What’s your connection to Macedon Ranges?
I live in Kyneton with my partner, Stephanie. We live in the home that has been in her family for more than 100 years. Steph works part-time with Macedon Ranges council, and I have my photos in Works Of Art Gallery, Kyneton. I have been selling framed prints at the Gisborne Olde Time Market for some seven years now. I have also been lecturing in photography and an introduction to digital image processing at Macedon Ranges Further Education, Gisborne, for more than five years.
How long have you lived in the area?
We moved back full-time to Kyneton five years ago to retire here.
Where else have you lived around the world?
I have lived and worked in London twice for extended periods. The first time for three years in the late 1960s when the Beatles and Rolling Stones were starting out, and again in 1988 for 12 months. I really enjoy travel and have been fortunate to visit 40 countries on the five continents. My criteria for my list is that I must clear customs and spend at least a day in each country.
What’s your favourite place to spend your time?
While I love travelling overseas, I do enjoy travelling around Australia. A good friend and I share ownership of an off-road camper and have travelled many miles around Oz. We have just purchased a drone, so we might have to go back and see it all again from another perspective. I have many great memories from overseas trips, but the one that is most prominent was my trip to Antarctica 12 months ago.
How did you become a photographer?
A family friend gave me a Box Brownie camera when I was young. I have always taken photos – happy snaps really. But it was not until 2000 when I went and did a five-week night class on how to use the camera that I really got hooked on making better images. It takes time to develop your own vision and style. I love print and liked getting my packet of images back from the chemist, but now I do my own printing, I still stand and watch the print come out of the printer. I purchased a secondhand Box Brownie a few months ago to remind me of where I started with my passion.
What would surprise people to know about you?
I am an accountant and worked in finance all my life, mostly corporate finance.
What is the best thing about Macedon Ranges?
I am relatively new to the area but I have found a very warm welcome everywhere I go and I love the community side of things. It reminds me of the community spirit I had growing up in Moreland – but that has disappeared in Melbourne these days. It is nice to have it back.
