Evolution of a Photographer: From Videography to Capturing Moments in Portraits

As the calendar flips to February 2024, it marks a significant milestone in my photographic journey—eight years spent behind the lens, freezing moments in time. It's been a whirlwind, evolving from the realm of videography to finding my passion in the art of photography.

Around 8 year ago, I made a decisive pivot, transitioning from videography to photography. The catalyst for this shift stemmed from my initial foray into capturing live performances at The Triffid in Newstead, focusing primarily on bands and the vibrant energy they exuded on stage.

However, it was a gradual yet definitive redirection that pulled me closer to the world of portrait photography. The pivotal moment arrived on September 23, 2017, during Bigsound, an event orchestrated by Qmusic, designed to bolster the music industry in Queensland. It was an occasion ripe with opportunities, and I seized it by reaching out to speakers for potential photo sessions.

To my delight, the responses were affirmative. I found myself in the company of Archie Roach and Dave Faulkner, the esteemed lead singer of the Hoodoo Gurus. The stage was set for an impromptu photoshoot, albeit with an initial hiccup concerning the location.

Despite the setback, spontaneity proved to be the key. Shifting gears, we relocated to a friend's bar, and the rooftop of Upstarts became the canvas for our creative session. The organic environment provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable photo session that surpassed expectations.

The resulting images from that day remain some of my most cherished works, encapsulating the essence and charisma of these talented individuals. It's moments like these that highlight the beauty of seizing opportunities and adapting to unforeseen circumstances in the creative process.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Dave Faulkner for his openness and willingness to participate, which allowed me to capture unforgettable portraits. His generosity of spirit and collaboration elevated the experience, solidifying my passion for portrait photography.

As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that evolution is intrinsic to growth. From my origins in videography to my current pursuit of capturing the essence of individuals through portraits, every step has been a learning experience, shaping me into the photographer I am today.

I'm thrilled to share some glimpses of that memorable session with Dave Faulkner, a testament to the power of embracing change and the unforeseen, as they often lead us to unexpected and remarkable outcomes in our creative endeavors.

Thank you for being part of this transformative journey with me.

This detailed blog post delves into the transition from videography to portrait photography, emphasizing the transformative moment during a photoshoot with Dave Faulkner at Upstarts. It captures the essence of adaptability and seizing opportunities in the creative process, providing readers with insights into the evolution of the photographer's craft.

Capturing the Essence of Talent: Portrait Shoots with DJ Total Eclipse

Introduction: Over the past few years, I have had the incredible opportunity to conduct portrait shoots for the immensely talented DJ Total Eclipse in various locations such as Fortitude Valley, Newstead, and Redcliffe. His remarkable journey as an original member of New York City's legendary X-MEN/X-ECUTIONERS DJ collective has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. From pioneering Party Rocking Turntablism to touring with esteemed artists like Eminem and Jay-Z, Total Eclipse has carved a niche as one of the most sought-after DJs in the world.

A Relaxed and Enjoyable Experience: During our portrait sessions, it became evident that Total Eclipse is not only an extraordinary DJ but also a very relaxed and easygoing person to be around. His down-to-earth nature made the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable, allowing me to capture the essence of his charisma and talent through my lens.

Success and Stardom: Total Eclipse's journey to success reached new heights when he recently returned from a triumphant Hilltop Hoods tour in Australia, captivating sold-out crowds with his mesmerizing performances. As a Red Bull 3Style & DMC Competition Alumni, he continues to make waves in the DJ world, starring in Season 2 of the television hit show Master of the Mix on BET.

An Unparalleled Pioneer: His contributions to turntablism are unparalleled, having played a significant role in producing influential albums like X-Pressions, Revolutions, and Built from Scratch. Notably, the album's single "It's Going Down" soared to the top spot on MTV's TRL for four consecutive weeks, solidifying Total Eclipse's reputation as a true trailblazer in the art form.

A Showmanship Extraordinaire: Total Eclipse's talents extend beyond DJ competitions, as he's performed alongside renowned artists such as Miri Ben-Ari and toured with hip-hop greats like Dilated Peoples and DJ Premier. His unforgettable appearance on MTV's Icon, introducing Aerosmith with the X-Ecutioners, showcased his exceptional showmanship to a star-studded audience.

An Evolving Legacy: Inspired by collaborations with legendary artist Mike Patton, Total Eclipse embarked on televised appearances that demonstrated his ever-evolving talent and showmanship. His diverse and charismatic style, combined with an innate ability to read and engage crowds, has earned him recognition as one of the most sought-after DJs in any music genre.

A Global Phenomenon: Total Eclipse's impact extends worldwide, with club residencies and tours taking him to multiple continents. Renowned brands like Nike and Red Bull seek his expertise to market their products, while media giants Maxim, MTV, and BET turn to him for rocking tastemaker events.

A Bright Future: As Total Eclipse keeps the legacy of Grandmaster Roc Raida and The X-Ecutioners alive, he is building an incredible legacy of his own around the world. His collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Matt Stein in creating high-impact, energetic music for various platforms further solidifies his status as a true artist and innovator.

Conclusion: Working with DJ Total Eclipse has been an unforgettable experience, capturing the essence of his extraordinary talent and captivating spirit. As he continues to evolve and inspire, Total Eclipse's journey serves as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a commitment to push the boundaries of artistic expression.

A Day in the Life of a Sign Writer: Capturing Fortitude Valley's Creative Spirit

Last year, I had the chance to tag along with my friend Alex Manchur, a sign writer working on a new sign for a Mexican restaurant in Fortitude Valley.

