Project Name: Coneheads
Project: Photographing dogs in recovery with cones on their heads.
When did you begin this project and why? The idea began years ago with a dear friend who was a dog fan…she and I would see conheads all over the city and be in stitches laughing…we were to get started on the project but she died suddenly…so I put the project on hold for some time after about a year I decided it needed to happen in her memory and that any proceeds from an exhibit and book will go to a foundation helping abused animals.
Why is this subject interesting to you? Who doesn’t love a done in a cone?
What has been the most rewarding part about shooting this body of work? Its been part therapy to help heal the loss of a dear friend, and its also gotten me back to why I picked up a camera in the first place…Most of my work for magazines is of high profile people and portraits for agencies have so many people involved who I have to make happy which can take a lot of joy out of the creative process…this is just me a camera and a dog…and the chase for great images in a few moments. I recently photographed Richard Branson who asked what else I was shooting that week…I said you and a few dogs with cones on their heads…he was really confused.
ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
What was the last photo book you bought or was given to you? I was given a great book by Trent Park a fellow Australian photographer who takes the most incredible images traveling across the country.
What was your first professional assignment? I cant remember…actually one of the first gigs was shots of greyhounds in Sydney promoting an advertising awards show… so I guess I was always meant to be photographing dogs.
What was your most unusual subject or job? Mubarek & a scarification cult group in Australia.
If you could photograph any person, place or thing (living or dead) what would it be? Has to be the Queen of England. Having the Aussie convict returning to England that way…what would be sweeter.
If given the choice, film or digital? I don’t really care…Its all about story telling ands what ever gets it done best… maybe digital now…less environmental impact.
Favorite technological advancement in photography? The screen on the back of the camera…I get to see the answers as I shoot…and my usual shoots are very brief…every second counts.
What do you appreciate most about being a photographer? Its an incredible privilege to spend time learning from others who I photograph, I get to enter other worlds, ask questions of incredible people and the best part is to leave.
ABOUT LIFE
If you were not a photographer what occupation would you have? NYC insider tour guide to show people around who have just a few days in this great town. I get joy in seeing people experiencing this city from an insiders perspective.
Do you have another creative outlet or talent? Not really, thank God (the French actually) for the camera…I am learning to sail which is incredible.
What was your proudest moment? Winning third prize in class in year 7 back home… that and seeing the happiness on my dads face when we got an amazing dinner for free here in NY as a gift from a person I photographed and like the portrait.
What was your childhood ambition? Making my dad proud.
Fondest memory? Rolling around in my sand pit as a young kid with the family dog Cherry who would pretend to be under the sand and then jump up…great days.
Favorite joke? Everyone tells me my jokes are terrible…I guess my fake American accent gets a laugh.
Opening song on your personal soundtrack? Probably Lennon’s imagine.
Favorite movie? Cinema Paradiso.
Favorite city or place? I love NY. I am still in awe when I see it from the plane ride in.
Favorite restaurant or type of food? My mums chicken curry.
Favorite way to spend a day off? A day with no schedules…maybe wander a city I have never seen…usually in the fall.
Favorite museum? The National Portrait Gallery London…for the art, the bookshop and the scones and tea…then maybe a pint across the street.
