A chance re-connection with someone from my past has been another reminder of the cyclical nature of things; how we touch each other’s lives in a myriad of ways in ways we don’t always realise, and that it’s a positive affirmation to revisit and share happy memories.
I was scrolling through my Instagram feed several weeks ago when I noticed a comment on a post of an account I follow. It was ascribed to one of my students from my teaching days at MLC in Melbourne. Of course I clicked on her name. It was the same person. I was so thrilled to see she is still pursuing her love of photography in a professional capacity. Left a comment, she responded, as excited as me. And there it started, a lucky reconnection.
Even better, I was planning a three week trip to Melbourne, and a stay at Sorrento. Woah, she said. A quick ferry ride across the bay? We would meet. The minute I caught her beaming face down on the wharf, I knew she was that same cheeky, full of life girl. Beside her, bouncing with little gorgeousness, was her little boy; small male replica of a zest for life persona.
I know that you’re not really supposed to have favourites, but I’m sure all teachers do. This group of girls I taught for four years was mine. And this particular student challenged and delighted me. Throughout the ensuing years her talent, commitment and determination became increasingly evident, and she didn’t cave when I demanded more and more of her.
At the time, RMIT Photography was not admitting students directly from secondary school, and the girls became deflated when informed of this at the annual Open Day. I was determined that these girls were indeed ready, and encouraged them to apply regardless. Fired with gritty passion and a solid background of studio practice, two of these students forged their way forward, becoming the first 18 year olds to gain entry into this course. Nikole was one of them. Of course she was.
In her school photography assignments, she always put her heart and soul into creating a story. She still does. She still has the fire in her belly and the need to capture her vision through the lens. Her folio is diverse, from a passion for telling the story (yup, always a story) inside an array of houses for various publications, to telling the very personal stories of wedding days. And then she spends her 'off' time making her own memory captures of that childhood that belongs to her little Louis. His story. I think she loves working with people the best.
Like me. Keeper of the moments. Always seeing. And telling with feeling. And never without a camera. Have a look: nikoleramsay.com
Cheers for now,
Robyn
Image credit: Nikole Ramsay-HSC folio 1988