PHOTOGRAPHY
Cameras are a part of my life. Let’s face it, these days they’re a part of everyone’s life, however my introduction was as I toddled the world. Nonno, an avid photographer had a superb collection of classic cameras and Super 8 recorders. I still have them, dotted around the house, pride of place. He was a true gentleman, one of a dying breed. I aspire to be 25% of the gentleman he was. He won a few amateur competitions for his photographic work, including a shot of me, sporting my young tonsils.
At seventeen, I met my first true love, Cass. She was everything. I was so nervous when I asked her out. When we were together I wanted to document every moment with her. At the time I was studying photography, and had the perfect opportunity to take a photo series of her. Two for one, capture her effervescence and submit it as my coursework.
With Nonno’s old Pentax K1000 under arm, I converted Cass’s family living room into a makeshift studio. To me it was like an Annie Leibovitz portrait shoot. Only difference was I had no clue what I was doing, and definitely no entourage. Camera settings confused me, lighting was an alien concept, and I knew post shoot I’d have to deal with the dark room, contact sheets and chemical baths. Confusing as fuck for a seventeen year old with a penchant for weed.
I ploughed through everything and absolutely loved it. Get out your comfort zone right!?! The end result was nothing more than a poorly lit, slightly blurry set of images, with a totally underexposed subject. However it was my girlfriend, and in my eyes she looked stunning, even out of focus. I was so proud of both of us.
That moment still lives on. Black & white prints, very slowly fading, showcasing one of the most beautiful people I ever met takes pride of place in my green suitcase of memories. A special vēstule for truly important moments in life.
Roughy a year later, I passed my practical photography exam with flying colours. Unfortunately I failed the history of photography side miserably. Probably something to do with turning up to a couple of classes the entire course. I preferred to spend my time smoking weed on the fire escape with other classmates.
With an average grade in Graphic Design accompanying these conflicting results I flew the nest. Music was beckoning me.
Photography took a back seat as music was centre stage. I still took pictures with various small format cameras as a hobby, however things changed when I moved to Australia and took up surfing. I was in awe, not only of the surfing culture, but the surroundings Noosa had. I suddenly saw that true beauty again. So I upgraded and purchased a Fujifilm XT3, spending whatever time I had leftover from work, advancing my basic skills. I walked the national park daily, documenting the grace of surfers in their natural playground.
Days turned to weeks, weeks into months sitting on the rocks at Tea Tree. It became an obsession. A good obsession as it led to my photographical work making publications, features in high end magazines, talks, promotional campaigns and exhibitions. Plus, and most importantly, it honoured me with a connection to so many like minded surfers that I now call friends.
Over the past five years I’ve documented a lot of Noosa. Every photograph I have taken has meaning, it's a fleeting moment that's become timeless. It’s a view through my eyes, showcasing exactly what I see in this world. I love that. The idea of stopping time. The idea of a memory being shared with people that weren’t even there. That is what drives me to shoot, and progress in my photographic journey.
At present I have the urge to travel, explore new mediums. Will this change my subjects, maybe, but nothing will subdue my love to surf, my love for Noosa and my desire to document us, you, them, and they.
"TELL A STORY WITH AN IMAGE.
ONE THAT TIME CAN NEVER ERASE."
