See. Feel. Experience.

These were the words internationally recognised photographer Rex Dupain used to conclude his speech at the opening of a photography exhibition in Sydney today. The exhibition showcases outstanding photos entered into a competition organised by the Macular Disease Foundation to raise awareness, where a photo I took was chosen as the overall grand finalist from over 2400 entries.

I use them at the beginning of this blog post, because they perfectly describe the very essence of what I try to convey in every photo I take.

It was a proud and beautiful moment when I arrived at the exhibition and saw my photo in print.

The magical light and expression of wonder on my daughters face shone out, and as I listened to my description of my photo being read out, I was transported back to our morning of play and the enchantment of the moment, when I saw something special and raced to get my camera before the light and her interest moved on.

“Golden morning light streaming into the kitchen and a box of shredded paper. My child was captivated by the dust motes dancing in the air; I got to peek into her magical world. We both saw magic that day. Celebrate the little details you see every day. It’s all so precious.”

Four years ago I became captivated by the photography style of Mera Koh, who believes a portrait should tell a story – of the settings and defining details of our every-day lives. It was a creative shift in my photography, and one I could never in my wildest dreams have imagined would see me starting a weekend photography business in my local community, or winning an award and speaking on live radio! (hear the interview here!)

The theme of the competition was SEE MY WORLD, which is so fitting to help raise awareness for an incurable disease which steals the gift of sight in one in seven adults aged over 50.

As a mother and a photographer, I love nothing more than capturing small defining details, and expressions of wonder, love, discovery in a baby, child, and parent – being touched by the emotions I can see in a scene. But someone affected by Macular degeneration slowly loses the ability to see these things, until all a face becomes is an outline. It was humbling to hear first hand accounts of living with someone who has this disease, and how the Foundation provides such a great network of resources.

Our vision is SO precious, yet it’s so easy to rush through daily routines and every day life without really seeing.

Which is why, to extend the advise from Rex, my philosophy for life and my photography is:

See something special in the ‘every-day’

Feel the emotion unfolding

Experience the connection to this moment in time.

Every day presents us with new sights and opportunities, and, if you’re lucky a sprinkle of magical light shines on them. When you see your world in this way, and have photographs which capture these three qualities, you’ll be rewarded with a collection of memories and images which tell your story and celebrate life. When my daughter was born, I can remember thinking I didn’t want to close my eyes and miss a second of her life. Because it is all so precious.

It was such an honour to be recognised in something I am so passionate about.

You can call the foundation on 02 9261 8900 to purchase their 2016 calendar for just $12 (my photo is January!). It’s a shame there are only 12 months in the year, because the creative interpretation of all the photos exhibited left an impression on me – I feel I’m seeing my world with fresh eyes.

Published November 13, 2015

Links:

MD foundations media release announcing the winners

My interview in the Switzer Daily

My 4BC radio interview

See. Feel. Experience.

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See. Feel. Experience.

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