Well here we are. One year one year on from last year with much in between. Its been an incredible year. One full of amazing events in my life and filled with fantastic company incredible friendships, and a weeding out of the useless ones haha.
As I’ve got older I’ve become more cynical about the way things work. Ive now just learnt to accept things as they are and just roll with the punches instead of trying to change them to suit me. Im much happier for that. The complicated life is slowly being replaced with a more relaxed but busy one. I now look at a comfortable home with books, computer, good food and drink, and surrounding myself with the fine art of others to inspire me, veges in the garden, potters shed, a paper making facility and time to do all of the above and travel, … well that’s the plan and dream…But above all, surrounding myself with the incredible people that bring out the most in me, not the worst. Thankfully as mentioned those people are gone hopefully, the no hopers that can only bitch and moan, with no real dreams of their own but clinging onto others to live theirs. You can tell those people because in the past year, they have stood still, still trying put a stake into the ground and say I want this, and then still finding themselves in the same place. Im not having a go at the people who do this, hey we all do it, just that some people will make such a huge deal about it when its you, yet they act as if they are immune to criticism.
So this year started with a bit of a downer having dealt with my dads death a few days earlier. He is missed so much especially at the family gatherings where he was the family figure head and everything happened around him and mum. Its really noticeable now that he isn’t there anymore. Something is definitely not quite the same as can be expected. However we as a family have dealt with it remarkably well I think. We spent the 27th this year at the graveside of my dad and sister remembering them. Sometimes I walk into mums and still expect to see him sitting in his chair the dog at his feet watching TV. I can still hear his voice, always caring and always welcoming you into the house. Sometimes you take people forgranted and only closely examine their lives and who they are as a person after their presence is missed. Celebrate the people around you now is all I can say. No time for the shit kickers, the people that matter are the people that don’t waste your time and bring something to your life, cause only then can you fully give back to them in the same way. Its till hard to comprehend sometimes my dads not there. An enigmatic man who lived a hard life that became easier full of stories , full of self determination and touched many people around him. He was an inventor, a true number 8 wire sort of guy. He came to NZ as a young kid with just his dad whom he knew for only a short period. His cousin came with him and within months his father had gone back to China to die. He never saw his mother or father again. I find that hard to comprehend when all I have known really is an incredibly wonderful family. He never made it back to China proper again either although he did go to Hong kong several times. I took the trip for him a few years ago to see if I could find his village and house in old Canton (Guangzhou) however things have changed in the 70 odd years since he was there. I came within 2-3 kilometers after he watched the video I took… it was one of the happiest days of my life being able to see him smile and be excited to see his homeland again. So even though a year has passed there is still much I want to do to celebrate and remember my father and family.
Ive traveled to several places this year from the extreme cold at the southern most part of the world to Australia. Almost had a trip to New york as well as part of a large street documentary but that has been deferred to 2012 so look forward to that. Business wise I have been so incredibly busy this year, non stop even. Pray that this continues into 2012. Nothing worse than wondering where the next job is coming from. Thankfully I havnt had a month where I have had to contemplate that this year. Quite the reverse.
Ive managed to work with some top name people and brands, both local and internationally, mostly in fashion or commercial projects which is a change from the editorial work that I was doing. Its still quite varied but this year I have been doing a lot more higher end work for billboards, advertising campaigns, corporate work and other marketing collateral. Im more in tune now with the expectations at this level so its been interesting to say the least, however there is so much to learn both technically, business and market wise, and just learning from some of the most amazing people in the industry. Its not all plain sailing, Ive had my fair share of snafus and quite simply Fuck ups, some of them caused by me. But no one is ever good without a reasonable amount of mistakes to learn from.
I have incredibly high expectations of where I want to be. Im of the thought of aim high and even if you miss the target you will be somewhere higher than if you aimed lower. I just don’t get half arsed attempts when what you are doing means something to you. People are always saying they are so passionate about photography. Then for gods sake show it.
This year Ive managed to work with some of the most amazing people. I’ve worked with people that have been in the advertising and marketing industry for over 30 years and let me say that that kind of knowledge and insight is invaluable, things you just pick up that cannot be found anywhere on the net. Im often asked what is the most important thing that a budding professional photographer should know when first starting out. I still hold to the point of getting advice of people who are in the know, people that know what they are talking about and have a great deal of experience. People who sit higher than you in the food chain, a lot higher. Forget about the internet, too much of that is second hand knowledge that is often said by a professional and suited to the confines of a certain set of circumstances and then taken out of context and regurgitated at will from thousands of others. Look for people who have evidence of producing the sort of work or knowledge base that is high quality enough to be fit for high end photographic expectations. too many people rely on the word of others that understand little about how this industry works and operates. Ive had absolute beginners telling me how to take photos for the advertising workflow and the expectations required… if I followed their advice Id have no job. Please I implore you… don’t give advice unless you damned well know what you are talking about and have the experience to back that up with in the relevant field. The amount of shit advice given by obvious wannabe photographers is appalling. And can only do harm in the short and long term. The other bit of good advice I would give is learn to appreciate and spot good photography from bad photography. It will take you far and prevent you from the embarrassing situation of thinking you have amazing work only to be slated by others.
