Seclusion in the Gili Islands of Lombok

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

Indonesia | Monday, January 14, 2013 | 5 photos

I am an American who grew up in the remote province of West Papua, Indonesia. Growing up as a foreigner in the place I called home meant that I often found myself in the position of “observer”. Thus, when my parents gave me my first camera, watching the world from behind the lens came naturally. In Papua I quickly gravitated towards taking pictures of the flora, fauna, and different cultural aspects of the area. In 2008 I followed my girlfriend (now my wife) to her homeland of New Zealand. There I started a photography course. While this course has taught me many valuable skills, I find that I spend more time taking photos in a studio than out and about in the world. I would really value the opportunity to learn from someone experienced in taking more documentary-style photographs because that is where my passions lie. The ultimate dream for me is to one day work for someone like National Geographic. To be able to travel and share the beauty and the nuances of different cultures around the world is my goal. I truly believe that education and telling stories is the key to bringing people together. And that is what I will always strive to do through the lens of my camera.