After more than 50 years behind the camera, Kiwi film-maker Max Quinn is putting down the lens

His keen eye has captured polar bears, penguins and nuclear submarines.

He’s captured some of the most iconic images in some of the world’s most remote locations, but after more than half a century behind the camera, New Zealand film-maker Max Quinn, is putting down the lens.

"I'm not actually the greatest cameraman in the world, I have to admit that... but I'm just pleased it’s been such a big part of my life," Quinn says.

After starting his career shooting dramas, Quinn moved into a role at NHNZ in 1987, filming in places like the Antarctic and the Arctic.

"When I first went to Antarctica, it was for 11 months, I left my wife and family for 11 months to go down there and make those films," he says.

Throughout that time, he captured images like an American nuclear submarine smashing through the frozen ocean, as well as coming face to face with a polar bear protecting her cubs.

"Strangely enough I didn’t feel any fear at all, I can honestly say that... I was looking through the view-finder, and I often describe it a bit like being at the movies," he says.

Today was his last day as a fulltime cameraman for NHNZ, before moving into retirement.

He won’t be putting his feet up for too long though, with Quinn already working on a book, detailing his Arctic adventures.

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