The Gems of Travel

My 2011 Photo Scholarship Entry

Australia | Tuesday, November 8, 2011 | 5 photos

My interest in photography developed on a family trip to Italy in 2006. I was enraptured by what is obviously a very beautiful country and how I could fit it all into my point-and-shoot. After purchasing my first DSLR in 2008, my interest grew into a hobby and I now experiment with all kinds of subjects and scenes. To quote Ansel Adams, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it,” - and that is what intrigues me the most. I find that I develop my skills every time the shutter clicks because it drives me to understand my errors. Travel is something that makes me warm and fuzzy. There isn't a morning I don't wake up with a severe case of wanderlust. The most rewarding thing to me about travel is the culture exchange. I try to communicate this through my photos by capturing what defines a city, a nation. I've been fortunate in visiting many countries and in 2010 I travelled on my own back to Italy - this time camera prepared and braced with a sense of adventure. I made my way to Venice and was overcome by the bold colours and overt traditions. From what I knew, Venice was a place full of lovers on gondolas and amazing architecture. What I experienced was the beguiling soul behind the exterior. Quiet canals with secret gardens and gondolas tired from overuse. An afternoon wander without a map made me lose myself in a lifetime of culture. The chance to be mentored and have a hands-on experience with Jason Edwards to develop my technique and knowledge of photography would be the most rewarding adventure on my path to a career in travel photography. I am not afraid of a challenge and the chance to capture the Big 5 - wow!