REFLECTING ON 2021
After a tumultuous 2020, I was determined to make the most of the new year - no matter what challenges it presented. Despite a few forced pauses along the way, 2021 was the year I finally started to feel like freelance photography could work for me. I didn’t waver from that path, as I had in the previous year. Sure, there were tough moments, but over the course of the year I found myself saying ‘I love what I do’ quite often. Here are a few moments and learnings that elicited that phrase over and over again.
STOTTY’S JOURNEY
When I first saw Stotty upon her return to Australia in February, I had no idea what her year would entail. Those close to me - including Stotty - asked repeatedly if I was sure about documenting her battle with cancer. I was sixteen when I lost my mum to cancer, so I understood the concern. Even so, I was adamant about helping, despite not knowing how it would affect me.
When I met Stotty outside the hospital in her first week of chemotherapy, she turned up with a big smile on her face. It said so much about her, really. Stotty brings positivity into everything she tackles, and it’s beyond admirable.
Throughout 2021 we documented as much of her journey as we could. One of the most emotional moments took place on a cold night in July. 84 minutes into a local football match, Stotty stood on the sideline. She was about to step back onto a football field for the first time since her diagnosis. It’s a moment I’ll never forget - truthfully, it was difficult to focus on photographing as everyone present stopped to welcome Stotty back to football.
Fast forward to December, and Stotty’s back in City blue, playing in the A-League. I love photographing this competition, and when Stotty is near the ball there’s an added element of excitement for me. After seeing the many physical and mental challenges she faced this year, I’m delighted to see her out there, doing what she loves.
I’ve learnt a lot about and from Stotty this year. She speaks candidly about her experiences, adding a layer of optimism you might not anticipate. From the very start of her journey, she’s spoken about her desire to help others. Her selflessness is unparalleled. It’s been a privilege helping her tell her story. I look forward to seeing what the next chapters bring.
RETURN OF THE MATILDAS
It’s no secret that photographing the Matildas cemented my love for photography. The wait between games for me was lengthy - I’d last shot the Tillies in March 2020.
When I found out that they were coming home for friendlies in October and November, truthfully, I had mixed feelings. At the time, I’d been in lockdown in Victoria for around seven weeks. I desperately wanted to photograph those games, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
When the October matches against Brazil were announced in Sydney, I didn’t think border restrictions would ease in time for me to get there. They didn’t. It was the closest I’d been to covering a Tillies game for 20 months, and missing out - without having any control of the situation - hurt.
However, the landscape had changed by November. I could travel to NSW for the matches against America. I didn’t allow myself much excitement until I was on the plane - I was too scared something would change in the lead up. Fortunately everything went to plan, and a few days later I was pitchside with my camera.
It’s hard to put into words what the trip meant to me. I’ve never taken covering the Tillies for granted, but I was certainly reminded just how special it is. I made sure to allow myself moments of pure enjoyment - it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of the assignment. It’s safe to say that despite my lengthy absence, my passion for capturing the Tillies hasn’t diminished. If anything, it’s as strong as it’s ever been. I don’t know when I’ll next get the chance to cover a game (I won’t be in India next month), but I can’t wait for an opportunity.
NEW CHALLENGES
Working as a freelancer is isolating at times. If I want to improve as a photographer, it’s on me to push myself to do so. Throughout 2021, I took on a number of jobs that took me outside of my comfort zone.
Football has always been a safe space for me, because my knowledge of the game allows me to connect with the people I’m working with - even if we haven’t met before. So when I agreed to shoot on netball, skateboarding and running projects in 2021, I knew I was going to be challenged. I’d never played netball, I haven’t touched a skateboard since I was a child, and I don’t run.
It wasn’t simply a matter of turning up and hoping for the best. I researched not only the sports, but how they’re photographed. I spent hours at my desk looking at the photographs in the briefs. In skateboarding, I learnt about the importance of the wider context - vastly different to the tight crops you might see in football action shots. For running, I had to consider how one captures that naturally. I hopped on my bike, experimenting with different camera straps and harnesses that would allow me to snap as soon as I dismounted.
Over the course of these projects, I saw that the sense of community I’d always felt in football was just as strong. Shooting at the Melbourne marathon, I was amazed by how much the raw emotions at the finish line affected me. Everywhere I looked, I saw strength, encouragement and support. It was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had as a photographer.
As a photographer, trying new things isn’t easy, but it can be so rewarding. Not too long ago, I mightn’t have had the confidence in my ability to take on these sorts of jobs. However, in 2021 I discovered that challenging myself is exactly what I need to be doing. I’ll certainly be chasing opportunities outside of my comfort zone in 2022.
