Teaching Photography and Filmmaking
I find that the act of teaching has become just as important as the act of creating. In guiding others to see the world through their lenses, I can help them unlock their own potential, discover their unique perspectives, and develop their own voices within the medium. Each student brings something new to the table, and watching them grow in their craft has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.
I often reflect on how far we’ve come from those early days of film—when the anticipation of receiving a reel of developed Super 8 footage was a monumental event. Today, with digital technology, the process of creating, editing, and sharing visual content has become far more immediate and accessible. However, the fundamentals of good photography and filmmaking—framing, light, timing, and narrative—remain unchanged. It's these principles that I continue to pass on, knowing that while the tools have evolved, the essence of storytelling is timeless.
Now, as I look to the future of photography and filmmaking, I’m excited by the possibilities that lie ahead. Advances in digital technology, augmented reality, and virtual reality are transforming how we capture and experience the world. But I also see a resurgence in the appreciation for traditional techniques—whether it’s shooting on film or taking the time to perfect a shot in-camera before editing. The beauty of photography and filmmaking is that it’s a continually evolving art form, one that embraces innovation while also respecting the past.
My journey from being a child fascinated by the box brownie to becoming a mentor and teacher in the world of photography and filmmaking has been long and winding. But throughout it all, the passion for capturing moments and telling stories has never wavered. I hope to continue teaching, learning, and sharing this passion for years to come, inspiring future generations of photographers and filmmakers to see the world through their own unique perspectives.
Ultimately, whether through a simple snapshot or a cinematic masterpiece, what matters most is the connection between the photographer or filmmaker and the subject. Every frame, every shot, is an opportunity to communicate a moment in time—one that can never be fully recreated, yet can be immortalised in a way that speaks to others, long after the moment has passed. This, for me, is the true magic of photography and film—a magic that Alan, the Macelveen family, and many others instilled in me at the very start of my journey.