My passion for nature photography stems from a dark place, depression. Not uncommon in this word, yet something many won’t, or can’t (yet) talk about. I personally have lost many years to this illness, but I haven't let it stop me. I own my depression (it isn’t going anywhere), it is part of me, it is the driving force behind my photography, as I seek light to chase away the darkness. Without it I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Photography has the power to change your life, it allows you to see things from a new perspective.

From humble beginnings, shooting insects and spiders with point and shoot cameras in my backyard, to the steep learning curve of my first DSLR (Nikon d5000 thank you to my mother-in-law Sylvia), and then onto modifying lenses and flash systems to suit my macro needs. I learned a lot in those early days, lessons that still stick with me to this day. Unfortunately all of this process stopped, when I injured my spine preventing me from continuing my photography plans.

After a long period pain and decreasing movement (walking stick required), I was finally cleared for spinal fusion surgery, after healing my movement was dramatically improved allowing me to consider picking up the camera again. New gear was purchased (Nikon d850) with intentions of resuming my macro work in higher detail, however I felt like a bigger challenge, so decided buy a 200-500mm f5.6 lens and try my luck at photographing birds. My mum has always loved birds, I grew up looking at the beautiful photos featured in the Readers Digest book of Australian birds that she still owns (I have my own copy now). The familiarity of the birds from my childhood made this an easy decision for me, what I didn't expect was the obsession that followed.

With a new subject and some very ambitious plans, I decided to put my all into this endeavour. I gave myself two years to master my craft, build an audience and a name, and finally receive recognition from the industry by having success in the most prestigious Australian Bird Photography contest “Birdlife Australia Photography Awards”. Unforeseen circumstances (covid Lockdowns) really slowed my process down and ultimately I failed at my goals for this reason. Did I let this stop me, no. I kept pushing, harder than before, and a further 18 months down the track I met these goals.

it has been a long journey, but very rewarding. I now have a growing list of print publications (Living Bird Magazine, Birdlife Australia, American Birding Association, Cornell Labs Calendar 2024, Hills to Hawkesbury Living, Penrith council publications), digital publications (ABC, News.com.au, Epoche Times, Wilderness Society, Birdlife Australia) and Interviews (Nikon Australia, Epoche Times). I have also had some success in the Birdlife Australia Photography Awards (Shortlisted for portfolio 2021, short listed for Birds in Flight 2022, winner of portfolio prize 2024. Some more news, I am very excited to announce that issue #99 March/May 2024 of Photo Review Magazine contains a 12 page profile article on my photographic journey.

If you are interested in purchasing one of my prints, or are feeling inspired and would like to level up your photography skills, or just want to get out and see some birds, please check out what the rest of my site offers. I would very much like to share the things that fill my life with light and passion with you.