Phoenix

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Worldwide | Tuesday, November 8, 2011 | 5 photos

7th February 2009, Black Saturday, Victoria, Australia. Our nations worst bushfire, the apocalypse they thought was never coming arrived. 173 people paid the ultimate price, many more are still suffering now. I went to school right near where the blaze started, many friends who where like family suffered. I remember driving home from work on that Monday in Melbourne holding back tears as I listened to the radio, still in shock. I could not sit still I had to be involved I had too help. I took my camera with me, hoping to capture what was happening, too be honest I could not raise it the first time I visited, out of respect for my friends, it stayed in its bag, It was not until many trips later and almost 2 weeks had passed before I asked people I knew if they would let me record their pain and suffering. They had already had enough media spotlight and I wanted to show the power and destruction this tragedy had not only on the individual but the whole community whilst somehow still not exceeding my welcome or breaking the trust I had built from being there through some of the tough times with them. Photography is my passion. I believe no other form of media is as honest, confronting, brutal and reinforcing of all emotions as the still image. One cannot hide from its gaze and I hope to replicate and continue that with my images. From underwater to portraiture to photojournalism styles of work each genre holds a purpose and place in bringing to light everything that we experience. My own fire inside me that burns to create images of meaning and feeling to me is strong, but to complete this with dignity and pride is even stronger.
I have the ability, humility, courage, strength and respect to become a successful photographer and I welcome the opportunity to achieve this,