JIM CULLEY
Tell us a little about yourself, where are you based and how did you get into photography? ▫️ I'm based in the lower North Island, Aotearoa/New Zealand. I started taking photos while I was living in Melbourne. Somehow I found myself working as a paper-pusher in the concrete jungle as part of an OE gone astray; I wanted out.
What was the process of making the finals of the prestigious Follow The Light competition?
The year I entered I'd been shooting for about a year and in that time had done some trips in Auz, Fiji and around NZ. The competition entailed creating a slideshow of images to music. Craig Levels (PhotoCPL) and Choc (Cory Scott) had been supporting me heaps as I was honing my craft, so they were kind enough to give me some feedback on the rough edits before I sent the final copy off to the judges. Suffice to say I was equally shocked and stoked to make the finals. That competition has been a big platform for some of my major inspirations. It's so good to see it up and running again this year.
How have you found the balance between photography, teaching and home life?
I tend to go off what my commitments are at any given time. When I'm at my day job (teaching) I put all my creative energies into it and absolutely love it. When I'm with my daughter, it's the same vibe. During the school holidays I complete any photography jobs I have locked in, play a lot of golf, and travel for waves. Balance to me is all about creating good habits and feeding the creative energies when they arise.
What would you say is your most significant achievement to date?
With regards to photography, my first magazine cover was pretty special.
What have you been working on recently?
I've been doing quite a few couples and family shoots, weddings, and industrial photography gigs. They pay market rates and on-time. It's been quite slow on the surf photography front these past few years, but I'm starting to feel those 'feels' again, so watch this space.
What equipment do you shoot with currently?
Canon 7D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 500 F4, 70-200 F2.8, 24-105 F4, Sigma 18-35 F1.8, Tokina 10-17 Fisheye.
What is your all-time favourite image and why?
My first cover image. It was a wild morning swim with sporadic rips running through the joint. The ocean hadn't quite sorted itself out yet and I was swimming with an ultrawide Sigma art lens I had at the time. I'd just been mowed down by a set and popped up to see Divey (Alex Dive) standing in a dredger. I'm not sure I even stopped to compose the image. It was more a "shit, look at that, and my hand just started firing on the trigger in the hope I'd get something".
If you could only take one camera and lens on your next job, what will be your go to set up to get the job done?
5D Mark III and 70-200 lens. A full frame + zoom lens that is optically comparable to a prime lens. Money.
Your dream project?
I've done a few trips to the Pacific now and I'm convinced nothing can beat it. Tropical barrels and coconuts.
Your biggest inspirations?
It would have to be the professionals that don't consider themselves above the up-and-comers. The people that give their time and knowledge freely and encourage others to chase their dreams. For me personally, that's Craig Levers (PhotoCPL), Cory Scott, Russell Ord and Ryan Miller.
What programs do you use for editing?
Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop
