my life story, in three parts

wife

I grew up in Gloucester. There’s not much there, but it’s a cute country town. It’s where I met Liv – we even went to the same pre-school. At 16, we decided to spend the rest of our lives together and have barely spent a day apart since.

Six years later I popped the question. We got married on my parents’ verandah. It rained nonstop, but we didn't care. One of my favourite memories was getting to the first dance, and realising we had

a) no plan at all
b) not asked anyone to save us partway through.

We improvised through 4 very awkward minutes. A few years after that we were in Vegas, and what more Vegas thing to do than get married? We went for a vow renewal officiated by Elvis. It was every bit as corny and tacky as you could hope for. Both days were brilliant. Liv understands me like no one else. Having her by my side is my greatest achievement.

life

As was the style at the time for kids from Gloucester, we moved to Newcastle the moment school ended. It’s the perfect mix of big & small, busy yet quiet. I love coming down Scenic Drive and seeing the beaches appear. I love walking around the edge of the lake, or along the breakwall. Parts of the city have become part of our relationship – the spot where I proposed, smoothies from 3 Monks, whale watching from Strzelecki, $10 Merewether pizzas, Sundays at Shoal Bay, gelato from Popolo, zucchini flowers from Rustica...we live to eat. We’ve moved a few times, but have settled in Cardiff with our dog Daphne (big Frasier fans) and daughter Hazel. We love it here.

work

I started weddings in 2010, after bailing on a Visual Communications degree. Photography was becoming my thing, and you don't need a degree to pick it up. While I shot more weddings, I studied business to hedge my bets. By graduation, my wedding count was nearing 100 and things were humming along. My degree now sits patiently in the cupboard, awaiting a chance to be useful.

I never thought I'd be self-employed, but now I can't imagine it any other way. A couple once suggested that my tagline should be 'no bullshit' and I think that's pretty accurate. My guiding principle with this business is for every element to be the absolute best - the best photos, gear, prints, service, no compromises. This job is a privilege I owe to all of my couples, which pushes me along. After doing this for a decade,it still feels fresh and exciting. I've found what I'm truly meant to be doing.

Photography has taken me places I never anticipated. It’s a mix of working in the field and honing the craft behind the scenes – the editing, the prints, the process. I’m a gear nut and rush to grab any new bit of tech or equipment. The time we spend traveling is about the only time I shoot for myself, although since Hazel came along I've been working on that. A gallery of my favourite landscapes can be seen here.