Heartbeat of Yellowstone

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

USA | Sunday, November 6, 2011 | 5 photos

"Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." (Confucius) When I first read this quote it occurred to me that perhaps I wasn't in the right profession. My true passions are found in our planet's nature, its animals, its human condition and my desire to share it with others. It's through my photos that I can move and inspire people towards conservation. This is the contribution I wish to make, and I see this scholarship as my opportunity to finally grasp my dream and start living it.

I recall feeling exhilarated before venturing into Yellowstone to capture the raw beauty of the park. As I descended into a sanctuary of two of the park's most famous animals I recall my heart beating with excitement at being able to capture a special moment - a wolf basking in the sunlight. Later, as the storm clouds gathered overhead the raw thermal energy of the geysers offered an irresistible palette of colours. As the day grew older it was off the beaten track that led me to discover a diverse field of colour and opportunity. It's my collection of these moments that define my love of photography.

National Geographic is a magazine I've always loved and respected. I believe working for it would quench my thirst for photography and travel whilst enabling me to share my love of conservation with others.

If you like my application and I find myself lucky enough to live this dream, I'll be sure to get ready just as usual - I'll grab my Canon EOS 40D with 17-55mm and 90-300mm lenses and throw them into my bag! Of course I'll pack the tripod ahead of any clothing. In the meantime, I'll continue to crash photography courses, hone my skills and put my practice, books and research to good use.