From a tsunami-stricken landscape I lock focus on the near-side eye of an apprehensive young Indian boy. This eye belongs to a tsunami orphan. I squeeze the shutter. I can feel tears rolling down my dirty cheeks. This is the first time I have shed tears taking photographs.
Forty-six years earlier, at fifteen, I had sweat rather than tears rolling down my cheeks. It was through the summer of ‘59 while my mates were surfing at Trigg Beach and I was spray-painting caravanettes to earn £24($50), in a laneway in West Perth. Twenty-four pounds was the price of a Hanimex C35 camera.
Success is a product of two factors; motivation and ability. You can learn skills but you can not learn motivation. That truly comes from within each of us. Margaret Bourke-White’s quote hangs on the wall above my desk, ‘Saturate yourself with your subject and your camera will all but take you by the hand’. The last decade has seen a revolution in the photographic industry. Digital technology has witnessed the demise of some, but outstanding success for others. The negatives I shot 45 years ago are still in good condition. Will my 2005 digital images still be in good condition in 2050?
Another challenge is the issue of ethics in photography. Are we telling the truth in photo-journalism and press photography? With increased litigation and restrictions on photographic practice, photographers face additional new challenges – the prospect of more off-limit areas, license fees and registration.
The pages of this book are filled with images from young photographers who are at the very beginning. Their images display technical expertise, creativity and design. Those striving for ‘self-actualization’ will do all this and more – they will make images that do good for their fellow human beings.
BY LINDI PAYNE HOLLY
I was given my first camera when I was about eight or nine years old. I remember asking for it for Christmas and at the time I thought I would be a photographer when I grew up. I look back at those first pictures I created and I see the pure innocence of a child, full of wonder, who knew no bounds. While this sounds like a typical beginning of a person who always knew what they wanted to do with their life, I explored all sorts of other avenues first. At 12 I was going to be an astronomer, at 13 an engineer, a sports psychologist at 16 and an architect at 18, which I then went on to study at University.
It was not until my mid-twenties that I felt the call of photography again. I did a recreational Black and White photography course and I rediscovered that sense of wonder I had as a child. Oh what magic it was to see animage slowly appear in the darkroom. I then went on to study at the Canberra Institute of Technology and for the first time I felt a freedom all of my own. While studying I met and married Chris. Together we created Holimage, a business about creativity, honesty, integrity, having fun, and being true to ourselves.
I have always felt a deep understanding and desire to make a difference in the world and as I journey through life I am discovering my true purpose. Are you discovering yours? I photograph all sorts of things. My passionis people. For me portraiture is an intimate connection, a process which is sacred and allows true honesty to flow. I feel so honoured to be allowed into such a space. I now realise that this is where the true magic happens.
What an amazing time to be in photography. The world is changing so quickly and never before has it been so important to remain true to your core. I wish you all the very best for whatever path you choose. Follow your own truth, be playful and laugh a lot, be gentle with yourself, trust your intuition, and most of all be you and allow your wisdom and truth to shine in your creations.
From a tsunami-stricken landscape I lock focus on the near-side eye of an apprehensive young Indian boy. This eye belongs to a tsunami orphan. I squeeze the shutter. I can feel tears rolling down my dirty cheeks. This is the first time I have shed tears taking photographs. 
I was given my first camera when I was about eight or nine years old. I remember asking for it for Christmas and at the time I thought I would be a photographer when I grew up. I look back at those first pictures I created and I see the pure innocence of a child, full of wonder, who knew no bounds. While this sounds like a typical beginning of a person who always knew what they wanted to do with their life, I explored all sorts of other avenues first. At 12 I was going to be an astronomer, at 13 an engineer, a sports psychologist at 16 and an architect at 18, which I then went on to study at University.
