Edited by Odeta Catana, Photo Editor
Could you please tell us a little more about yourself?
I’m just a young guy; 18 years old who really wants to pursue his dreams. I love taking photos foremost, am interested in exploring film making and also am passionate about style, technology, architecture, food, journalism and music. I grew up in rural Australia, just outside of Newcastle and now have moved to Sydney to study Media Arts and Production and cannot wait to take advantage of living in a big city.
How did you start taking pictures? Usually there is always the old story of the boy who finds his grandfather’s camera, did that happen to you as well or not?
I think I just started to use my mum’s point-and-shoot more and more in my early teens and just became infatuated with finding different colours, textures and light. But essentially I just liked capturing the people around me. Ever since I’ve just wanted to keep pushing myself further and creating more work.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I think it comes from individuals I see that are tenacious and have no limits; not necessarily photographers but just creative people that try to push boundaries. Then I just want to translate that to photography by capturing untold stories or being able to capture people and stories in ways that have never been seen before. Photographer wise, I admire a vast range of coherent and refined artists admiring style, approach and passion. Not necessarily similar to each other, but some that I respect and am inspired by include such photographers such as Art Streiber, Martin Schoeller, Annie Leibovitz, Hedi Slimane, Joey Lawrence, Alec Soth and Evan Tetreault.
In a portrait, what is important for you?
A connection that is open for interpretation. Being able to transport the viewer to how they perceive the subject and their context.
What kind of relationship do you have with your subject when you shoot?
I don’t think it’s the same for every portrait, but I think intimacy is really important. Not necessarily in a literal ‘intimate’ sense, but I guess it goes back to the connection. I really strive for a personal or distinct connection, but not to distance the viewer from the subject but rather so they have the best ability to comprehend the subject.
Do you think it’s important to follow a school to learn how to shoot?
Not at all. I can obviously see the benefits for networking, but I’ve never been formally taught photography. I think it’s just one of those things that if you are passionate enough you can work it out, develop a style and these days if ever anything is a technical struggle, the internet provides a world of resources. I even think a lack of prior barriers or unintentional guidelines can be a huge benefit in not going being formally educated.
What’s the photo you want to take and you never did?
I was sitting at a rural petrol station watching these kids on BMX bikes drinking slushies and talking, I think it perfectly represented a universal spot in life, in an Australian context, and the light was beautiful. But there are photos I want to take all the time, and that’s usually how I get ideas for series’ or books. Recently I’ve been seeing people on public transport that I feel would make great photos, so I can see myself turning that into a series soon.
What’s your photo-mission?
To be able to share my portraits and explore the world with them, being able to spread my perceptions and visions of both known and unknown people. Medium wise, I’d really love to shoot portraiture and fashion for magazines or companies I respect.
