By Cameron McCullough Photos Adam Richmond
Photography has been a constant passion for 34-year-old Adam Richmond, but it was illness that has cemented his love for photography, and the long road back to health that has accompanied his photographic journey.
“I first got into photography at school,” said Dromana-based Adam. “I did photography in Year 12 at Dromana Secondary College. I was encouraged by my dad, who is also a keen photographer.”
“Of course, that meant working with film and darkrooms, and learning the basics.”
After leaving school, Adam worked in a photo lab while he studied photography in the city.“I borrowed money while I was studying and bought a Nikon D300,” said Adam. His style drifted towards street art photography, and he built quite a following.
But in 2014, Adam was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and his urban and street photography was put on hold.
“Due to being so ill, I moved back to the Mornington Peninsula. I was looking for a way to express myself and keep busy, so I picked up the camera again”.
The natural choice on the picturesque peninsula was landscape photography.
“In the early days, doing street and urban photography, I was inspired by the situational work of photographers like James Nachtwey,” said Adam.
“Now, I am inspired by the incredible landscape photographers around here, people like Tom Putt, who have lifted the bar so high.”
As for Adam, the recognition is coming thick and fast. Adam was awarded a “Commended” in Australian Photographer of the Year 2018 (landscape category) as well as “Commended” in Australasia’s Top Emerging Photographer 2019 by Capture Magazine.
And just recently he received two “highly commended” and one “commended” for a series of black and white images in the 2019 Mono Awards run by Australian Photography Magazine in conjunction with Capture Magazine. He also recently garnered the attention of Nikon Australia and National Geographic Australia on Instagram with two featured posts.
“I am still on the journey of self-discovery,” said Adam.
“It’s been a long road to this point and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
“The end goal for me is to work as a freelance photographer for National Geographic.”
His work can be viewed on the walls at Blackthorn Café, Dromana. All proceeds of the prints go towards treatment costs for his ongoing recovery.