MEGAN GEORGE PHOTOGRAPHY

Photographer at Bluethumb / Melbourne freelancer

[megangeorgephotography]

It’s hard not to smile at @meetellenmckenna’s new #FeelingColoursExhibition at @bluethumbart! @ngvmelbourne #MelbourneDesignWeek (at Collingwood, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMnwdIFBWiH/?igshid=1e489uq82g06i

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@bluethumbart and @meetellenmckenna are gearing up for something big! The Melbourne gallery is being transformed by Ellen as part of the @ngvmelbourne #melbournedesignweek which kicks off in a couple of weeks I’m pretty stoked to see the transformation as it progresses. #ngv#artgallery#events#whatsonmelbourne #melbournephotographer #melbourne #design #art #artexhibition #collingwood #artist (at Collingwood, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL_JfIOjHMn/?igshid=1kqsf963kpr2e

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Interviewing Bindi Cole Chocka for Bluethumb

Award winning photographer Bindi Cole Chocka uses her deeply personal practice to delve into tensions within her identity and beliefs. The Melbourne based photographer’s work is known for exploring her Indigenous heritage, devotion to Christianity and experiences of motherhood.

In my work for Bluethumb, I was lucky enough to sit down with the legendary photography to discuss her practice and the messages she aims to convey in her work. The article was written for the Bluethumb blog back in October last year.

Bindi’s creativity spans across many realms of the art world. She’s an artist, curator, photographer and writer. She works across photography, video and installation, and has held multiple solo and group exhibitions. The most notable of these was held at the NGV in Melbourne.

“My first love is definitely photography. When I was young my mum bought me a camera and film, and I would shoot photos of my friends, then come home and sit by myself and develop all the negatives.”

Bindi’s work explores themes of her identity, heritage and religion as they relate to current politics and the media. Religion is a a huge part of her life, so her work often reflects her Christian beliefs.

“I definitely use photography as a way to unearth tensions and discomfort that exist within me… I take those tensions, exercise them and put them on a wall for all to see.”

Putting uncomfortable emotions into her work is a cathartic process for Bindi. By exploring these themes in her work, she is helping herself to understand and accept them.

Each photograph Bindi creates is a carefully planned statement. Bindi explains, “I’m not one of those photographers who carries a camera around and takes photos all the time. I generally think about what I want to say and build a photograph around it.”

Recent work by Bindi has focused on her experience of motherhood and how her family life has shifted after having a child. Indeed, her favourite subject matter to explore is family relationships and experiences. However, while this topic is close to her heart, Bindi loves having the freedom to create whatever she feels like. “I don’t limit myself to anything. I allow myself to explore any option I want.”

Working without limitations is how Bindi has come to utilise so many creative mediums. While she is formally trained in photography, with a Diploma in Applied Photography from NMIT and a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Federation University, she enjoys working in other mediums. In the past she has even created feathered works, video installations and set installations, such as a prison. The lack of rules makes Bindi feel like she “can be anything [she wants]”.

The use of words often plays an integral part of Bindi’s photography. Bindi uses her writing skills to select key phrases that emphasise the message behind her pieces. “Sometimes I use text because it feels like the most powerful way to express what I want to say.”

Using her voice to speak out on her experiences is what Bindi loves most about being an artist. She hopes to inspire her children to use and find their own voices.

Inspiration comes from creatives working in all mediums. Among her chief influences are photographer Sue Ford, who rose to prominence as a pioneer of Australian photography in the 1970s, British artist Tracey Emin who also creates autobiographical work and Bindi’s own mother, whose writing was a raw account of life in the 80s.

Throughout 2018 Bindi has been focusing her energy on her new Youtube channel, Last Year’s Artist. Her videos on this platform are a natural extension of her previous works, where she discusses themes of identity and meme culture. One such video, called Becoming The Thing I Mocked, explores her journey into Christianity.

See more of Bindi Cole Chocka’s fine art photography here.

Investing in high quality photos of yourself at work is important for your professional brand. Not only are these types of images essential for LinkedIn and business social media, but they’re useful to have on hand for any media coverage and collaborations you undertake. Get in touch to discuss how best to present your brand here.

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Settling In After an Overseas Move

As the sun slowly re-emerges in the winter sky, it’s a good chance to assess the changes winter has brought. After 3 months in the UK, the shock of moving is wearing off and I’m settling into a comfortable rhythm. Life in England is pleasant, and the ability to escape to beautiful areas of the country on weekends is a joy I’m thrilled to discover.

