Urban Safari

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

China | Monday, November 7, 2011 | 4 photos

Braving a cold March evening in Xi'an, I wandered around the Old City, making the most of what little time I had to observe the local culture. I was there to see the Terracotta Warriors, but wanted more than just statues. I always seek more than the postcard shots.
When I travel, I find stories in everything, from the lady selling flowers to hole-in-the-wall traders. I am always asking Why and How. My camera is like a second passport, getting me into places I would otherwise not see. It is an excuse to get closer, to ask questions, to learn about my subjects and piece together another part of the world. My curiosity has taken me everywhere and taught me so much – I’m great at quiz nights!
I will be returning to China in 2012 for 9 months as a volunteer, and hope to generate a strong collection of images to document my adventure. I feel comfortable creating a story with a series of images, but would like to learn more about combining elements within a frame to tell it in one shot. This scholarship will teach me to research projects, introduce me to industry contacts and help me to share what I have seen and experienced. It will also be the trip of a lifetime!
I have come a long way in my self-taught photo education, but am at a stage where mentorship would propel me even further. I am full of questions and learn best in a practical environment, observing and practicing myself. The experience of working alongside an experienced travel photographer like Jason is worth years in a classroom – with or without my own camera.