From conservation to photography...

From panda conservation to managing a bar called The Sexy Tractor

In 2007 I ventured to China to teach English, which was really just a creative way to join a panda conversation project. Sadly, shortly after my arrival, I learned the panda project I wanted to join wasn’t a very honest one. I ended up managing a bar called the Sexy Tractor instead. At this bar I met a Kiwi guy who had never studied photography, yet he called himself a photographer. Coming from a culture where photography was seen as a hobby, not a way to make a living, this really got me thinking - and it got me very motivated! I kept working at the bar for a little longer, with a clear goal: to get my first (Pentax) digital camera.

My first gig took place in the water!

My first photography gig was in exchange for kitesurfing classes. Soon after buying that first digital camera, I moved to Australia. I had always wanted to learn how to kitesurf, but I didn’t have any money to pay for lessons. I decided to offer to take photos for the surf school in exchange for lessons. I learned how to kite, and I learned that my photography skills were valued.