Bradley goes from avionics to award-winning photographer

“My love for photography began when I was 12 years old, in a band, helping with promotional images. The moment I picked up a camera, I was hooked. It was tactile, immersive, and when I'm behind the camera, everything else disappears," said Bradley.

After years of working in avionics, photography remained a constant, and he decided to take time off and pursue what truly inspired him.

“I wanted to explore the different genres of photography and find my niche, and TAFE Queensland offered the perfect environment to dip my toes in different photography genres in a short period, and it has been an excellent opportunity to do that,” he explained.

Studying the Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA50920) Bradley is learning the skills required to work in the industry as a digital photographer across various disciplines, including portrait, wedding, commercial, documentary, editorial, landscape, real estate, event, sports or fashion photography.

The one-year course has taught Bradley various photography styles, from studio and product photography to lighting and editing techniques and landscape work, thanks to industry-standard facilities and experienced teachers.

“The facilities here have blown away. There are multiple studios, amazing equipment, and professional teachers with 20 plus years of experience, each of whom is an expert at breaking down every photography fundamental.”

“Many photographers I know specialise in one area, like weddings, but I wanted to experiment, and TAFE Queensland has allowed me to do that, opening so many doors,” he explained.

And doors have indeed opened. Within a year, Bradley's work was published in magazines, received a high commendation in a wilderness and environmental photography award, and even landed a coveted spot shooting at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA Awards).

The opportunity to photograph the AACTA Awards, Australia’s premier film and television event, came through one of his lecturers, Andrew, who recommended Bradley and two other students.

"It was the most insane shoot I’ve ever done. From 11:30 AM to 3 PM, it was non-stop. People were being ushered through quickly, and I had to think on my feet. I shot over 4,500 photos in the first hour alone!"

His TAFE Queensland training proved invaluable in preparing him for the five intense days where he was tasked with capturing behind-the-scenes moments, event setups, and red-carpet arrivals.

“Everything we’ve learned - technical skills, workflows, even the discipline of handling equipment - kicked in automatically. It was a high-pressure environment, but I was prepared. The muscle memory just took over,” he continued.

Beyond technical skills, Bradley credits TAFE Queensland’s teachers and classmates for providing a supportive learning environment for his growth.

“The teachers are fantastic - Andrew and Paul are mentors and educators who push us in the right way and create incredible opportunities. Only ten of us are in my class, and we’re all close. We have a WhatsApp group, go out shooting together, and support each other’s work. It’s been amazing.”

As he nears graduation, Bradley is still refining his niche but is drawn to wildlife and landscape photography.

“Being out in nature, working with natural light - it’s an entirely different challenge compared to studio work. I’d love to tour the Arctic Circle and capture the beauty of Norway and Greenland,” he continued.

Bradley’s journey from avionics to award-winning photography proves that passions can become successful careers with the right training and determination.

With TAFE Queensland behind him, his lens is firmly focused on the future, and he’s open to opportunities that come his way.

“This year has been wild. All my hard work is paying off with awards and being chosen for industry opportunities. I love photography, and the more I do it, the more I’ll learn. And I know I’ll never stop learning,” concluded Bradley.