Jordan made the ocean his office
Last year in April Jordan Godley left his job as an accountant to follow his passion and spend all his time as a photographer. A bold move that many dream about or consider, but only a few goes through with.
Jordan, what was your considerations and what made you take the step to quit your job?
Considerations, well by nature I’m risk adverse hence why I think I chose to become an Accountant (laugh), so I think financial security was my main consideration. I’d always wanted to pursue photography (surf and travel) but I continually felt the need to do more study and get more experience, so I would have something to fall back on if one day I decided to chase my dream. I also understand that there isn’t much money in photography, so I didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket. I basically made the step and quit my job when I felt “If I fail at photography at least I have a house and 17 years’ worth of accounting experience to fall back on”… which when I think about it isn’t really the best attitude to have. At least it makes me sleep better at night, but I wish I was more of a risk taker.
Taking a step back, you had obviously spent a lot of time in the ocean shooting. How did you first get involved with the ocean and when did you bring a camera for the first time?
I think I got involved with the ocean when we used to go on camping holidays down the south coast of NSW. We lived an hour inland, so it was pretty much only during the school holidays we took the trip to the ocean. Since then I could not get enough of it and when I got my driver license me and my friend drove down the coast every weekend without fail. I think I picked up my first camera around that time. When I was 18/19 I purchased a Nikon F55 film camera with a twin lens kit and we also used to toy around with those Kodak disposable waterproof film cameras. We ended up with hundreds of horrible images that I still have today. I loved every minute of it.
Now you have been a fulltime photographer for more than a year; you have gotten to travel quite a bit and from the outside it looks like you are enjoying it? What are your reflections?
It’s been the best decision I’ve ever made! I’ve met so many amazing people, travelled to beautiful places, photographed some epic waves. I feel like I have only just scratched the surface in regard to my surf photography. I’m still not 100% happy with my photos. Money wise it’s been a struggle, so I’m glad I had a bit of money saved and haven’t had to stress too much about that… yet.
What is your best advice to someone considering doing something similar?
My advice would be to master your camera (learn how to use it inside and out, how to get the best out of it) then shoot what you are passionate about. Also surround yourself with positive people.
I’ve picked the following images as this was my first trip in Indonesia I did as a “full time” photographer. The trip started on April 24th 2017 and I had left work as an Accountant on the 21st of the same month. We got some fun waves on the trip, met some really nice people and even managed a few nice images.
Check our Jordan’s website and give him a follow on Instagram.
