Natalie McComas, Photographer, Natalie McComas Photography
Collect moments, not things ...
Always inquisitive and a quiet observer, Natalie McComas has found having a camera in hand very natural since her grandfather bestowed her his SLR at 14. Her high school offered photography as a class, so she spent many a lunchtime amongst the dim red glow of the onsite darkroom. From there, the Queensland College of Art beckoned, after which Natalie McComas Photography was born. Inspired by the way the light falls delicately over tender moments that could otherwise be missed, Natalie captures the little nuances – a laugh between friends, the way a couple adores each other, connection between people. A visual storyteller across wedding, commercial and documentary photography, Natalie enjoys telling inspiring and positive stories through her imagery. The Weekend Edition caught up with Natalie to discover her essentials for a perfect weekend.
How do you like to start your weekend?
By sleeping in a little longer …
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Getting down to the beach before it gets too windy or hot for a morning walk.
How do you like to unwind?
Yoga, listening to music, reading magazines, swimming and being outdoors.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Definitely some quality relaxing and quiet time. Also spending time with my partner – going for bike rides, walks on the beach or a picnic.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
I have been meaning to make a big frame out of recycled wood and also to get some of my travel photos printed.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
I really love curling up on our couch on our verandah, listening to the surf and reading a book or magazine as the light starts to fade.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
I have been photographing weddings all spring, so next weekend is one of only two weekends I have had free between September and November. So I’m looking forward to going to The Village Markets on Sunday, pottering around the house and prepping for my overseas trip at the end of the year.
What are you reading at the moment?
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard.
What inspires you?
The lovely photography and articles in Kinfolk magazine, Time Machine Magazine, philosopher and writer Michael Leunig, this video on photographer Jodi Sternbach, also the work of Myoung Ho Lee.
What was your childhood dream?
I was very much into sport when I was younger, so I always wanted to be a highly successful athlete. But when my grandad gave me my first SLR camera when I was 14, I began dreaming of being a photographer.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Being able to work for myself and gaining most of my work via word of mouth.
What is success to you?
Success for me is achieving my goals one by one, no matter how small or big they may be.
What are your words of wisdom?
Collect moments, not things.
Only a local would know … Currumbin Valley has the most beautiful fresh-water rock pools to swim in.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … Commune, Miami
Relax … the beach or Burleigh Headland
Dine … Mandala Organic Arts Cafe, Mermaid Beach
Indulge … Max Brenner, Broadbeach
Shop … The Village Markets, Burleigh
Catch-up … Cafe Bouquiniste, New Farm
Be inspired … Dendy Cinemas
