ARTIST'S STATEMENT

"Storytelling through photography is based on the connection between an individual and photographer with means to visually share an experience with a greater audience."

My interest in capturing individuals in a personal way began a number of years ago, especially whilst travelling overseas and coming across some interesting people and the conversations we had. There is no doubt a significance in recording history through photography, yet something really special about capturing people who can exemplify humanity through a deeper and exposed connection to an audience.
Using a documentary style of photographing people in a setting both significant and intimate, allows the viewer to associate with someone they have never met. My work aims to showcase a collection of images and connect the viewer with individuals in an environment, showing personal character and a greater insight into society. Through consistently positioned portraits, my work represents a common connection to the many people I have met, employing full-bodied character studies of people working in their industry across Australia and the significance of the story they present. 
The importance of a first encounter is the critical element of keeping my photography genuine and believable. Photographing people after non-structured conversations, allows me to include important elements of their environment and articulate a sense of visual storytelling through black and white portraits. A sense of personality and intimacy in strangers is revealed through the process of interaction and listening to an individual’s story no matter how long or short. There is the notion, through the intimate representation of an individual, personality is exposed and their guard is removed. We are able to grasp a much better connection to an individual through visual information of place and setting, another reason why I work away from the studio space and include different environments. 
Overall, my photography aims to connect viewers to a range of environments, communicating the importance of the individual and exhibiting the study of character through encounters and personal interaction. By removing an individual from their everyday activity and composing a photograph, I have been able to present multiple stories using single photographs. Current socio-economic factors and social influences have been revealed in the process of meeting a wide range of people in different cities and allowing them to discuss personal values or experiences. Portrait photography will always be able to connect the viewer to the greater understanding of humanity. While working within a field that resonates with my area of representation and visual documentation, I intend to explore it even more as part of my photographic journey across diverse industries.