About

the camera guy

I was raised in the south island of New Zealand - a place with vast beauty and visual splendour. Memories of the small backyard darkroom, where my grandfather would process his work, have become more relevant now that I also stand behind my own camera. Although I was introduced to the professional world of photography in the digital age, the connection through generational similarities is a blessing. I love this craft.

Awards and accolades have come and gone, and those moments were encouraging as I built a life as a creative in photography. Today feels different - it’s less about the praise and more about the intention - the ‘WHY’ of my work. Not every assignment speaks to this, however. As a professional, there are times where it’s about technical proficiency and following a very specific directive. Sometimes it’s a space where others lead the way and I fulfill their vision. The intention though is to do my very best under any circumstance. If that comes through in my work, then I’ve delivered in a satisying manner.

Away from the camera is different than some may expect. I consider myself transparent but I honour my privacy. I don’t mind sharing my story to those who need to hear it because I’m a product of unconditional support from those who’ve chosen to be a part of my life, both personally and as a professional. My aim in life is to wake up happy and do the things that allow that feeling to remain a constant. An example is volunteer work in the community. I’ve always considered myself one who does well in a place of service to others. It’s not difficult to be kind, but every so often it can be challenging when my own life has splashes of rain…as does everyone’s.

Overall, I’m grateful that I can call myself a professional photographer in this rapidly changing landscape and to share my time in collaborations and creative sessions. I’ll always enjoy how I can contribute in the most effective way.

I look forward to building something alongside YOU.

A Quick Q&A

  • “I found that one thing that always makes me feel grounded; offering me a creative outlet and a sense of purpose (which took many years to discover). In becoming part of the photographic community, it connects me to something much greater than any singular goal.”

  • “Professionally, I’ve loved the culinary industry - Food, drinks, and the culture as a whole. There’s something satifsying about the experience of that collaboration with a chef, kitchen team, FOH and those involved in the vision.

    Privately, and in a more quiet manner, I’ve always loved to photograph things in nature, including macro and timelapse. I have to include sports and live performance as preferred genres also, as they’ve been a great way to add another dimension to my event experience and photography work.”

  • “With the landscape of digital photography changing so rapidly, the introduction of video services as a package is a must. The percentage of online content now heavily favours videos (reels and shortform content), so it’s all about continuing to stay relevant in a fast-evolving market. The ‘comfort zone’ is a awful place to sit.

    In addition, continuing with volunteer sessions in the community. It separates me from my typical photography and keeps me grateful for where I am in my life. To ignore gratitude, even amidst the challenging days, is a recipe to fail.”

  • “This is an answer that could fill pages of a novel. The biggest takeaway from 2024 is two-fold…

    1. I’m more resilient than I thought.

    2. I saw some good momentum from a year that put my expectations into perspective.

    Ethan Suplee, an American actor stated it best…

    With that, there’s a simple yet profound idea that the only person responsible for MY success or failure is MYSELF. I can’t point at the economy and rant about its effects. I can’t shout at all the cellphone users that seem to be replacing food photographers. I have to adapt or get left behind. Just Keep On keepin’ On (as my grandma would say).”

  • “Learn how to use your gear with your eyes closed. Understand how to problem solve quickly and efficiently…If there’s a technical hiccup and the client is sitting next to you during the session, there’s no valid excuses - so know your stuff. Fix the issues.

    Secondly, find the thing that suits your style the most and that will tend to result in being really satisfied with the outcomes. If there’s no love or creative vibes in the work you do, what’s the point?

    Lastly, be respectful of the space that a photographer has worked incredibly hard to establish with a customer or recurring client. This means, do not, under any circumstances, try to under price a photographer just to get that client. It boils down to ethics… You’ll be respected for showing that initial awareness.”

  • “Yes. There’s no question that this will be the one that hits the hardest and really impacted me personally and as a guy with a camera. I won’t expand on it, as there’s a full story available HERE.”