WHY DID YOU SWITCH CAREERS AT 35 AND BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER?

I found myself at 35 years old living a life I no longer wanted. I was single, running my own clothing business in Sydney, and living (and eating) alone. I realised thanks to winning Client of the Year at my local Thai take-away that I needed to change my life. I left to go to Italy for a one month Italian course and kept staying. I realised I no longer wanted to go back to my old life in Sydney and vowed to spend the second part of my life doing something I loved. That something was photography.

WHERE DID YOU STUDY PHOTOGRAPHY?

I studied photography in a private photography school in Florence that unfortunately no longer exists.

HAVE YOU STUDIED PHOTOGRAPHY IN AUSTRALIA?

Yes, I did three short courses at the ACP in Sydney after my year in Florence. A lighting course and a colour course, I loved both of these courses and met some great Australian photographers in the process.

HOW DID YOUR BIG BREAK INTO THE WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY HAPPEN?

My big break came when I had my first story published in Marie Claire Australia. As a final project at my photography school in Florence, I photographed a travel story on Naples that was edited by my photographer teacher. I pitched it to Marie Claire in Australia and they bought it. They also published in the same issue a ‘style’ story I photographed on a make-up artist friend of mines apartment in Sydney. Thirteen pages in the first issue. I cried when I heard the news. Having those magazine ‘tear sheets’ were like gold, they opened doors.

WHAT’S IN YOUR CAMERA BAG?

Most days you will find a Canon 5d Mark III, a Canon 24-70mm lens, a Canon 85mm portrait lens, and a Canon 50mm lens.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY?

Create your own work and pitch a story to a magazine (if you want to be published). I believe it is a great way to get published and it has worked for me numerous times throughout the years. Most magazines won’t give a photographer a job based on their portfolio straight out of photography school. They are looking for signs you have worked. A body of work is vital even if you aim isn’t to get published. You need a great body of work to show your style to prospective clients.

BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

Take the photos you love! And finish it! I remember when a friend in the industry told me that if you finish things people will notice. I thought it was such strange advice at the time but now realise it is an art to finish things. Many photographers take incredible images but find it hard to finish the project. This is a key part of working as a photographer.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU BELIEVE IS NEEDED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL PHOTOGRAPHER?

First, I think you need to have a vision of your own and not worry about what everyone is doing around you. I think you also need to know when you start out as a photographer that you are getting yourself into a business and that you need a plan. One without the other won’t necessarily make you a successful photographer.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

I kept going, loved what I was doing, and kept evolving. Time has flown and the adventure has been fabulous but things have happened I believe because I have consistently worked, delivered things on time, and always taken the best photos possible. I constantly connect to things that interest me and continue to evolve my photography and work.

DO YOU PREFER BLACK & WHITE OR COLOUR?

I love both but I adore portraits in black and white. Unless the colour is incredible, there is something about portraits in black and white that seems to focus more on the soul of the person. Maybe the colours distract a little. Likewise when colour is amazing, it’s AMAZING.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU IN YOUR PHOTOS?

The most important thing for me in a photo is emotion. I strive to create photos that make you feel something, I want my people to be alive. Along with great composition, beautiful lighting and a wonderful subject and background.