Blog
Making Waves at the Australian Photographic Prize
Earlier this year, I decided to take a deep breath and put my work out into the world by entering the Australian Photographic Prize — one of the largest competitions of its kind, with over 2,500 entries from 21 countries.
To be honest, pressing “submit” was equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking. Like so many creative people, I often question if my work is good enough — so entering felt like a big leap.
When the results came through, I was completely blown away. Several of my images received Highly Commended recognition, and one image in particular achieved something I never expected: a Silver with Distinction.
That Silver with Distinction image made it into the Top 30 in the Landscape Category and was then judged at that level — an incredible honour given the calibre of work from photographers around the world.
As someone who spends so much of my creative life chasing light, saltwater, and authentic moments, it’s incredibly humbling to have that work recognised on such a big stage. These acknowledgements are a reminder that the images we create — the ones we connect to deeply — can also connect with others in ways we may never anticipate.
For me, photography has always been about emotion and grounding, a sense of calm It’s about the feeling of wind in your hair, sand under your feet, and the sound of waves rolling in, the sun dancing or kissing the water first thing in the morning. To capture that and have it resonate with people beyond my little corner of the Sunshine Coast feels pretty special.
A heartfelt thank you to the Australian Photographic Prize judges, and to everyone who supports My Salty Life — whether you’ve trusted me with your own precious moments, hung one of my ocean prints in your home, or simply cheered me on from the sidelines. Your encouragement means the world.
Here’s to more saltwater adventures and more golden light.
Where does the time go?
Memories
To last a life time
As a photographer, I often find myself pondering the question, "Where does the time go?" It's a concept that seems to slip through our fingers, especially when viewed through the lens of a camera. Each photograph captures a fleeting moment, a slice of life that will never occur in exactly the same way again. This is one of the many reasons why updating your photos regularly is so important.
Time has a way of subtly altering everything around us. People change, landscapes evolve, and even the light that dances across a familiar scene can transform with the seasons. What was once a vibrant memory can fade, just as colors do in an old photograph. That's why as a photographer, I encourage everyone to refresh their images periodically. While the frequency might vary depending on your needs and circumstances, here are a few guidelines to consider:
Ultimately, the frequency of updating your photos depends on your personal preference and life circumstances. However, by making a conscious effort to refresh your images periodically, you preserve the essence of fleeting moments that make up the fabric of your life. Time may pass swiftly, but photographs allow us to hold on to the memories that matter most, giving us a portal back to moments otherwise lost to time.
As we head towards Christmas…
As we head towards Christmas and the end of 2020, what is that you are thankful/grateful for? It certainly has been a year! I’m really grateful that I have my parents, family all living in the same suburb, there are so many who haven’t seen any of their families and friends for a long time. I’m grateful for my little people, as challenging as they can be at times, they certainly make me stop and think sometimes.
I hope that you enjoy Christmas, the end of year celebrations, and here’s to a happy, healthy 2021.
Get the pictures
It all begins with an idea.
I do love to photograph in the ocean but I also do enjoy capturing images from the land. I think that it is important to capture the moments that will last a life time, capture them when they are small, but also remember to get them photographed as they are getting older, and please don’t forget to get yourself in the frame.