Beautiful forests and countryside are less than an hour’s drive away, with beautiful towns full of heritage buildings and castles. After living in the suburbs of Melbourne, where to get out of the city was a least an hour’s drive, this is a refreshing change. The landscape here is green and leafy - the kind of place I’ve always dreamed about.

But settling into life on the opposite side of the world isn’t easy. Now that I’ve made it through the initial teething problems of settling into a new country (setting up a bank account, adjusting to different norms, furnishing the flat) it’s time to focus on the real work - creating a life I enjoy. The last 3 months have had their tough moments, but there’s still plenty of challenges on the horizon.

Now that I have a comfortable base and the essential parts of life admin sorted, my focus can be on the quality of living. This includes finding a social circle, fulfilling work and committing to activities. All things I previously took for granted.

Below, I’ve outlined the major steps for a move overseas, and how I plan to tackle each one. Read on, and let me know in the comments your own experiences and tips for adjusting to a new life.

The challenges of moving overseas (and how to approach them)

Life Basics

Setting up a bank account, finding somewhere to live, checking all the boxes for healthcare and insurance - these are all things that you take for granted in your home country. Experiencing a new country brings joy, but there’s often a different system in place that requires navigating. For this one, research is key. Looking into what is required to set up a bank account, for example, will allow you to sail through the process a lot smoother and without wasting much time.

Personally, I’m a big fan of listing what I need to set up, and what’s required to get it done. To get a bank account, I needed proof of my address here. Luckily, my boyfriend, who I moved here for to begin with, was able to secure a lease with us both on it. Which solves both the living situation and the proof of address needed. So that’s a home and finances ready to go!

Not everyone is this lucky, but there are ways around each roadblock if you’re crafty. In the UK, a National Insurance letter can be mailed to you when you sign up, which is a government issued letter that has your address. So if you need a bank account before you can sign your lease, you’re covered.

Once you have your bank and rent sorted, the rest of the basics fall into place fairly easily. It’s an expensive time opening accounts with new providers, but just bear in mind that it’s over soon enough. 3 months in, and we’re coming out of the worst of it!

Work

Staying financially secure will definitely ease the stress as you adjust. Hopefully, you saved enough money to cover any uncertainty, but if not, then there are jobs around if you look hard enough. There’s nothing wrong with a temporary job.

Or, if you’re lucky like I was, your current job will let you work remotely. When I told my work I was planning to move, they offered me a part-time contract for remote work. Of course, it meant dropping some of the tasks that I love most (all the aspects of my role that were behind a camera sadly), but it has meant consistent income when I needed it most.

There’s a downside to working remotely of course - social isolation. You’re not working in an office surrounded by people, so a prime opportunity for expanding your social circle is gone. I’m also finding myself out of the loop with my colleagues, as there’s a lot that happens off Slack. But working part-time gives me the opportunity to fill the extra spare time with other activities and employment!

Creating a Social Life

It’s a daunting step to be all alone in a new city. Having photographed events and nightclubs back in Australia, I’m used to social settings coming to me. Now it’s the other way around, and I’m chasing all social leads to create a network.

Work is the easiest place to start with socialising. You already have something in common and you see each frequently. It’s a natural way to befriend someone. But don’t limit yourself!

Get involved in activities, the community, protests - anything and everything. Moving is a great opportunity to explore ideas you’ve always wanted to try, but never did. Create a diverse circle of friends and you’ll find yourself meeting all kinds of people, and with a more expansive network.

A starting place is following your interests. For me, I joined the local photography club and signed up to volunteer at an Oxfam shop. It’s a small start, but over time will develop and grow. Remember, there’s all the time in the world, so no need to rush yourself.

At the beginning, it’s all about basic interactions. Just a small chat with anyone that will listen can go a long way towards your health, and keep your conversational skills honed. Over time, you’ll meet people where a small chat isn’t enough - you simply must have a yarn for hours!

But it’s not all about human interaction. I left a beautiful Jack Russell behind in Australia, who has been my companion for 14 years. It wasn’t an easy farewell, but luckily my mum gives me constant updates on how she’s doing. To fill the paw-shaped hole in my life, I’ve signed up to websites such as BorrowMyDoggy to find local animals to love and walk during the week. I can’t tell you how much this has improved my life, especially during the weeks my boyfriend is away for work.

