In 2000 Dane was named Dux of his small suburban primary school. His mother was told ‘you look like you need a stiff drink’ she could so scarcely believe the news. 20 years passed without any achievement of note. These were dark years.

 Then, in late 2021 Dane had a spontaneous return to form and was named one of the 30 Top Emerging Wedding Photographers on the planet by one of the photography industry’s leading publications based out of NYC. He, in a few choice words, knows what the fuck he is doing with a camera.

 Dane also finds it odd writing about himself in the third person. I’m going to stop now.

Two things that set my soul on fire.

One. The complete presence and rush I get creating with a camera in my hand.

Two. The beauty of being able to foster connection and vulnerability with a couple in love in front of said camera, and the power or being able to reflect their story back at them.

Seriously, this may sound like an overwrought or false statement. Of course I’m going to say I love my job. But I really, really do. I had a successful career before this as an engineer, and gave it up because it didn’t inspire me. This does. In a multitude of ways. To be able to do this, for and with people, is a gift.

Some other things that bring me obscene amounts of joy. Octopus handshakes (see video below - that’s actually me). Cooking something delicious and vegetarian over the course of an afternoon, with records playing obnoxiously loud, an open bottle of tasty wine and the love of my life by my side. Bronte specifically, and the ocean in general. Growing natives to attract all the rainbow lorikeets. A good book. A good beer. A good book and a good beer. Running for an extended period of time.