Celebrating 30 years behind the camera
This month I’m celebrating 30 years as a photographer. When I look back at how it all began, I never could have imagined the career and life that would grow from it.
I started out as a customer of a super talented photographer, Dan Tomarchio, when I was living in the Burdekin. His wife, Lynda, knew how much I admired his work and asked if I’d help in the studio a few days a week – filing negatives, sending orders to the lab, getting client work ready.
Two years later, Dan asked if I’d shoot a wedding for him. I thought about it overnight and told him no—I wasn’t ready for that kind of responsibility. His reply? “Too bad, I’ve already told them you’d do it.” Hahaha. That moment taught me a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since: don’t wait until you’re ready – jump in. I’ll always be grateful to Dan for seeing something in me I didn’t yet see in myself.
The industry then and now
A lot has changed in three decades. Back then, I spent zero time in front of a computer. Everything was shot on film and sent off to the lab. Shooting in black and white was considered edgy.
Now? Hours are spent in front of screens, everything is digital, and the possibilities are endless. But the real story of these 30 years isn’t about the technology – it’s about the people.
More than clients
One of the greatest joys of my career has been the relationships built along the way.
About 20 years ago, I photographed a young family with babies. Since then, I’ve captured them as toddlers, school kids, teenagers, high school graduates, new professionals, and later, their business branding and commercial work. They became so much more than clients. I’ve had the privilege of sharing that same journey with many other families and businesses over the years.
A front-row seat to life
Photography has given me a front-row seat to some incredible moments.
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I’ve spent entire wedding days with couples who became close friends.
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I’ve rocked newborns to sleep and later photographed them as teenagers and adults.
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I’ve listened to people dream about starting a business, created their very first headshots and website images, and celebrated with them as their businesses grew.
My camera has opened doors to places I never would have entered otherwise. It’s changed me as a person. And at the heart of it all – it’s always been about the people. How lucky am I?
The magic of noticing
For 30 years, I’ve spent my days noticing how ordinary things can suddenly become interesting, beautiful, or just plain cool through my lens. That never stops being magic.
(Fair warning: if you hang out with me, I’ll probably point out how the light falls or how shadows move – I can’t help it.)
I’m endlessly grateful to my clients who keep trusting me with their stories.
Favourite shoots
People often ask if I have a favourite shoot. That’s like asking a mum to pick her favourite child. But if I had to choose, it would be the sessions where someone walks in nervous, dreading the whole thing, and leaves saying: “That wasn’t so bad.”
Helping people see themselves differently – confident, capable, proud – is gold. Everyone deserves a photo of themselves that they love.
I’ve also loved working with business owners to bring their visions to life. Running a business is tough, and helping people stand out, show who they are, and connect with their customers is something I take real pride in.
My approach
At heart, I’m an optimist. My photography is simply me showing you how I see you.
After all these years, the technical side is second nature – like breathing. My focus is always on the person in front of me: their character, their quirks, their best qualities.
What matters most
There’s no better feeling than hearing that photos I took 25 years ago still hang on someone’s wall, or that I made them feel good about themselves. That’s the stuff that matters.
If you’ve ever been in front of my camera, thank you – for trusting me with your image and for giving me the opportunity to do what I love.
I have no plans to do anything else. Maybe when I retire, photography will become my hobby, but for now, I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend my days.
✨ Here’s to 30 years behind the camera, and to the people and stories still to come.
Image – Dan Tomarchio and I, shot 17 years after he gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.
