That Was The Year That Was
Surprises From a First 12 Months as a Photography Workshop Assistant
At the end of February 2025 I left my job in the marine industry and joined TAS Photo Workshops/ Cam Blake Photography as an assistant. Cam’s assistant at the time, his cousin Five-Star Dan, wanted to take some time out to pursue his own business dreams, and I needed to get out of a role that had very much worn me down.
The first 12 months were a huge learning curve but saw me travel and work in various states in Australia, as well as abroad, and threw up some wonderful surprises.
Surprise 1: Uluru
Uluru has never been on my to-do list. I appreciated its cultural significance to First Nations people and its status as an iconic landmark, however I had seen so many photographs and so much film footage, that I didn’t feel the need to see it in person.
That changed the instant I saw it from the plane window on the way to a Red Centre workshop. Looking down from that height, it looked like nothing else around. It had an undeniable ‘something’ about it, and now I was intrigued.
Seeing it from the ground with the familiar shape glowing in the early morning sunlight, followed by walking around some of the base and seeing it up close, I realised I hadn’t understood the textures, colours, grooves, caves, and shapes. I certainly hadn’t understood its sheer, awe-inspiring presence and palpable spirit.
From not being bothered about seeing it at all, I now can’t wait to get back.
Surprise 2: Bryce Canyon
In comparison, the parks of Utah were somewhere I had wanted to go for a long time. I had put that thought into the ‘won’t happen now ’ box on moving to Australia though, as I wanted to save my annual leave to go home to see family.
Utah is somewhere Cam runs a tour however, and before I knew it I was in a plane - the ‘won’t happen’ became an ‘it’s happening’.
The parks did not disappoint and it was a trip full of beautiful landscapes and wildlife, but a stand out for me was definitely Bryce Canyon.
Again I had seen photographs, and again they didn’t prepare me for standing looking down and over the many hundreds, thousands, of hoodoos and rock formations. Beautiful shapes, colours, and a chance to walk through them. A real ‘wow’ moment for me.
Surprise 3: Japan
Japan was somewhere I had given no thought to visiting, but found myself tagging along on a trip Cam did with fellow Tasmanian photographer Luke O’Brien and his wife Midori.
I had no expectations, but Japan proved to be very special. Frozen lakes, landscapes, snowscapes, cityscapes. Snow monkeys, bridges, magnificent shrines and temples. Beautiful cafe and restaurant owners (and their equally beautiful dogs).
There was nothing I didn’t love about Japan, except maybe trying to find the way out of Shinjuku Station ….
Surprise 4: Being On A Podcast
In a year of firsts, being invited to appear on a podcast was definitely one of those.
Ok, so my new boss, Cam, runs the podcast (The Down South Photo Show) with his good friend Brendan Waites of Camera and Photo (Ocean Grove, Victoria), but I was still surprised they would think anyone would want to listen to me. I mean, they have had some very well known photographers on.
I didn’t (still don’t) think I had anything of interest to say, but there I was sat in Perth, WA being interviewed online by Brendan. I was incredibly nervous, and trying so hard not to show it.
I’d tidied my office, tidied up myself, sorted a few photos to talk about, and then sat and proceeded to waffle on about my macro photography journey.
Despite the nerves, it was great fun. Brendan made the whole thing very easy. A few people even listened to it - and not just Mum and dad!
Should you want to have a listen, please find the link to the podcast here.
The Biggest Surprise Of All
There were many more adventures, moments of frustration, special moments, great guests, great conversations, and great photo opportunities.
The biggest surprise of all though, was the thump after running around the back of a car in the dark, and connecting my forehead with the lowering boot lid.
That thump was definitely an unexpected surprise, but a quick run to the Emergency Care unit, a bit of glue and we were away again. I was worried about having to get medical attention in the US, but they were amazing. I was in and out in no time, and it cost nothing like I thought it might.
No photos for this one - definitely not a pretty surprise and one I don’t want to repeat, but I am very much looking forward to seeing what the next 12 months has in store (as long as it doesn’t involve any more trips to Urgent Care!).