jan Bieringa; director, Luit Bieringa. Wellington: BWX Films, 2006

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How to cite this page

Peter Ireland, Photography – Photography expands, 1880s to 1960s, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/43217/ans-westras-photography-practice (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Peter Ireland, published 4 November 2013.