Himba Beauty Salon

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

Namibia | Thursday, January 3, 2013 | 5 photos

Lifeguard in summer, traveller by winter. For 9 years I've travelled through Africa and the Middle East where I’ve captured the landscapes and people I meet.

Originally travel was for fun, now it's for images. This drives my focus on learning as I wish to capture subjects in a new light or angle that's not been explored.

I'm not afraid of the hours, exposure to elements or discomforts (a goat sat on my head when sleeping in a Himba village while shooting my entry.) as I know these pains are temporary, whilst my images remain ready to share.

I wish to pursue a career in this field however limited opportunities are, there are many special moments to compensate for the troubles that are part of the job, one of which I've had winning the 2012 Shutterbug award. Its great recognition but I realise I’ve a way to go and a lot to learn. My yearning to learn and experience the realities of this job drives me on and builds my desire for Oman.

This scholarship will show me how to finesse my work and what it takes to excel in such a tight profession. I don't see this opportunity as a walk in the park, rather a step in the direction I wish to travel.