Well hello. How have you all been? Are you well? Sorry, it’s been such a long time between blogs, and I’ve more or less neglected this site. It was never my intention, but life, as it often does, got in the way. My last entry on this site was in March 2025. And the one before that was January 2025. That’s it! I wrote a grand total of two update blogs in 2025. As it turns out, 2025 was a year full of change, challenges, complications, while also dishing up many, many delightful experiences and outcomes. But before I get ahead of myself, if you’re new here or you’ve been following along for a bit, welcome (back) to my site, where I write, ponder, and explore my life as a photographer, writer, partner, and parent. This is my 2025 Year In Review – it’s been quite the experience!

Health And Happiness

I thought, just for something different, I would break my year into chunks based on experiences. If you’ve been reading along at home for some time, you will know that I have been very open and honest about my challenges with mental health. Not to mention my challenges with my physical well-being post-Cervical Fusion surgery.  Let’s start with the mentals. 2024 ended with my mental health tanking quite hard. And this, in turn, bled into the first few months of 2025. It all but stopped my creative output and desire to capture images.

Fortunately, I have an incredibly understanding and supportive partner (The Doctor), and together we sought help and treatment to get me back onto a stable and healthy track. It hasn’t been easy, and there are still plenty of ups and downs – but things have gotten better in general. As I get older, I find I can connect the dots between my lived trauma and how that shapes how I respond and behave today. It’s coming up to 13 years since my wife, Isobel, passed away after a short but brutal fight with cancer. I’ve come to embrace that grief and its lasting impacts and believe that you never truly ‘recover’ from grief. For better or worse, it becomes a part of you and shapes the remaining days of your life. It’s a cloak that can never be shed.

As for my physical health, things are still not great, but they are much better. The nerve damage in my neck and subsequent pain is complex and nuanced. The public medical system continued to fail me and deliver inadequate solutions to my ongoing pain management issues. Pain management is an underfunded and ‘un-sexy’part of the medical industry. They effectively said there’s nothing more we can do for you. So, I bit the bullet and found an excellent private pain consultant who immediately provided me with alternative pain management solutions. And while I still have, and will likely always have, ongoing pain in my neck, I can better manage it and mitigate some of the symptoms and impacts. The best bit is that this new doc agrees with me that we should avoid opioids and seek better solutions.

Family

I am always pleased to announce that everyone here at home is well and safe. The Doctor has had a crazy year with work as she steps up into new roles and responsibilities. As for the kids, it seems that with each passing year, we have more adult people living in the house with us. This year, we welcomed one of the adult kids’ partners to the fold. It’s a full, busy and often crazy household with so many adult-sized offspring in the mix.

The Doctor and I bit the bullet this year and began renovating our home. It was mostly out of necessity. I’ve lived here since 2010, and after Isobel left us in 2013, all but unavoidable house upkeep was shelved. In 2025, we set to work updating, fixing, replacing, and generally making the home cozier. The end result is that we now have a home that is modernised, doesn’t leak (touch wood), and most importantly, bears the mark of The Doctor and my creative tastes and love of art. We love it.

Shotkit

Midway through 2025, I made the difficult decision to part ways with Shotkit. I had written for Shotkit on and off for many years and had built a healthy library of around 350 articles published in my name. I loved working for Shotkit and writing across diverse genres, including education, news, product reviews, gear guides, and opinion pieces. Being able to explore photography through this channel enabled me to develop a solid understanding of the craft while supporting others in their journey. However, a management/leadership change at Shotkit led to significant shifts in the site’s course.

The growth of AI in photography became a leading source of content for many sites, and Shotkit unconditionally embraced this growth and leaned into it. While I see the value of AI in various elements of every industry as beneficial, for some, it became the only way forward and in the case of Shotkit, the only way to survive. I was faced with a bit of an ethical dilemma. I could see how AI was threatening authenticity and creativity in the photography world. Yet I was being asked to write endless articles about AI and how it ‘improves’ or ‘replaces’ existing photography practices. I disagreed with that stance of forsaking all other articles to promote and advertise AI platforms and processes. It felt more like advertising than giving an honest opinion. To me, it no longer supported photography or the experience of creating images with a camera. As a result, I followed my heart and made the call to end that relationship. I am grateful to the team at Shotkit for allowing me to create content in a fun, supportive environment.

The Camera Life Podcast

In 2024, I joined Justin and Jim as part of the team and co-host of The Camera Life Podcast. In 2025, we ramped up the channel to deliver additional podcasts in support of our photographic community. Justin is the Founder of Lucky Straps – makers of incredible leather camera straps based in Bendigo, Victoria. And Jim is an integral part of the Lucky Straps team. Both are incredible photographers in their own right. We now produce two live podcasts a week, have hit close to 150 episodes, and boast over 2,000 subscribers. We’ve interviewed international guests and some of Australia’s best artists. I know these are not huge Mr Beast numbers, but we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved. More importantly, we’ve built a fantastic community of like-minded visual creatives who tune in every Monday evening and Thursday morning. We even have a live call-in telephone number for viewers to join the show and ask questions.

