Tell us about yourself and what you do?
I'm a commercial photographer specialising in interiors, product and lifestyle. I also own a ski lodge in Japan and live there for the Australian summer (Japan winter). I grew up in the northern suburbs of Wollongong and still live here for 9 -10 months of the year.
Have you always had an interest in photography?
I learned on film at school. I loved the challenge of getting 'it right in camera', and the surprise of how the shot looked once it developed. But unfortunately I never honed my skills in the darkroom - I was given a Canon Digital SLR for my birthday about 15 years ago, and that was when things started to get serious. I began shooting travel, landscape and nature photographs, and then decided I wanted to do this for a job. At the time I was working in government, and was feeling stifled creatively. I had friends in the creative industries and always respected their ability to earn a living out of doing what they love. I suppose that's what inspired me to re-train and just go for it!
Shooting interiors sounds like bliss. What’s been the most rewarding shoot or work you’ve done so far?
I do love shooting interiors - it's not all bliss though! Shooting bathrooms is certainly challenging with all of the reflections, and in such a small space, I find myself contorting, squatting and making use of the regular yoga that I do!
There are two shoots that come to mind that are the most rewarding - one was getting Breville as a client and shooting lifestyle for them in some amazing houses with a full production team. But the most rewarding would be the opportunity I had to work for one of my good friends as a client (Rachael Miklas, interior designer), and work with another good friend (Jessica Bellef - stylist, author) to shoot an amazing house in Wollongong, which will soon be featured in Home Beautiful Magazine. The home is owned by another local creative who has a Japanese background, and her creativity and cultural heritage came through in the architecture and interior design. It was not only a fun shoot, but challenging with a beautiful aesthetic, and a great team.