Searching for an identity

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Tuesday, October 12, 2010 | 5 photos

During my travels to Japan last year I was struck by an under current of loneliness that I found evident in many of the larger cities. As a visitor to these megatropolises, I often felt lost and isolated amongst the daily ritual of working and living. In cities of this size, how does one stand up and be counted?

My name is Dave Carswell and I am primarily a storyteller. An ex member of the rat race, you may remember me from such previous occupations that involved being strapped to a computer and desk. Last year I quit the race to start my own venture sharing the city of Melbourne with visitors and locals. I’m passionate about adventure, traveling and sharing cultural moments with as many people as possible. When I’m not telling stories to visitors of our city, I have my camera in hand sharing visual stories and trying to understand this city and many more around me. I particularly like the tension and interaction of humans with natural and urban environments. Photography allows me to dissect time and make sense of people and places that I might not understand until days, months and sometimes years after I have photographed them.

These photos are an attempt to find the identity of the Japanese people amongst a sea of people, places and things.

This scholarship offers me the chance to step back and learn some of the technical and critical aspects of photography from a professional and commercial perspective. I would relish the opportunity to be able to learn, develop and succeed in this particular field.