My intrigue of the water definitely begun from being a Synchronised Swimmer, and the years of seeing and perceiving the underwater world.
I studied photography at university, where I focused a lot on Photojournalism, however, after coming home from the 2012 Olympics I had a space I hadn’t filled yet, and felt there was more to explore than just shooting above the surface.
From that moment I started seeing the underwater world from a more creative eye, and that twist really intrigued me. Water transformed into a space of self-expression and letting go, rather than a competitive space that held lots of nerves for me.
A lot of my work captures suspended dance with calming qualities. I want my viewers to feel free and at ease when seeing my imagery, but also igniting that lust for movement and expression. I have always been very expressive and creative since I was little, so I want to ignite that fire in others. Elegance also surrounds my work as I feel this plays a large part of life.
Having a Synchronised Swimming background I am very lucky, I get to work with models who are confident in the water and with expressing themselves with fluid motion.
I find inspiration from various areas of my life. I would definitely say the subjects I capture are a big inspiration, as well as my loved ones. Living close to the ocean acts as a big inspiration for me also! I love raw materials and beauty. Nothing too overdone!
Without question, some key photographers in history come to mind like the late Peter Lindbergh (bottom left) and Slim Aarons, but also Phil Gallagher (bottom right) from Aquatech Imaging Solutions who I am now an Ambassador for is a big inspiration for me, as well as fellow photographers around the coast!
Right now I am working on ‘Self Reflection’, a series which draws on the feelings experienced during the isolation period of COVID.
This series is about being still and sitting in that space that some may feel uncomfortable; to be silent and think about your past, present and future self. It is about learning to love who you are and making the most of your individuality.
I once had Steve Waugh say to me ‘It is how you act from here moving forward, is how people will remember you by’. There will be moments of solitude, stillness, frustration, and despair but all encompassed with a silver lining of hope. I will be releasing this series mid-August.