It’s been quite a humbling experience, and as the channel grows, we can clearly see the benefits of what we are doing. Yes, it’s a lot of fun that never feels like work. But the greatest reward comes from interacting with the community and building understanding and relationships along the way. We also hosted podcasts in support of the Bright Festival of Photography (BFOP) – more on that in a moment. Plus, Justin has afforded me the time and resources to continue my writing. By the end of 2025, I have written 56 Lucky Straps blog articles covering education, Lucky Straps products and services, and, of course, the amazing guests we host on The Camera Life. I’m fortunate and incredibly grateful to have complete creative freedom of the process and content. 

Hunting Bugs

As part of my 2025 creative process, I decided to try my hand at a new photorpahy genre. Macro photography has always fascinated me, and whilst I have dabbled, I had not previously invested much time or commitment in the craft. So I decided to make a change and invested in some new gear. My first pickup was the Fujifilm XF 30mmF2.8 macro lens. I opted for the 30mm lens as I like macro images with a bit of background context. The wider 30mm focal distance affords that kind of image making. Plus, it’s super light. Next on the list was a Godox TT350F on-camera flash, along with rechargeable batteries and a charger. The final bit of kit was a Cygnustech Flash Diffuser kit specifically designed to fit my camera, lens, and flash system.

The Cygnustech diffuser is a game-changer, enabling creative control over the final images. I opted to use my Fujifilm X-E4 with the macro kit, and it has proven to be a really capable system.  I’ve been out and about with this kit several times, especially during spring. While I am still a novice, I am really loving the process and how it changes my gaze to seek tiny subjects while out and about.

New Camera!

As many of you will know, I have been using the highly capable Fujifilm X-E4 as my workhorse and everyday camera. Fear not, I still own and cherish the Fujifilm X70, a compact fixed-lens camera. However, in the middle of 2025, Fujifilm announced the upcoming release of the Fujifilm X-E5. It offered a significant step up from the X-E4 in almost every way. Needless to say, I was enthralled with the X-E5 – especially after I reviewed it pre-launch for Shotkit. I was even invited by Fujifilm Australia to a special Fujifilm X Converse event where I got to custom-design a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors, complete with Fujifilm branding and one of my images printed on the shoes. Amazing. Where the X-E4 featured a 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4, the X-E5 packs a powerful flagship-level 40.2MP X-Trans 5 image sensor, X-Processor 5, and image stabilisation. The X-E5 retains the same compact and retro-inspired form as the previous generation, but it feels more robust and refined. I pre-ordered the Fujifilm X-E5 in black as soon as it went on sale, and my friends at Fujifilm Australia looked after me. Fortunately, my X-E5 arrived before BFOP, and I carried it with me at all times on a Lucky Straps Slim 30 leather shoulder strap. As a result, it was the perfect companion for showcasing Lucky Straps products while also capturing images throughout the weekend.  I plan to write a separate blog detailing my current kit as I head into 2026. But I love the new Fujifilm X-E5 and the confidence it grants me to shoot in new and interesting ways. Plus, it’s really lightweight, especially when fitted with one of my beloved Fujinon primes that are light and compact. More on that another day.

Bright Festival Of Photography

Every year, in October, the Bright Festival of Photography (BFOP) is held in the picturesque town of Bright, in Victoria’s Alpine Region. BFOP is the brainchild of Nick Fletcher and Matt Krummins – the most delightfully insane, adorable idiots you will ever meet. Justin and I went to BFOP in 2024 and had an absolute blast. Almost from the moment that the festival ended, we were making plans for BFOP 2025. As it turns out, no amount of planning could have prepared us for the pure creative joy and sense of community! Before we get to the main course of the BFOP 2025 festival, let’s enjoy a little appetiser.

Camera House Croydon is one of the BFOP festival’s biggest supporters. In 2025, Camera House was turning 40, and Nick and Matt decided the only way to celebrate was to throw a little BFOP party. I won’t go into too much detail, as you can read all about it here! But it is fair to summarise the day as creative chaos that bore meaning and fostered the power of community. Justin and I joined the BFOP crew to document the behind-the-scenes activities, shenanigans, and memorable moments. It was an incredible day and an unforgettable event.

As for the main course of BFOP 2025, it took everything amazing about BFOP 2024 and elevated it 100%! Even before the festival opened its doors, The Camera Life Podcast was involved in supporting the BFOP community with special podcasts. We interviewed almost all the BFOP workshop instructors to provide ticket-holding festivalgoers with greater insight into the best workshops to book while also helping to get to know each instructor. In the lead-up to the festival, we hosted highly popular podcasts that guided folks through the ticket and workshop booking process. And finally, once Justin, Jim, and I touched down in Bright, we hosted daily early morning podcasts to pump up participants for the creative day ahead. But there was much, much more to our involvement in BFOP 2025.

