photographer toby scott
Toby Scott started his career in the corporate world but was itching to get back to his passion for photography, which was ignited when his dad bought him his first camera. Since then he has been shooting for real living and est magazines, and has opened a studio in Brisbane.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? When I was younger I was always interested in photography but I studied marketing. I spent a few years in corporate business and I found I was drawn to interiors, lifestyle and food photography. I loved it, so I basically threw myself in the deep end. I quit my office job, went travelling and then started studying photography. I read books and magazines and looked at what other great lifestyle photographers were creating. Since starting out I've discovered that collaborating with other people can only help cement your path. I think it's important that you allow yourself to wander away from your path to learn more and then come back with greater inspiration and goals.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Be honest and stick to your guns.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Seeing my work in magazines is amazing and still very surreal. Establishing my own studio space is and has been a very large step and something I'm very proud of.
What’s been your best decision? Hiring my production manager, Lynda Evans. Realising you need help is big and sometimes hard to come to grips with. Once you start working as a team though it can only improve your relationships with work, life and clients.
Who inspires you? My father. He bought my first camera, he is my best mate and daily inspiration. He has always supported me and has taught me that even when things are not going your way it's best to look at the big picture and keep moving forward.
What are you passionate about? I think preserving our industry is extremely important and making sure that there is still a little something whimsical about photo-making. Making images that draw people in and set a mood is very important for me and my work.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? David Attenborough.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To have a client list that starts with Martha Stewart and ends with Vogue.
What are you reading? Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.
images courtesy of toby scott