Toby M.

More about Toby M....

What do you love about your job?

I love how when I am taking photographs I completely zone-in and give my 110% attention to the camera settings, lighting scenario, subject, weather, equipment, timing, angle and everything that will create a good photograph to represent the situation I am documenting. It is almost as if time ceases to exist. Sometimes hours will fly by when I am photographing because I am so focused on the task. This is one of the only activities that captures my complete attention and brings me to the immediate present moment, without any distraction.

What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?

I have done so many different genres of photoshoots - fine art, still life, abstract, landscape, seascape, macro, wildlife, underwater, nude, corporate, product, tourism, sports, action, surf, hospitality, proposal, function, engagement, wedding, party, portraiture, model, group and even costume-themed photos of music bands. I have also dabbled in experimental studio lighting colour-gel sessions in the professionally equipped Sydney TAFE studios, 35mm photography, medium format 5x4 photography and hands-on darkroom developing. Every time I am behind the lens I consider it a special moment. A quick story of one instance I made photoshoots special was when I would hide in the bush and capture men proposing to their partners at Collins Beach in Manly. The Manly Kayak Centre organised "Proposal Picnic" events where they would liaise with the client who was going to propose and set up a picnic on a remote beach. The couple would kayak over to the remote beach from Manly wharf and the female would have no idea she is being surprised - just imagining they are renting kayaks for the day. They would arrive at the beach and there would be an umbrella, table and chairs with champagne, chocolates and a food platter waiting for them. The male would then propose, I would capture the moment on my camera hiding in the bush and then reveal myself to them before being picked up by the Manly Kayak Centre employee by boat and being driven back to the wharf. I would then later email the photos to the client and they would be so pleased that I had captured that "surprise" special moment for them.

Awards, honors, and recognitions received

Article 2nd page about my photographic work in the Manly Daily Newspaper.
Photographic gallery exhibition/function evening at Angel restaurant Freshwater.
2nd Place for the Mosman Youth Art Prize in 2013.
Australian Surfing Life reader photo competition winner issue #271.
Double page spread in Surfing World Magazine issue #327 in 2012.
Single page spread Riptide Magazine issue #195 in 2013.
Double page spread in Carve Magazine issue #168 in 2015.
Single page spread in Riptide Magazine #204 in 2016.
Slabbing online magazine 5 images published in issue #2.
Fluidzone "Wave of the Day" published over 30 times.
Swellnet website "Wave of the Day" published over 20 times, with 3 seperate articles.
Fire Acrobats Website 2019.
Kea Sightings Database website NZ published 2019.

A fun fact about this photographer

I like to edit my photos to music to get in the mood and pump myself up for the task ahead! It makes me think and work quicker, whilst also making it into a fun activity rather than a time-intensive chore.