a long time yet

He took a chance on a gushing girl in her early 20s and has spent the last six years, nearly seven, teaching me pretty much everything he knows. He’s been absolutely instrumental in my development as a photographer and as a person. Our conversations are equal parts photography and life. His considered words always wise and exactly what I need to hear, even if I don’t realise it at the time. Men like Justin are rare: gentle, kind, insightful, humble, humorous, teachable, authentic and strong. I am extremely grateful to know him and call him my friend. Time and time again, Justin and beautiful Kirsten, Jarrah and Mali have opened their treetop home to me and made me feel welcome – Kirst always ready with a cup of tea and a plate of food as well as a listening ear and that ability to make me feel like a loved and worthwhile person. My life/work in Sydney has made it harder and harder to travel north to shoot weddings for Bushturkey Studio which means I don’t see Justin and his family as often as I’d like to but as he said the last time we spoke, ‘I see no ending today…just a continuation of a friendship that will last a long time yet.’   

 

in print

Earlier this year a bunch of photos taken by Justin Ealand (my dear friend and mentor) and I were published in ‘The Australian Wedding Book’. There’s something really special about seeing your images in print and imagining someone turning the pages of a book and stopping to appreciate a photo you’ve made. It’s pretty odd though, because as well as having my own images in the book there are also a few OF me as Justin shot my best friend Ali’s wedding and I was in the bridal party.