Russ Francis

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

Ireland | Friday, January 11, 2013 | 5 photos

The essence of photography for me is having the ability to capture the moments we experience in life, then to create an image that lasts forever. The moments when all the elements come together for that instant, you click the shutter and you know you have caught something special. When in these moments and all the components fall into place, the huge wave of enjoyment I feel is intoxicating. I also see photography as an excellent means of communication and a way to create awareness of the subjects and location that we shoot.

I first picked up a camera in 2005 and as with many people, photography changed my life dramatically, it took me from not having much ambition in life to believing that I can chase a passion and make a difference with it. What I have learnt over the years is to have people to aspire to and to have others around you who share the same dreams, the same goals and most importantly share the knowledge that we gather on our journey. This is why earning the chance to win this scholarship and to be mentored by a veteran such as Jason would be invaluable experience, to have the chance to digest just a fraction of his knowledge would be a once in a lifetime opportunity.