Our participation in the festival was two-fold. The Camera Life Podcast supported participants with guidance, information, and inspiration to make the most of their festival experience. But we were also there to support and promote Lucky Straps products. In 2025, we were invited to set up a stall at BFOP HQ (Bright Community Centre) to showcase and sell Lucky Straps leather camera straps and associated products. To say we were overwhelmed and surprised by the love for the products would be an understatement.

On the first day of the festival, from the moment the doors opened, we were inundated with inquiries and sales of Lucky Straps products. Given it was the first time Justin had set up at such an event, he couldn’t believe the love and appreciation people had for the products. It’s fair to say we smashed our goals, were run off our feet, and met and spoke with so many amazing people. We also had countless people approach us to thank us for hosting the pre-BFOP podcasts. While we were flat out during the three days of the festival, we had such an incredible time. Plus, I got to hang out with Justin and Jim and flex my (dormant) retail muscles to support Lucky Straps products.

Once the business day was done, BFOP became home to some of the most insane experiences, creative challenges, and community-minded fun. It’s hard to put into words the power of BFOP and how community and creativity combine so effectively. But hand on heart, I can say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. Plus, I got to meet so many amazing photographers – some of whom are heroes of mine. I also got to visit Mieke Boynton and Matt Palmer’s Alpine Light Gallery, located in the heart of Bright. You can read all about that incredible experience here.

Street Walks

I am also pleased to report that I’ve been on many street walks throughout 2025. Well, at least during better weather. While I still love solo street walks, I have been on a lot with other folks and have especially loved the ones that The Doctor and I share. She carries a Lomography Instant Wide Glass analog camera, capturing Instax Wide prints. The Doctor has a great eye, and what I love most is her ability to see what I miss or capture things in unique ways. I’ve also been on several street walks with friends, new and old. I have come to love these experiences as we talk about all things photography and life while hunting the light together. While street walks are great for my well-being and creative outlet, they’re not without risk (as it turns out).

I’ve always taken a cautious approach to my craft, but in recent months Ihave had some pretty yuck experiences that have made me question it. Towards the end of 2025, I had a couple of encounters with people on the street that not only spooked me but also put me off going out with my camera for a bit. The first incident occurred in Melbourne’s CBD. I was crossing Flinders Street outside Flinders Street Train Station when I tripped over the gutter and went down hard. I landed on both knees and my left wrist. Fortunately, I had the reflex to save my camera, which was in my right hand, and it did not fall or hit the footpath. It also had a Lucky Straps Deluxe Leather Wrist Strap. Two guys hoisted me up and helped me retrieve my scattered AirPods. I was shaken, bruised, and very sore – not to mention it made me question my physical confidence. I was very sore for a week or so as I had also jarred my neck.

A week or so later, while exploring my local hood of Prahran, I was confronted by two people within 30 minutes of one another. The first threatened to ‘throw hands’ with me after I stopped him from aggressively harassing a young woman on the street. The second literally dropped his trousers and insisted I photograph his ‘dick’! Yes, the streets have changed, and there are a lot more people affected by drugs, alcohol, mental health, or other situations. I actively avoid photographing people in these situations as I don’t believe it is ethical. Again, these experiences spooked me and had me doubting the validity or approach of my favoured part of the craft. I have since come to peace with those experiences, and rather than abandon street photography, I have taken the time to evaluate my approach and seek ways to ensure my safety while still being out in the thick of it. The hunt continues.

Events

Another newsworthy item on my 2025 list is the photography events I attended. Putting aside BFOP, I have also participated in a few gigs at camera clubs, giving presentations, galleries where mates are exhibiting, and retail outlets, collaborating with camera brands. I’ve gotten more involved in these events this year than probably any year in the past. It’s been an absolute pleasure attending such venues to support friends, peers, and the broader community.

What Lies Ahead

The experiences I have listed here are but a summary of the collective moments that shaped my 2025. I had lots of ups and downs, but overall, the ups win the count. And, I cannot stress this bit enough, The Doctor made all the difference in everything I achieved and experienced. Her support has been paramount in my success and continued growth. I love her deeply and cherish all we do together. In 2025, I’ve learnt a lot about myself, my craft and my creative community. If I were to pick a single word to represent my year, it would be ‘community’. Through my experiences, I have come to appreciate the power and importance of community in a creative endeavour, and how, through community, we all grow and become better at what we do. I have met so many amazing and talented folks in 2025 – many of whom I now call friends. Not bad for an introvert! As for what lies ahead, well, you will just have to wait for my next blog entry. For those of you I have met and known throughout 2025, thank you for your contribution to this crusty old street photographer. I couldn’t have done it without you. G