My Photo scholarship 2011 entry The Sunshine State

The Sunshine State

USA | Monday, October 31, 2011 | 5 photos

I've been blessed with living in some of the most beautiful and naturally diverse places in the world from Australia, to Florida and even Tanzania for a couple of months. The people I've met and the uniqueness of the nature around me inspired me to capture the beauty I see through photographs. I am aware of how much beauty out there that I haven't been able to see yet and may not have to skill to perfectly capture either. I want to change this not only for myself, but also to be able to share the amazing moments that I've witnessed with others, allowing nature to capture their imaginations the way it has captured mine. To be trained and have photos published by National Geographic and have people all around the world see the beauty I see would be a dream come true.

I recieved an slr camera for my birthday and using it has dominated my time. The opportunity to learn how to best utilise the features to capture the beauty around me in a place as beautiful, diverse and exotic as South Africa is an unbelievable opportunity. To do it alongside a National Geographic photographer would be life-changing as well, allowing me to learn alongside someone who is living the dream and knows what it takes, as well as how to take the most amazing photographs possible.

My favourite things to capture are eyes of both people and animals and also rich colour that is true to the scene because of the emotions that are provoked through the natural and overwhelming beauty in both these things. I have developed such a passion for these elements and photography in general and would use this experience to get the most out of every image I take - both for my benefit and for sharing them with others - as well as a basis for a future career in what I love.

I chose this photo series as it explores the journey of peace, escape and ultimately the unifying force that the Florida sun has on its inhabitants.