Photographer: Michael Glass

The idea to become a professional photographer was born during a stint as a patient in a mental hospital.

It’s true.

I was nearly 50 years old, and I had spent over half my life in the Australian Army. I was in a contractor job which I felt was pointless. Who was I and why was I here? My identity had been wrapped up in my life as a soldier. When my career ended, I felt I had lost a part of myself.
I made a decision to concentrate on sport photography. I needed to see where it would take me.

Photography has become an essential part of my recovery because It forces me to look at the world in a different way. There’s plenty going wrong in the world today, so instead, I get to focus on positive aspects of life. I always leave a shoot with a feeling of accomplishment and a feeling that I’ve learned something.

Art enhances life. So, you might say I’m a pretty big advocate for art therapy and its positive effects on mental health.

I live in Brisbane, Australia, so the sport I have covered so far has been Brisbane based. My dream would be to travel and shoot sport not only in Australia, but all over the world.

I completed my Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging in July 2023.

In August 2023, I partnered with German photo agency IMAGO Images. Since then, I have gained accreditation for the AFLW, men’s and women’s A-Leagues, Cricket Australia and Tennis Australia.

I am now starting to branch out into headshots and portraiture.