Where did you grow up, and how long have you been in the Illawarra?

I grew up in North Wollongong during the 1980s, and many of my teenage years were spent working at or lingering around the North Beach Kiosk, playing arcade machines and living on chip rolls. Those years were shaped by bodyboarding, swimming, and developing a deep connection to the ocean.

My family emigrated to Australia in 1981 when I was three from the UK, after my father secured a job at the Steelworks. Aside from some time spent travelling and living elsewhere, I’ve called Wollongong home for nearly 40 years. No matter where I go, I always find my way back. It’s home to me, and without question one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

What type of camera do you use, and how long have you been practising photography?

Around 90 per cent of my images are taken on my iPhone. The best camera is always the one you have with you. I also work with a Canon DSLR and a drone.

I came to photography several years ago during a very difficult period in my life, using it as a mental health exercise. It gave me a reason to leave the house each day, go for a walk, and see familiar places in Wollongong with fresh eyes. I immersed myself in learning everything I could about iPhone photography, studying online resources and drawing inspiration from other creatives. Over time, I began connecting with a wider creative community and have been incredibly fortunate to build a following of around 12,000 people on Facebook, something I still find hard to believe. The ongoing engagement and support has been deeply rewarding.

How did this image (or collection) come about? What was the inspiration?

It became a running joke among friends that I must have taken hundreds of photos of the Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse, always trying to find a new angle. When I realised I was approaching my 100th image, I decided to do something special.

The result was a photo mosaic composed entirely of images of the Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse. Since then, I’ve taken another hundred or so photographs of it. Each time I think I’ve exhausted every possible perspective, I somehow find another. It’s becoming more challenging, but that’s part of the joy of continuing to reinterpret such an iconic local landmark.

Can you tell us about your upcoming exhibition?

I’ve been invited to participate in an exhibition of local artists on 17–18 April at the Old Wollongong Courthouse. The exhibition brings together artists who share an interest in, or connection to, ORRCA (the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia.) I will also appear as the Guest Speaker on the morning of the 18th, an opportunity Im greatly looking forward to.