Travel

In a new country, it’s natural to want to explore. Finances may hold you back at first, but patience, planning and public transport will save you. Start local and keep your eye out for deals as they come your way. It may seem strange to want to leave the place you’ve just arrived in - but if you’re already in the spirit of adventuring, why stop now?

Since my arrival, we’ve been taking advantage of my boyfriends scattered friends to see the country. We’ve driven to the top of Scotland, to the capital of Wales and to the north east coast of England. If you have any friends, family or hospitable acquaintances - use them.

Missing home

Finally, you’re going to miss home. You don’t know when the feelings will strike, but they will definitely come. And that’s alright. Luckily, technology has your back and you can call friends and family for a much-needed dose of comfort.

I’ve also found that watching Australian TV helps a lot. Just hearing the accents comforts me to no end and I’m instantly transported back to the streets of Melbourne. Home is never too out of reach, and really, it’s just a flight away.

Moving hasn’t been the easiest. At time it’s been downright miserable and lonely. But already, I’ve seen things I never would have seen back home and I feel myself becoming a more tolerant person. Not to mention, finally spending time with the man I love without 10,000 miles in between us.

I’m looking forward to a future spent in this beautiful country, which inspires me to pull my camera out every time I venture out. No matter how hard it gets, the trees will always set me right.

[megangeorgephotography]

New Digs

Well, hello again. It’s been a while since I updated this blog, because I’ve been busy completely uprooting my life. Sadly, my camera got a little neglected in the whirlwind, but it has forgiven me and I’m raring to get back into action.

Last August I made the decision to follow my heart overseas to the great land of my ancestors, the UK. This decision was a long time coming, as I’d been committed to a long distance relationship for many months, an experience that was beautiful, but full of challenges.

Since the moment I made up my mind and booked my one-way flight, everything has been absolutely crazy. There’s a lot to organise when you’re packing up your entire life. Suddenly, all my time was taken up with selling my house, packing boxes, and saying farewells to friends, family and my beloved dog. There was work to hand over, visas to acquire, accounts to close and furniture to sell.

And then finally, a plane to board.

Upon arriving in my new city of Bristol, the frantic pace didn’t slow down. December/January is a crazy time of year and experiencing my first cold Christmas and New Years certainly kept me on my toes.

But January is almost over, and I’m finally settling into life in the UK. I’ve recently joined the Bristol Photography Group and participated in a photo walk of Clifton. Lucky for me, Clifton is right around the corner for me, so it was a great way to get to know my new home. Look below for some of the images I captured on the rare sunny day we spent exploring.

Clifton is one of the nicest parts of Bristol. It’s one of the oldest areas in the city, and historically was home to the influential members of Bristol society. The locale is home to major tourist sights such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Zoo, the Observatory and the adorable Clifton Village shops. Sadly, the one iconic Bristol attraction it lacks is Banksy street art. But it only takes 15 minutes to walk to some, so I’m not feeling that deprived.

Bristol itself is the second oldest city in the country. Close to the coast, it was initially a port city that used the Avon to ship goods further inland. Legends have it that the legendary pirate Blackbeard was from here, furthering it’s seafaring associations.

It’s a wonderful city, with a thriving art scene and fast-growing start-up sector. I’m truly excited for this next chapter of my life and work in such a vibrant city!

Have a look at more photos below:

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Another from the Great Ocean Road - this time looking back at the crowds it draws. . . #australia #melbourne #photography #instaphoto #canonphotography #canon #fineartphoto #canonaustralia #melbournephotographer #fineartphotography #fineart #originalart #originalphotography #paradisexmagazine #fotocontempo #broadmag #bluethumbart #starttheadventure #photooftheday #📷 #greatoceanroad #seevictoria #12apostles https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq1Nf8BIWcW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1u9blqpvm5g19

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I'm going to miss the bedraggled plants by the beach. . . #australia #melbourne #photography #instaphoto #canonphotography #canon #fineartphoto #canonaustralia #melbournephotographer #fineartphotography #fineart #originalart #originalphotography #paradisexmagazine #fotocontempo #broadmag #bluethumbart #starttheadventure #photooftheday #📷 #beach #bush #australiana #australianflora #australiannatives #greatoceanroad #seevictoria #12apostles #aussie #plants https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq3xY8SCZsM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6jhswe5gnx0x

