About Me
On March 7, 2021, a simple twist of fate—or rather, a twist of the knee—redirected my path from the physical to the aerial. A day marked by the sharp 'crack' of my knee tearing—meniscus, collateral ligament, and patellar tendon—was the unexpected beginning of a journey towards rediscovery. As the world grappled with the second wave of COVID-19, and I with my newfound mobility challenges, I found solace and liberation in a lifelong passion that had awaited its moment in the sun: PHOTOGRAPHY.
"Grounded by fate, lifted by passion." This personal mantra encapsulates my journey from the confines of physical limitations to the freedom of the skies above. Not one to be grounded by circumstance, I embraced the skies. My first drone, a DJI Mini2, became my lens to the world, enabling me to capture its beauty from a new vantage point. This relentless pursuit of beauty and excellence drove me to expand my arsenal with three more drones, each serving as a testament to my commitment to capturing the essence of the Australian landscape from above.
Determined to refine my craft, I delved into the intricacies of Lightroom and sought out every resource that could propel my photography to new heights. My dedication bore fruit in February 2023, when I earned the "Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC)", marking a significant milestone in my aerial journey. The pinnacle of this journey, however, was in May 2023, when I was officially recognized as a certified professional drone pilot with a RePL certificate.
The year 2023 brought more than just certifications; it was a year of validation from the photography community. My work, particularly my portrayal of rock pools as "Highly Commended" by the Australian Photography of the Year contest, was an affirmation of the unique perspective I bring to the world of aerial photography.
Despite three surgeries and numerous forays into alternative healing, my knee remains a reminder of the day my life took a new direction. Yet, it has not dampened my spirit or energy. The challenges I faced were not setbacks but rather stepping stones to a passion that now defines my existence.
My 17-months labor of love, captured through the lens of my drones, is more than just photography; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the beauty of our world, and the endless possibilities that await when we choose to see the world from a different perspective.
As I continue on this aerial odyssey, I invite you to join me in exploring the world from above, to share in the wonder, the beauty, and the stories that unfold when we dare to soar.