Flying in the surf

Flying in the surf

USA | Sunday, January 13, 2013 | 3 photos

My friends call me "Hubble Telescope". They say I can capture images no-one else can see at the time. Initially, I thought they were making fun of my snap happy personality... but people who see my photos often encourage me to become a professional snapper. When I saw this scholarship publicized on TV a few days ago, I felt incredibly inspired.
I've been a television journalist with the ABC in Australia for the last 16 years - I edit and write, but don't shoot. Using moving images is great - but I've always found stills much more powerful and yearn to be behind the camera.
Many people perceive me as outgoing and confident - but my self-esteem sometimes takes a dive. One of the few times I don't question myself is when I'm taking photos. I feel elated and can't wait to get to a new place or experience something new - so I can capture it on camera.
Being chosen for this scholarship would mean the world to me. And having Jason Edwards as a mentor in an exquisite country like Oman, would literally change my life. As someone who will do anything to help people, I would love to use my skills to work with aid agencies, to capture their extraordinary and often heart breaking work.