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What a pair! . . Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria. . . #australia #melbourne #photography #instaphoto #canonphotographer #canon #fineartphoto #canonaustralia #melbournephotographer #fineartphotography #fineart #originalart #originalphotography #paradisexmagazine #fotocontempo #broadmag #bluethumbart #starttheadventure #photooftheday #📷 #healesvillesanctuary #healesville #melbourne #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlifephoto https://www.instagram.com/p/BqwQ3DwF2uo/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16sa790ei3kjq

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A close-up of the rocks that scuffed my knees as a child in the Bayside area of Melbourne. . . #australia #melbourne #photography #instaphoto #canonphotograpjy #canon #fineartphoto #canonaustralia #melbournephotographer #fineartphotography #fineart #originalart #originalphotography #fotocontempo #broadmag #bluethumbart #starttheadventure #photooftheday #📷 #nostalgia #halfmoonbay #blackrock #cliffs #rainbowrocks #farewellmelbourne #nostalgia #farewell #farewellmelbourne #beach #blackrock https://www.instagram.com/p/BqeVbyEjXv5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1a0yysbbos8d

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Only a week and a half until I move overseas! As part of my #nostalgia series, I'm saying a farewell to familiar scenes from my daily life. I know I will meet similar settings in my new home, but it's important to remember where you've come from. . .Farewell to the gardens I walk my dog past every week. #farewelltomelbourne . . #australia #melbourne #photography #instaphoto #canonphotograpjy #canon #fineartphoto #canonaustralia #melbournephotographer #fineartphotography #fineart #originalart #originalphotography #paradisexmagazine #fotocontempo #broadmag #bluethumbart #starttheadventure #photooftheday #📷 #blackandwhite #camellia #flowers #spring #garden #memories #bwphotography #bwphoto https://www.instagram.com/p/BqjNpcQiQuV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fk4o61qinydm

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Nostalgia. Newly uploaded to #bluethumbphotography . . Starting a new series to say farewell to the area I’ve called home for the last 7 years. Prints available from @bluethumbart . . #australia #suburbia #yellow #melbourne #photography #instaphoto #canonphotograpjy #canon #fineartphoto #fineartphotography #fineart #originalart #originalphotography #paradisexmagazine #fotocontempo #broadmag #bluethumbart #oldcar #vintagecar #retro #industry #garage (at Oakleigh East, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqRtSYJFBjU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14me1vr3bapkd

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Starting to say my farewells to this home. It’s up for auction tomorrow, wish me luck! . . Photo snapped for an upcoming blog on @bluethumbart . . Artwork by @haruyomorita . . #homeinspo #homestyle #movingoverseas #interior #interiorphotography #instaphotographer #homeblog #artcollector #collectingart #mybluethumbart #abstractart #design #photography #canon #canonaustralia #gominimalmag #pixsoulmag #broadmag (at Oakleigh East, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BqOxDcEFyK5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=58zdaqwopige

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I’m a sucker for a good market in a beautiful building. . . Bath, UK #uk #🇬🇧 #bath . . #England #travel #market #travelphoto #travelgram #travelphotography #seetheworld #starttheadventure #iamatraveler #interior #bluethumbphotography #ig_photography #photooftheday #canon #canonaustralia #australianphotographer (at Bath, Somerset) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpai6pnl-p4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2jkpxwnz5jm3

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Where the river meets the road . . A rare aerial shot from the time I flew over Melbourne in a small plane . . #aerialphotography #aerialphoto #melbourne #canon #canonaustralia #landscape #goldenhour #cars #road#bridge #landscapephotography #landscapephoto #canonphotographer (at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnspASelDW9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=begua43fpcr1

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Cycle the Dam #travelgram #amsterdam #gramthedam #europe #traveleurope #netherlands #gotravel #canonaustralia #canon6d #canonphotography #instatravel #iamatraveler #starttheadventure #travelphotography (at Amsterdam, Netherlands) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnqZ-XjBpr5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gra9riyh6ve1

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England has the cutest buildings. #bath #uk #europe #travel #terracehouse #travelgram #england #iamatraveler #starttheadventure #melbournephotographer #canonphotography #canon6d #canonaustralia #gotravel https://www.instagram.com/p/BniC2ECh0zj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1suf3x1c23z1q

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Bring me those summer days... . . Durham, UK. #durham #uk #unitedkingdom #summer #europe #travel #traveleurope #fineartphotography #travelphotography #bluethumbphotography #melbournephotographer #travelgram #starttheadventure #iamatraveler #england (at Durham, Durham) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnVPkEEhLQM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=vglynza05nrj