I received a portrait photography enquiry earlier in the year. One of many of course, however this one was different.
My website is quite obvious about what I photograph – children, families, babies. The genre is clear. However, this enquiry was completely different. I was struck with the enquirer’s ability to see my skills as being something that would be useful for his project, however, I am firm believer that I am a better photographer when I leave my comfort zone (something I have had to be taught) so I immediately said yes. And, as is normal when you work with people, it becomes more about a mutual trust and respect for the other person and less about your resume.
Jim Aubrey is an author. He has lived what I would term as being a colourful life. As a human rights activist and policy activist he hasn’t always make people happy, particularly the politicians. But he is someone, who lives with more conviction and integrity than I see in most people.
His latest project, The Village of Miracle, is what I would call a beast of a project. Its a book which I am yet to begin, although it sits impatiently on my shelf. A mother of three who runs a busy business – I don’t get much time to read things that aren’t school notices. But I am anxious and excited to open this one, I just need to gift myself the time to do so. Its going to be incredible, and I know this, as I now know the author.
The Village of Miracle was launched on saturday Foundry Artisan Coffee at Indooroopilly and I was there to photograph the event. Having photographed Jim for his website earlier in the year, it was such a pleasure to see his project come to fruition and meet some of the people who have inspired him along the way.
One I will note is one of the ten or so artists whose work adorns the pages of Jim’s book. Matteo Grilli is an Italian born artist who now lives in Brisbane. I’m currently measuring up wall space to find a piece from his shop to go on my walls.
Thanks again Jim for having me along for the ride, and congratulations on this amazing piece of work.
