I'm in Australia...

I've been taking photos for god knows how long now, and I've finally got a replacement camera.

The Phase One 645 with a p45+ Back.





Nah i'm kidding, but I will be renting that a few weeks from now with a profoto 7B rig (which I intend to buy when i'm home) I will be updating my deviantart dramatically tonight, so expect a good 20 photos to up up and running. I might even update my subscription too.

On a more interesting note. My uncle Paul Greengrass has just released the trailer to his new film GREEN ZONE. There's been very little said about this movie so far, and I know why. So please... watch the trailer [link] it's coming 2010.

I'm currently sitting in Hanoi Airport, waiting the ridiculously long wait for a flight to Bangkok. I got up at 5:30am this morning to get a taxi with Kat and Sophie (who I've been traveling with for quite some time now) to the Airport. Their flight left at 9:15. It's 11am now, and my flight leaves at 20:55 tonight. Why on earth did I get the taxi this early. It was only $10 but still... I'm sitting in a cafe and I think they're wondering when I'm going to leave.

Anyway, I've been through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, and it's been the greatest time of my life. I was pretty unlucky on August 1st when I had my camera stolen in Cambodia on the way to Siem Reap. It was horrible to think that for the rest of my trip I'd be cameraless, but it's inspired me to get going again in Australia so much more than I originally planned. I've written down thousands of ideas, all of which I will most certainly follow through with. The loss of my camera has meant I've had time to think about what I should do as a replacement. At first, I thought I'd settle for a 400D, or a 450D. Then I thought I'd buy another 40D or 50D (small upgrade) but now I have realised that I've got so much left throughout my travels, all of which are photography related. I'm already planning a trip through Europe to meet up with some of the people I've been traveling with (like Sophie and Kat who both live in france for half the year) So now I am settled on getting a Canon 5D or the 5D mark II. The reason being is that I feel that I have earned it. Not by losing my camera, but I said I was going to do this trip, and I wouldn't have thought that in a million years I'd be posting a journal entry from Vietnam. Its very surreal. So the first port of call is to get myself a job with regular income in Australia. It means I can get my parents to lend me some of the cash and I can therefore pay them back over a period of time. I've been in close contact with a great firm in Sydney that do brilliant camera, lens and light rentals for next to nothing and I'm certainly going to take them up on that.

I've visited many amazing places and met many amazing people over the last 2 months. I've also spent way too much money and it's a little worrying sometimes but I figure that's something not to worry about, or issues with money get so much worse.

I feel very at home being on the road so much. It certainly sucks carrying around a big bag with a big camera bag and all the equipment that goes with it, but that's a small price to pay for feeling content with yourself. If I could give any advice to anyone wanting to travel, I say go for it. Don't hesitate, don't worry, don't even think about it. Flying is relatively cheap, you can definitely do it on a budget. It's the greatest thing I have ever done, and making something happen has never been my strong point. For once in my life I have finally said I'd do something, and I've followed it through. Traveling is the greatest thing I have EVER done... Hands down. I could rant on and on about the people I've met, the people I've photographed, and the things i've done and the places i've been, but that'd bore the crap out of you all. Sometimes talking about it so much just doesn't do it justice. you gotta pack up and go while you have the chance.

I've got loads of edits to do, and my mac needs calibrating properly. I can't wait to get everything going properly again in Australia.
So for now, it's goodbye. I'll update y'all whenever I can.

Feel free to contact me if you're going to any of the places I listed. I'd love to answer some questions if you're thinking about going.
peace out.

Just a VERY quick update.
I've been in Asia for the last 2 months - give or take. It's a beautiful country with such amazing people, so many people eager to learn, so many people just happy to be doing what they're doing.

The project is coming on a treat. I can't wait to share some photos with you all in Oz.

For now - i'm off to Vietnam

I leave the UK in 2 weeks to start work on my project.
I've uploaded some recent photos I've been working on. Some of them are very basic edits and I haven't really done much to them. I think i'm getting better, I'd really love to know what you think of my new work.

I know i've been pretty quiet here lately but that's just down to having too much college work to do, oh and 12 months traveling to sort out!

Anyway I'll keep it quick, just comment my new work.
hope you like it.

Do you ever sit up late at night dreaming about the future? Wondering if it's all going to turn out just the way you want it to?

I've sat up in bed until the early hours of the morning since I went into hospital 2 years ago. On May 16th it's my 2 year anniversary since I went into hospital. Effectively this means it's 2 years since I had to make the biggest decision in the world and suddenly grow up. I've sat up every single night dreaming about travelling the world, taking pictures in my stride and just living life to the absolute max.

June 14th I finally make my dreams a reality! Off to travel the world, through 11 countries. Home - Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand again, Kuala Lumpur, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, The Cook Islands, L.A, Seattle and back home. 12 months with a backpack as my house, 12 months to home in on my skills as a photographer, 12 months to work on a project I have been thinking about for far too long now.

The photographers that have inspired me to do this are...

Lara Jade - She's my age, she's fantastic and it shows that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything. (plus she's good friends with my dear friend Kerry, so I have to throw in a good word for her)

Joey Lawrence - In my eyes, the greatest photographer around at the moment.

Chase Jarvis - Maybe the coolest photographer around at the moment, his photos are inspiring and he shares so much of his knowledge with everyone.

Zack Arias - The one light legend. Also for his knowledge he shares with everyone

David Hobby - What would the world do without Strobist?

Drew Gardner - I bought his DVD the other week and it's and understatement to say that's inspiring, it's absolutely mind blowing.

and finally...

My good friend Simon Lipman. He's given me so many opportunities to work in London and helped me on my way, if anything it's one of the main reasons i've stuck with creating images as a career path.

So here I am, about a month away from my trip. I'll try and keep you all updated, but wish me luck.

Follow me on twitter & blogger.

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