It was really interesting and random doing a job like this in Fortitude Valley because you get a lot of people stopping and asking questions about the work. One such person was a local I've seen around Fortitude Valley from time to time. He's always combing the last of his hair and chatting with taxi drivers parked, waiting for the next job. He approached us and mentioned that he was friends with the restaurant's manager. He praised Alex's painting skills and advised him to be careful not to injure his back while finishing the last bit of the job. Intrigued by his character, I asked him if I could take two quick portraits of him and capture some moments of him combing the rest of his hair.

Alex is also an avid skateboarder and rides for 138 Skateboards, a small skateboard brand based in Brisbane, Australia. You can check out their collections at the 138 Skateboards website: https://138skateboards.threadless.com/ and follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/138skateboards

Additionally, Alex also skates for JPN National, a creative endeavor founded by Australian artist, skateboarder, and designer Marty Baptist. JPN National's collections are a reflection of Marty's inspiration from his diverse background, resulting in wearable, everyday items with a unique flare and Marty's eccentric signature. Explore their creations at the JPN National website: https://jpnnational.com/ and follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/japannational

In conclusion, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the kind stranger who introduced us and allowed me to capture these fascinating moments in Fortitude Valley. Thanks to him, I had the chance to witness the creativity and dedication that goes into being a sign writer, as exemplified by my talented friend Alex Manchur.

A big thanks to Alex for letting me come along and capture the behind-the-scenes of his work as a sign writer. If you're interested in seeing more of Alex's incredible work and his passion for skating, I encourage you to follow him on his Instagram account: http://www.instagram.com/manch76.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the world of sign writing in Fortitude Valley. Until next time, keep exploring, stay inspired, and appreciate the beauty in the everyday moments.

A Day with Blockhead: Unveiling the Man Behind the Beats on His Aussie Tour

Introduction:

Back in the breezy days of September 30, 2016, Australia got a taste of something special – the renowned Tony Simon, aka Blockhead, graced our shores during his Australian tour. We were lucky enough to be right there, soaking in the vibes as we took him on a little adventure around Brisbane. From portrait sessions against the backdrop of the city's gems, to candid moments of him diving into vintage records – this blog spills the beans on our unforgettable day with Blockhead.

Grooving Around Brisbane:

So, here's the deal – Blockhead was in town, and we knew we had to show him a slice of Brisbane's vibrant culture. The Powerhouse and Fortitude Valley became our playground, where the urban energy blended seamlessly with Blockhead's rhythmic aura. We set the stage for a portrait shoot that captured not just his music, but the essence of the man himself. You know, the kind of thing that brings you closer to the person behind the beats.

The Unfiltered Blockhead:

But hold on, the day was just getting started. We sat down for a video interview with Blockhead, and trust us, it was anything but scripted. This was the real deal – honest conversations, genuine laughs, and a peek into the mind of the musical genius. No fancy lights or rehearsed lines, just Blockhead being Blockhead.

Time Traveling through Records:

Now, let's talk about the highlight of the day. Can you picture Blockhead in a cozy corner of DJ Jing Kong's old house, surrounded by records that had seen their fair share of days? We sure can, because that's exactly what went down. Sampling old-school Brisbane rock and punk records from the 1980s, Blockhead seemed to be on a journey through time, finding inspiration in the beats and melodies that had echoed through decades.

Capturing the Magic:

As if that wasn't enough, I had my camera ready, capturing the candid moments as Blockhead explored the records. The photos tell a story of a passionate artist lost in the groove, with a sprinkle of nostalgia and a dash of creativity. It was a chance to capture the real Blockhead – the one whose music we all love, in the midst of his creative process.

Conclusion:

As the sun set on that unforgettable day, we were left with memories that still make us smile. Tony Simon's Aussie tour wasn't just a concert experience; it was a journey into the heart of his music, his personality, and his connection to the beats. If you're itching for more Blockhead (and who wouldn't be?), head over to his website, where you'll find a treasure trove of music and stories waiting for you. Until then, keep the vibes alive, just like that day in Brisbane when Blockhead took us on a musical ride.

Remembering a Memorable Encounter with Archie Roach: A Portrait Photography Journey

Introduction: Recalling my cherished memory of BIGSOUND, where I was given the incredible opportunity to meet and photograph the legendary Archie Roach, remains etched in my heart. The experience unfolded unexpectedly when I had the honor of driving him, his manager, and his niece to the Judith Wright Centre, where he was set to perform. Little did I know that this encounter would become a treasured moment in my portrait photography journey.

The First Impression: As fate would have it, my trusty 1991 Ford EA Falcon station wagon, the vehicle that was supposed to make a smooth impression, stalled right in front of the venue. Despite the initial hiccup, I quickly parked the car and mustered up the courage to meet Archie and his companions again.

A Brief but Meaningful Photoshoot: Time was fleeting, and I had only about four precious minutes to capture the essence of this musical icon through my lens. Grateful for the opportunity, I focused on portraying the down-to-earth and authentic personality that Archie Roach exuded.

Enjoying the Performance: Following the photoshoot, we watched Archie and his band grace the stage with their soul-stirring melodies. The power and emotion in his performance resonated deeply with the audience, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

A Lasting Gratitude: Archie's humility and willingness to allow me to photograph him left a lasting impression on me. His warm and approachable nature made the entire experience truly memorable.

A Bittersweet Farewell: With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Archie Roach, not knowing that it would be the last time we would see him. His recent passing has left a void in the world of music, but his spirit and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Conclusion: The encounter with Archie Roach remains an indelible chapter in my portrait photography journey. It serves as a poignant reminder of the meaningful connections and profound moments that can be captured through the lens of a camera. Farewell, Archie Roach, your music and spirit will forever live on.