The Life Less Travelled

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Sunday, October 17, 2010 | flickr photos

I believe life is so very beautiful.

Through photography I would like to show people the different manners of existence on our wonderful planet: that not everything is picture perfect and pleasing to look at, but there are some terrifying truths that are swept under the rug so that we may continue living guilt free in our “perfect” world.

But yet, paradoxically, even in the harshest of realities, there still exists joy and happiness that is perhaps more appreciated than in our “free” Western world. A joy to be alive! There is much to be learnt from this.

I have travelled much: alone, hitchhiking, camping, not eating, and barely surviving. I have experienced enlightenment and growth and I have seen things that have changed my life forever. But I recognise that many others may never have the opportunity for such a journey of change. I want to create images that awaken and unlock the otherwise oblivious chambers of sleeping minds… to get them thinking outside their comfortable box of familiarity; to realize that there is more to it than this.

My own awakening and drive was sparked by photography: images that made me think, question and wonder. I now hunger to pass on that baton of awakening, and I want photography to be my voice. I want to be able to speak to people and inspire minds and ideas through photography. I desire more than anything that you train my voice so that I may be able to do this.

BJ Palmer said, “You never know how far reaching something you may think, say or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.” I believe that photography can influence a mind, be a voice and create action for change. This is what I want to do.