I was definitely in one of my more philosophical moods when I imagined 'Who am I' would be perhaps a more appropriate page title than the traditional 'About', but if you know me at all you will know I get like that sometimes.

 

So what does the question 'who am I' have to do with my photography and the narratives I hope to tell through my lens? Well, maybe nothing, but then again maybe everything if I get it right.

 

After many years of a (continuing) personal introspective journey aided, and at times confused by the teachings of the Buddha; I've come to understand that although we may naturally desire answers to our questions, that most often it's those uncomfortable questions themselves that we need the most. With this appreciation I try to mindfully abandon some of the conventions of photography as I seek a greater freedom of expression through the lessons of failure, discovery, and the odd fleeting glimpse of satori.

 

With that said, let me also give you a somewhat more pragmatic explanation of who I might be (remember, we all have a thousand names).

 

When I'm not taking photos in my professional capacity I might be found out and about capturing images for one of my personal projects, or if conditions are right (I'm very picky) I could be found surfing at a local Christchurch beach or maybe doing an all too rare home yoga practice. Otherwise I'm probably at my computer editing work (I'm a full-time newborn photographer) or at my computer day dreaming about long past wanderings through the magical West Coast rainforest. I endeavour to practice Mindfulness in my daily life and do my best to align my thoughts and way of being with Zen Buddhist philosophy. To this end I find my time behind the lens is often a meditation in movement and discovery.