My Mum was born in Iraq, came to Oz in her 20s where she met my Dad, and thus, I was spawned. Had a good childhood without drama. I was like many when it came to school; not there to learn, just there to have fun. I certainly did that and made many friends along the way.
One of the strongest memories I have from when I was young, was my Dad taking me to Eastern Creek Raceway for my first race meet when I was about 10-years-old. Lining-up to get in, I heard some cars racing down the track and I fell in love with the noise that very moment. Been going ever since. (Dad drove a Front Engine Dragster in the 70s with his good mate Bob Shepherd, which is how it all came about).
Anyways, fast-forward to 2006 where I stumbled across photography..
It all started when I was mucking around in the back yard with a Sony T1 P&S. I got on the ground and took a pic of a flower:
I've lost the original, but it wasn't as flash as this if I recall.
For some reason, family and friends loved it and suggested that maybe I should consider learning the art. 3 months later (April '06) I wandered into Harvey Norman and bought the first DSLR I saw in my price range, which was a Nikon D70 with the 18-70 kit and a Tamron 70-300, all for less than $2k.
Aperture and ISO were brand new words to me, so Auto was the obvious choice for shooting. As the weeks past I slowly took it off Auto and started to experiment.
I soon realised that I could combine my old love (racing) with my new one, photography. My first attempts weren't so successful, but I tried panning from the start anyway: (D70, Tamron)
I stayed with the same gear combo for the rest of '06. During this time, my skills and knowledge both got better with each race meet.
At the start of 2007 I was ready for a new toy to replace my super-slow Tamron, which wasn't really helping me progress with the types of pic I was after. After a bit of research and saving money from my carpentry job, I put all my eggs in one basket and splashed-out on the Nikon 70-200VR f2.8. Best decision I've ever made, if I do say so myself
With some practice already under my belt and a new lens, I was keen to get out there. My results were much better and this is when I realised that a good bit of glass can't be beat:
Not long after, I was stoked to the max when WSID wanted to use one of my pics for a billboard. I've always sucked at asking for things from people, especially money, and as a result I gave this away for free for use in a few spots around Sydney:
Once friends and family heard I didn't charge anything, they convinced me to try and get some money for it. I was reluctant, but gave them a rang anyway. I got the run-around and got nothing. My first business lesson I'd say
I wasn't too bothered though as bargaining is my weakest trait!My first pic I sold was to Jay Upton. He came to me and also named the price for the digital file, which was $100:
I was happy, and I hear he's got a few of them scattered around his various workplaces.
Cool.My most recent results I'm fairly happy with, but technically I have a long way to go, especially in regards to how I get to my results:
I love my D70 and will never sell it, but think I'm starting to outgrow it; I'm ready for something a little more Pro. A D300 would be a dream! But dreams need money..
In-between race meets, a friend of mine who was writing articles for Loop Magazine, asked if I'd take pics for her of bands she was writing about. I was scared as, but did it anyway. First gig was a shocker! I truly understood for the first time what 'low light' meant! I got one pic I was happy with from the entire gig:
I found the band stuff much harder to do; even harder than getting a crisp shot of a 500km/h Top Fuel Dragster at 1/100s!
I did the band stuff for a few months (unpaid) until I wasn't need anymore, and got some pics printed in the mag. It was fun but challenging and if I want to do more of it, then I'm at least gonna need a Prime and a Flash I'd say
Just before the band stuff, I actually quit my job of 5 years as a carpenter because I hated it; my boss was an asshole and I wanted to force myself into photography. I've sold a few pics along the way, but mainly survived off my $2500 tax return, which ran out just the other day...
I'm at a crossroads at the moment and kind-of in limbo. I just can't get another job that I hate! I refuse to! I found what I like and want to do, and I think I owe it to myself to make it happen, but that's the tricky part; making it happen. My original goal was to be my own boss and I really loved this idea, mainly for the reason that I couldn't disappoint others, only myself. I don't like letting others down. However, I'm not quite sure I can do this, as my entrepreneurial skills are lacking, along with my business skills. I've never been much of a leader, and as a result, think I'd do better having been given direction.
Approaching 2 years in April since I stumbled across photography, I'd like to make my 3rd year a success. By this I simply mean being able to do what I've come to enjoy most in my life so far. Money is not a big want for me, but I realise we all need it. My main goal is to make just enough each week to survive on my own, in my own joint...
Anyway, my journey has caught up to the present now, where I continue to take pics for fun at race meets with my trusty old D70 and wait to see what the future holds. Thanks to everyone on this site for all the help over the past year, It's really been greatly appreciated.
James.
