About Imagery Captivation
For Peter, photography transcends mere images, it’s about crafting narratives that resonate with viewers on a visceral level. He firmly believes that a photograph should encapsulate an entire story within a single frame, drawing viewers into a world where their imagination takes flight. Throughout his career, Peter has dedicated himself to mastering this art of storytelling through imagery. Today, he seamlessly integrates his extensive video skills to further enrich his storytelling capabilities, bridging the gap between stills and dynamic visual narratives. Moreover, Peter ventures beyond the visible spectrum into the captivating realm of infrared photography, unlocking hidden dimensions and adding a mesmerizing layer to his storytelling repertoire.
Peter’s Career
Peter’s journey in photography began in 1982 when he enrolled in photography studies at the Queensland College of Arts. There, he immersed himself in both the theoretical and practical aspects of photography, laying a solid foundation for his career. By 1984, Peter had transitioned into full-time photography under the mentorship of Mr. Roland Hardy, a renowned figure in the photography community. Specializing in wedding and portraiture photography, Peter refined his skills under Roland’s guidance until Roland’s untimely passing in 1986. Stepping into Roland’s shoes, Peter not only successfully managed Roland Hardy Photography but also set a Christmas sales record that year, showcasing his ability to excel under pressure.
In 1986, Peter also completed his studies at the Queensland College of Arts, earning recognition from both the Professional Photographers Association of Queensland and the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers for his outstanding work. This recognition paved the way for Peter’s transition to Profile Photographics in 1987, where he managed the RA4 printing section while continuing his photography work, particularly in weddings.
Peter’s career took another turn in 1989 when he joined the Queensland Premier’s Department Photographic Section, working across various photography domains such as Press and Public Relations, Agricultural, Annual Report, Commercial and Industrial, and Educational Photography. His tenure included the merger of departments and a move to the Administrative Services Department, where he gained experience with large-format cameras and aerial contact printing.
After a period of focusing on family responsibilities, Peter delved into the digital medium, winning the Brisbane City Council’s Lord Mayor’s Photographic Competition in 1996. His thirst for digital knowledge led him to pursue multimedia and digital arts courses, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts in Design Communications from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2001, graduating with distinction.
“Winner of the inaugural Brisbane City Council Lord Mayors Photographic Competition”
“Undiscovered Brisbane” 1996
Peter’s expertise expanded further when he joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 2002, where he contributed to educational multimedia development and simulation administration, all while advancing his photographic and videography skills. His work significantly enhanced the learning environment for RAAF trainees, earning him recognition for his impactful contributions.
Peter’s passion for photography extends to infrared photography, where he explores the unique artistic possibilities, it offers. “It’s more like going back to film, as an image is incomplete straight from the camera,” Peter explains. “It’s in the post-production where the magic takes place, and as such, an image will surprise and delight as it gives up its secret during the post-production process.” This approach adds a distinctive dimension to his already impressive portfolio, enhancing his landscape photography with ethereal and otherworldly visuals.
Additionally, his son’s immersion in the thrilling world of motorsports ignited Peter’s passion for capturing high-speed action. Watching his son maneuver through the adrenaline-fueled races, Peter found himself drawn to the challenge of freezing these dynamic moments in time. This newfound interest led him to delve deeper into the art of panning photography, mastering techniques that accentuate the sense of speed and motion. By skillfully tracking his subjects as they raced by, Peter honed his ability to convey the exhilaration and intensity of motorsports through his lens. This exploration not only enriched his portfolio but also provided a fresh perspective that he seamlessly integrated into his evolving photographic repertoire.
In the realm of videography, Peter leverages his compositional expertise and camera skills to craft compelling narratives, recently transitioning to Davinci Resolve for its robust editing capabilities and industry-standard color grading tools. His dedication to continuous improvement led to his accreditation as a Davinci Resolve video color grader, further solidifying his position as a versatile and skilled visual artist.