A story behind every photo.

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For me, the joy behind each photo is knowing the story behind what triggered that button press. This one however has more sadness attached than joy.
Eight years ago when I was living in Melbourne I worked with Mark. He was a recovery nurse who essentially was a country boy. He had a place in Kinglake and told me I had to check it out with my camera.
One cold morning I made the drive and while it was still misty I captured this. I was still using my film SLR Minolta camera and didn’t know how it would turn out, remember those days? I took photos on my drive home but this one stood out. Later I put this Psalm verse with it. I thought the fear and powerlessness through looking at this view combined with the comfort and strength of the Bible verse was a good fit.
When I heard of the Victorian bush fires in 2009 I didn’t worry about Mark. I knew he was a smart guy who wasn’t about to risk his life for a property. I found out later that people didn’t have time to make smart decisions during that Black Saturday. When he was listed among the missing then I feared the outcome. He, along with 172 others, died in those fires. Tears roll down as I type this remembering that terrrible period for so many.
When I created the 2010 calendar I dedicated this picture and it’s month to Mark. If I hadn’t met him I would never captured this shot yet he was taken too soon, like many others. There was no happy ending on that day.

Moment of clarity.

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Have you had that moment when everything around you is chaos and confusion and in the midst you have a moment of clarity?
For me that moment came 7 years ago. I was working as a nurse, at a major trauma centre, and everyday was a struggle. I wasn’t learning what I wanted, the work was physically, emotionally and mentally draining and I was tired.

One night I went out with my camera and took this photo. I didn’t know how it was going to turn out as I was still photographing with film. However I knew how I felt. I realised that being out taking photos gave me life, it energised me. Being in a stressful hospital environment de-energised me. I couldn’t keep doing the same thing and now I knew it.
I’m not sure how many weeks later but I resigned from my job. I even went into my boss’s office and showed her my basic portfolio. At the time another person resigned to focus on photography (I’m not sure what happened to him). I assumed I’d be able to get my old, less stressful, job back and focus more on photography. This I did.
I wish that I could say that at that point I started selling my work and becoming a successful photographer. However I am a nurse, I am creative about my work, passionate about photography, love learning and up until this point have made very few good business decisions. I will try to change this. I will try to appreciate my work and allow others to do the same. But for today I’m still a cliched work in progress.

Keep calm and carry on.

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Have you ever gone outside at twilight and you’ve seen the world in a whole new light? It’s not just the sky that’s a unique colour. It’s everything around you. You don’t see it very often so when it does happen you feel blessed to be a part of it and want to share it with others. I’ll go drag my husband out to show him this special beauty. Maybe you’ll take a picture to share it on instagram, Facebook, the world?
What’s so special about it? I’ll let you in on a secret. It probably happens a lot more than you realise but unless you go outside at that particular minute you’ll miss it. Usually we’re busy preparing dinner, watching tv, working or even scrolling the internet.
The most important part of this moment is that you’re there and it stops you in your tracks. Even if it’s just for a few minutes we’re still. The moment is so glorious, so unique, our eyes force us to take in the beauty of it all.
So why have I titled this Keep Calm and Carry On. Would you believe the Keep Calm and carry on poster was originally a motivational message to strengthen moral before WWII? Sadly now we use it because our life is in constant crisis mode. We’re busy. I don’t even need to elaborate, you all know what I mean.
Next time you’re stopped by that moment of beauty, breath it in, still your heart and accept that this is a gift.

Art takes time

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I love photography. I love taking photos of a subject and knowing the outcome is good. I love the opportunity to capture something so beautiful that only lasts a small period of time or limited in who sees it and make it accessible for all. I love that I can say that’s my picture, my memory, my gift to you. Last month I wanted koalas and at David Fleay’s Wildlife Park I had these two willing models. Included in the photos was this an unexpected shot.

Who knew koalas could fly?

Of course photography takes time. Often the shooting time is only a 1/4 (or less!) of the time required making the final multiple masterpiece. That’s why in reflection I’ve decided I’m going to be more intentional in what I shoot.  Yes I love photography but like everyone I have limited time. That’s why I’m going back to focusing on animals, pets and landscape projects.

In the last 2 months I’ve included doing a wedding, a newborn/family and a business workplace. I’ve enjoyed working with different people and have believed it’s been a privilege to have an inside look into their world. I’ve also learnt from each opportunity I’ve been given. However I don’t think I’d last the distance going from one speciality to another. As well as a photographer I’m a theatre nurse. As a theatre nurse I would not want to do ward nursing one day, community nursing another and then end the week in theatre. My sanity would not last and patients would become unhappy with the results I give.

The great thing about making a good decision is the peace it brings. It’s important for me to be realistic about what I can do and do it to the best of my ability. I’ll admit I’d love to spend more time taking photos but I can be grateful for what I can do.

Humans of New York

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Have you heard of the photographer that takes pictures of people in New York and posts them and their stories online? It’s a hugely popular website and has 12.5 million followers on facebook. Of course being so popular others have followed the idea in other countries, including Australia. Inspired I started a Dogs of Gold Coast page on my website.

The first time I went out I was really nervous. What if people were negative, refused or even laughed at me? I found a dog tied to a post. It’s owner was with her daughter on the play equipment. It was the perfect opportunity. I took a photo and yet didn’t approach the woman. The photo was actually pretty good, yet my rule was that I ask permission and I ask for the dog’s name. Ten minutes later it started raining and I was off the hook.

A week later I tried again. This time I was full of a determined spirit. Each person I asked was delighted by the idea. Each new dog challenged me to think more about the setting and being able to capture the dog’s character. At one point I could hear barking and realised a group had their dog, Louie, in a shaded carry cage. I asked if he could come out for a photo and here is my reward. A cute little chihuahua who was happy to pose. Most are.

My page is only just beginning but I’m glad I got past the stage fright and am now able to do something I wanted to do. I get to meet strangers’ dogs and maybe I’ll start asking some for their story. Not just humans have a story to tell.

How about you? Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone? The sad thing (for me anyway) is the older you get the more tempting it is to take the easy way out and not take risks. What’s the reward in this though? Doing the same thing, no adventures, no growth. I challenge you to try out something you’re just that little bit nervous about. Don’t beat yourself up too much if you don’t succeed the first time. Just don’t give up.

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”

― Theodore Roosevelt

Introducing me, introducing you.

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