What’s your earliest visual memory?
I always remember my parents would take me for drives when I was a kid, and I’d sit in the back seat of the car and look out the window. I’d close one eye, and pretend my fingers were little legs, holding them up and making them run along the outlines of the scenery as we drove by. They’d jump from powerlines to building tops, trace the peaks of mountains in the distance – it was like a continuous line that my imaginary man would run along. I liken this memory to life. When something happens and you want the world to slow down, life continues. It’s unstoppable. But it’s when we learn to keep up that we can capture the beautiful moments.
So when did you first pick up the camera?
I never had any access to cameras growing up. There was no photography class I took in high school, or any darkroom experiences of ‘discovery’ that you hear about, tinged with romanticism. In the early 2000s, I managed to procure a camera from a friend, and started exploring in a purely curious way. No training or education in the art. Just picked up a camera and went exploring.
Why did you decide to take things to the next level?
My professional photography developed by circumstance. I had been doing it as a hobby for the longest time. It was always there. Other things came and went, like music production, DJing, and my work as a restauranteur. But photography was a constant. When I first had the opportunity to display my work publicly, I started to develop a name for myself in Hobart’s photography industry. Once I won the 2015 Wrest Point Art Award, I was able to use the money awarded to fund new gear and jump into the art as a full-time job.
How did looking through a lens change the way you see the world?
I often find myself in a position where I see art unfold right in front of me, through people going about their daily lives with architecture around them, creating just the perfect symmetrical image; or a dramatic, moody scene where clouds are full of shadows and deep blues and greys. There’s that moment before it rains when everything feels still, and you can see this gorgeous scene develop naturally. It makes me think: ‘The word really is full of beautiful imagery, all around us every day’.
What story should a picture tell us about the person or space it captures?
Imagery as a medium is broad. Portraits, architecture, sport, weddings – there are so many different types of photography. Yet, they are all trying to emulate – or rather, express – one thing: feeling. Feeling of emotion, space, excitement, love. Imagery tries to bring the viewer to that place, that frozen moment in time, and make them feel like they are there.
What makes a perfect photo?
Ideally, the perfect photo will seize the viewer. It will make them stop and lose sense of time and worry and everything else, just for a moment, and let them explore this scenery before them. Lose themselves in something different. That, to me, is a perfect photo.
What do you love about architectural photography?
I have a thing with symmetry. It’s this unexplainable passion where when lines meet, and it orchestrates this scene in front of your eyes. When I’m working with tilt shift lenses and adjusting the tripod to get everything in perfect alignment, it brings me a sense of calm. An electrified calm.
What drives your passion?
Producing stunning imagery. I’m always learning – constantly researching, studying, listening to podcasts, watching tutorials, looking at peers’ work – all to keep pushing and striving to produce the next great photograph.
If you could take a photo of any place in the world, what would it be?
My love for photography started in landscapes. Appreciation of natural imagery is still a big part of my love for the art. My favourite place to shoot was Scotland. Majestic, breathtaking and silent are some words that come to mind when I think of Scotland. I’d love to go to Milford Sounds and take all that natural landscape in, one day.
What do you get up to in your time away from the lens?
When I’m not taking photos, I’m generally studying business, marketing, or photography. I have an insatiable need to keep learning. I’ve always had it. In my downtime, I like watching world cinema – the more independent, the better. I also enjoy playing video games and have been playing consoles since the early ‘90s.
Why do you love living and working in your home state of Tasmania?
It’s a great small town. Everything is close, including the community. You could be shooting an amazing bit of architecture in the city, then half-an-hour’s drive and you’re in the bush surrounded by nature and breathing in the clean crisp air. It’s pretty magical.