Ive collaborated on a number of projects this year, many with good friend Jocelen Janon, an incredibly talented, deep thinking individual with a perfectionist attitude. Qualities I admire, (mostly because I don’t possess them myself) but more so because it shows in his work that he takes care to tell the stories that need to be told. Again he creates his work as as an extension of him, its his personality its his style. I know a Janon photo when I see it J The light is almost always polished in that Janon way.. you know what Im talking about when you see his body of work. Jocelen in turn has opened up new doors and friends for me, having photographed the talented Nat Hugill and the cast from the Lilly Loca series performances and the crew from Dr Sketchy.
Ive made friends with Max, Chog, Kris and Joe from DMONIC INTENT. A fashion label that started from an idea and now has been applauded and awarded all over NZ right to the very top. I first met Max in 2010 after she attended my photography course in Onehunga. I approached them many months later to kick of a project to follow them in their build up to fashion week, with Jocelen. I was dumbfounded when I went to their house and found a grass roots industry on the edge of huge success. Their talents, their approach, their art and personalities just made this right. They are humble people that again, know who they are, and stick with that as their driving force. How inspiring it was to walk through their house and see all the small things they had made, customized and created.. truly inspiring to see art and inspiration flourish as much as it does in this household. If NZ art is like this then we must be some of the most talented people in the world. We have become great friends since and look forward to future alternative projects with them which are in the pipeline.
One of the biggest influences in my year has been the stepped up involvement with CANTEEN the organization to help with young adults dealing with cancer. Its been a mind blowing experience, one that has made me commit more and more resources as I watch what a difference it has made to them, but selfishly to me. I have learnt so much of what it is to be human, about true strength, about true giving. Not from me, but from them. Its not an organization of sadness although that happens from time to time, but more the opposite, one of positive direction, friendships and a place of belonging which is incredibly important to everyone. Some of the friendships that I have made here are incredible. This place is like a second home to me, one where people feel safe and welcome. Ive shared some amazing space with these people, done some amazing things, and been part of some defining moments both in their lives and in my own. Im proud to be able to say I do work for Canteen, not because it’s a prestige thing to be able to say so, but because I know it does make a difference, not only with my photography, but just being there. Ive lost some great friends as well. Isaac who was one of the most talented young people I know.. really cheeky, really funny, always a great bloke. His work and words linger in my mind still and many others that came into contact with him. For someone in his tender years, he had the ability to influence the thinking of people many times his senior. One phrase that sticks with me, “You don’t know how strong you are until strong is your only choice.” Isaac those words just blow me away my friend. I will carry that with me for the rest of my life in so many ways to stop me whinging and bitching (at least less than I would normally) and to understand the strength in me when I need it the most. Thank you. We miss you and until we meet again.
Thanks to everyone whom Ive had contact with this year. Its been amazing. Some of you have moved to different places (Phil, Liv) but im sure we will keep in contact on your travels. Phil you are living out my dreams by going to Borneo. Liv miss you already but good luck on the amazing career step. I know you will do fantastic. All my NZFM buddies. Despite me not being able to spend as much time with you, its been awesome catching up when I can. Here is to bigger and better things for this group.
Thanks for those people who have kept it real and allowed me to keep it real as well. Thanks for those that allowed me to just be me and not try to change me. Those are the arses that I want to avoid anyway, don’t like the way I am then perhaps you should find someone else that is more willing to be moulded the way you wantJ I’m outspoken, I’m opinionated, I’m me.. I’m looking for real people who are themselves and who believe in themselves. All good success in life depends on planning and preparation.. it doesn’t happen accidentally, and very rarely it doesn’t happen by being compulsive to the extreme. How satisfying being able to see progress J ……….helps when you are partnered and surrounded with people that want the most from life as well as having loads of fun. I learnt that people can either encourage and make the most of it.. or make excuses all the time and wonder why everyone else has all the success. Guess who Im choosing.
Finally the biggest thing that I learnt this year is how to be nice but be yourself. The strength of character that affords you choices and options that you don’t have to be anything other than yourself and have people love you for it and not expect anything more. I think its so powerful, the ability just to be you. The deep calm and happiness that comes from that and not bowing to others wanting you to be anything else is mind blowing. This translates to work very well, where people employ you for being you, and celebrate your uniqueness. Photographers take heed. That is your point of difference, not the way you process, not the way you take your photos, its you. If you cant impart that, your uniqueness, your personality and story, then you are just like several million other photographers all trying to be like those that are unique. It’s a complicated point but in the raw its you that counts.
Ive had so many ups this year it by far outweighs any downs so what more could I ask for. My friends have been amazing, my clients have been amazing, incredible experiences and times that were had. Lets hope 2012 will exceed this year. Onwards and upwards, bring it on!!! Make the most of it and tackle it head on… !!!
Tags:
Happy New Year,
Life,
Photography 
