An award-winning animal photographer is sniffing out Springfield’s shutterbugs to join a newly founded photography club.
Navin Chandra – owner and principal photographer of Beyond Human Pet Photography – spearheaded the club last month, and it’s already gaining momentum after just a couple of meetings.
“I figured it was a great idea to start a photography club,” Navin said, noting that an older club had closed in the last couple of years.
“For now, we have created an informal group that meets fortnightly, on Wednesdays, from 7pm to 8:30pm, arranged through the website Meetup.”
Camera clubs are places for people of all skill levels to share tips and motivate each other to improve, while enjoying the company of people with similar interests.
Navin has been accredited as a member of – and received numerous accolades from – the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP), which ceased operations just last year, after 75 years running.
In 2016, Navin and his wife Sangeetha moved from Singapore to Darwin, teaching both Science and Health & Physical Education (HPE) at St. John’s Catholic College.
“We forged some wonderful friendships there and our time in Darwin will always be pivotal in our personal growth.”
In 2017 and 2018, AIPP awarded him Northern Territory Emerging Photographer of the Year, and in 2019 Northern Territory Documentary Photographer of the Year.
Navin then moved to Brisbane to take up a post at Hymba Yumba Independent School, adding the senior-level Media Arts in Practice subject to his mantle.
“At Hymba Yumba, we worked hard together to help the ‘jarjums’ (children), and made some great strides within the Springfield community.”
Below: The final result. Images: Beyond Human Photography.
“We love Brisbane for a multitude of reasons. There is a nice balance between the hustle and bustle of the city and the relaxed, laid-back lifestyle. It has evolved tremendously since 2011 when we first visited as tourists.”
He now lives in Spring Mountain, and is a contented owner of two dogs – a lab and a kelpie and shar pei cross.
Navin was an official photographer for the recent Bark in the Park event held at Robelle Domain Parklands.
Although an accomplished indoor photographer, Navin loves being outdoors, not just for shoots, but for recreation like soccer and badminton, and scuba diving.
In fact, Navin’s foray into photography began from the wildlife perspective.
“I love wildlife and nature and sincerely believe in the preservation of the natural world by ‘shooting’ through a camera,” he said.
He would often wait hours if not days for that exciting moment of snapping a live wild animal, he said.
“I would stalk birds and wait patiently for them to appear… The camera trigger is squeezed hard with adrenaline and excitement!”
“I love both indoor and outdoor photography. I believe both styles present a very different perspective of our beloved animals. Studio lighting brings out detail and personality of animals that isn’t easily seen under normal lighting conditions. It helps draw the viewers eyes to the animal and feel an immediate connection.”
“Outdoor photography is fantastic to showcase our animals in our beautiful, native, Australian backyard. The gorgeous landscapes allow freedom of movement and a choice of backdrops that stretch the creative potential of photos.”
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
To enquire, search Facebook or Meetup.com for “Springfield Photography Club”.
For Navin’s photography services, please visit www.beyondhumanphotography.com or email pets@beyondhumanphotography.com.
