Last year I took on an assistant. It was the best decision I made! Not only did she help me capture more moments with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra, but it also made long concert days more fun to work together!

I photographed Kirsten with her family when they were visiting Malaysia. We wandered around AC/DC lane together and captured some special sister moments. It was then that I got the idea of officially introducing Kirsten on the blog.

She’ll be running around with me again this year. She’s also helped me find a 2nd assistant for this year as the opportunities to shoot with the MYO keep growing. I’m looking forward to another year with the MYO and having Kirsten alongside. Keep an eye out for her (and maybe a second assistant) this coming season. 

Kirsten’s a student at University of Melbourne. When she’s not shooting with me she’s on leadership with the Melbourne University Photography Club. You may also find thrifting at an Op shop or serving on the production team at her church on Sundays. 

What I love about working with Kirsten is not only that she has a good eye for composition, but that she’s a problem solver.  Shooting for the MYO is a challenging environment because we often only have a few minutes to access the green room backstage, or we only have limited space to move on stage during a sound check.     

Kirsten makes the best decision she can in fast-paced, dynamic shooting conditions, which is as important in this assistant role as knowing how to apply any composition technique. 

In a shoot, I’m not always readily available to answer a question, but Kirsten understands the overall assignment and does what she needs to accomplish it with minimal distraction to the rehearsal or performance happening at that moment. 

What brought you to Melbourne, and how did that journey shape where you are now?
I lived in Melbourne when I was very young, and now I’m back here to pursue an undergrad degree. My family and I have moved around a lot due to my dad’s job, so my siblings and I grew up learning to adapt to changes in our environment quickly. That skill has definitely made the move here easier, even if it’s the first time I’m properly on my own.

How did you first get into photography and what drew you to it?
I’ve been taking pictures for as long as I can remember, but only started taking it seriously a few years ago. Looking at other photographers’ works, I found a sense of beauty in being able to share with others, in as little as one frame, the way you compose your world. I’ve learnt to apply that perspective to my own work as well; aiming to capture not just the moment, but the emotion in it too.

What has your experience been like working with me on shoots?
If I had two words to describe it: fast-paced and insightful! There’s never a dull moment working with you. I’ve learnt a lot – not just the art of photography but the business of it as well.
I really appreciate how you not only give me advice and guidance, but also the space to learn as I go. I’m grateful that you’ve been so patient and encouraging with me this whole time. You’ve been a great teacher!

What’s your favourite part about assisting on assignments or shooting alongside me?
I like that each shoot presents a different challenge, whether it’s time between stages, or communication with each other. Even though we’re shooting more or less the same things, no two situations are the same, and the variety makes the shoots really fun!

I also like how you always have new ideas, new solutions, etc. that you never hesitates to try out! I admire your problem solving and communication skills, and I’m always learning from on every shoot I accompany you to.  And of course, the general satisfaction that I’m helping capture an important moment / future memory for a musician and their parents. 

What have you learned about yourself through photography over the past year?
I’ve learnt more about what I enjoy shooting, as well as when, where and how I can bring my best to the table. I’ve learnt how to respond quickly to situations on and off-shoot. I’ve learnt how to complement / supplement other peoples’ shooting styles as a second camera.

As we head into our second year working together, what are you most looking forward to? I’m definitely looking forward to more opportunities to work with you and the other assistant you take under her wing!

Time for some rapid fire questions

1. Coffee order? I don’t drink coffee! I do appreciate a nice cup of Earl Grey though.
2. Go-to lens? My 35-75mm. Hopefully I’ll be able to graduate to a macro eventually 🙂
3. Dream shoot location? Edge of a cliff, or in the woods!
4. Golden hour or studio lighting? Definitely golden hour. I love the unpredictability of outdoor conditions, although you can definitely get creative with studio lighting too.
5. Candid moments or posed portraits? Mix of both!
6. Three words that describe your shooting style? Rule of Thirds! Just kidding. I’d say atmospheric, dynamic, and intentional.

If you see Kirsten running around this MYO season, please say ‘hi’! She’s working hard to capture the moments of this year’s season along with me. (Here we are at last year’s Showcase Concerts at the Melbourne Recital Centre.)