Story by Rebecca Taylor

Jerad’s love for photography began when he was given the chance to travel around Australia teaching athletics to school students in 2005. It was during this time that he picked up photography as a hobby, and this in turn developed into a genuine passion for capturing the world around him.

In 2007 he applied to study ephotojournalism at Griffith University on the Gold Coast and three years later he graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Media.

After completing this course, Jerad faced the daunting task of finding a job in the ‘real world’. With a portfolio at his side, he began applying for jobs and was fortunate enough to secure employment with the Northern Star in Lismore. His work now varies from photographing newborns to politicians and he often shoots up to four assignments every day. “It’s an interesting career path. You don’t know what’s going to happen,” Jerad says. Life outside of uni “…makes you think on your toes”.

Now that he has overcome the initial nerves, Jerad thoroughly enjoys where his career is taking him and particularly relishes the chance to work alongside experienced photojournalists.
Above all, Jerad is passionate about sports photography and jumps at every opportunity to cover sport as part of his job. The atmosphere, excitement, anguish and tension of the each game drive him to capture the ‘decisive moment’.

He is constantly working towards this goal; working to refine his skills and to capture something unique. In his words, “You’ve got to work at something you like.”