Camra Man

Camra Man was born out of a period of self-reflection.

I had taken what I call an enforced sabbatical to spend time with a sick family member. A year or so into it and it became clear that my priorities had changed, and I was now on a different path.

Twenty-one years on the same rollercoaster is a long time. Photojournalism is all I’ve ever known, and I absolutely love it. It’s been a privilege, it’s been difficult and it’s been my life. I have always had the same goal - to be the absolute best I can be. To know that when the time comes, I’ll be satisfied with what I’ve achieved and contributed through my work. I’m nowhere near these points and I doubt if I ever will be. 

Deep down I’ve always kind of known this, if you step off the coaster mid journey to reflect and take stock, chances are you will never get back on. At least this is the fear and was the driving force behind my career, and I suspect many others.

To reach each self-imposed target, sacrifices needed to be made. Relationships with family and friends were often of secondary importance. I’d often be on assignment during a birthday or family gathering. You can justify this in numerous ways. The story could be of historical importance, you were often shining a light into the darkest corners of society. Giving a voice to the persecuted and abused. But, back at home, there was still a birthday cake you never tasted, or pantomime performance missed.

This is how Camra Man was created. When I was away on assignment my son would draw me pictures. The usual abstract creations, flowers, cars, wonky houses with a rainbow in the sky. But one in particular was special. A simple line drawing of a camera and flash taking a picture with the words Camra Man written in orange marker above. I carried this with me everywhere. In fact, it was one of the only things I took with me when I was posted to India. It always has brought a smile to my face.

So, whenever I realised my priorities needed readjusting and I needed to spend more time being here rather than there. I wanted a symbol or image that would encapsulate it - Camra Man was it.

I’m still a photojournalist. I still miss some family gatherings. And I still love what I do. But now there is more of a balance. The drawing of the wonky camera with pop up flash helped create that.