A city rising from the rubble

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

New Zealand | Saturday, January 12, 2013 | 5 photos

I wish I’d done more to create a career out of my passion. I’ve always seen the world through an imaginary viewfinder. As a child I found an old camera and have been snapping ever since. I love to get the shot right in camera. It scares me how many photographers shoot now based on what they know they can do with the image on a computer later. Travel was a passion I discovered when a school trip to Japan turned solo. I love the way travelling opens your eyes and how photography transcends language.

For me, this scholarship isn’t about the travel, or even the prizes, it’s about learning, being mentored and getting some real experience. I know this trip won’t be easy but it’s the times I’ve stretched myself that I’ve learned and grown the most. The editorial process will provide the opportunity to learn practical skills that I hope to combine with a new confidence in my photographic skill and some actual published work to create a launching pad for a career in travel photography. Along with that old camera I found as a kid there was always a National Geographic magazine lying around and I would marvel at the cover shots wondering who the person might be behind that camera.