With a paddle in hand and an eye for the perfect photo, Paul Jurak (a.k.a the kayakcameraman), has managed to capture Canberra one shot at a time. Being a keen observer of his photography myself, I was overjoyed to approach Paul to chat about his work and why taking to Lake Burley Griffin with a kayak and camera has become such an important ritual.

 

How did you become Canberra’s kayakcameraman?

I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2010 and had the tumour removed. In 2011 the cancer returned again and I started paddling a kayak as a way to rebuild both my body and mind after enduring an intensive three-month cycle of chemotherapy.

I had never paddled a kayak prior to this and very quickly discovered how stunning it is to be on the water looking out – rather than looking in.

During my third cycle of chemotherapy I noticed an advertisement for 50 percent off kayaks so I decided to purchase one for me and my boys to paddle along with me. It was funny the response I received from everyone was ‘Are you mad?’ and ‘Has the chemo gone to your brain?’.

The idea was that the kayak would be an ideal way for me to rebuild my body and mind. The chemo just totally destroys you entirely, it strips you bare physically and mentally.

I grew up in Newcastle and loved surfing my way up and down the coast line and as I was now living in Canberra the kayak would be a great way to reunite me with the experience of watching sunrises and sunsets on the water. I very quickly realised that being out on the water watching a new day begin and transform is mesmerising; truly there is no better way to start the day.

The cancer has changed how I view few things and I now realise what is really important in life (to me anyway), I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore.

What is it about Lake Burley Griffin in the early hours of the morning that helps produce such amazing photos?

There is something unique about Canberra sunrises. Photography and kayaking are opposite ends of the spectrum but yet they complement each other so well.

I love it so much. It’s a privilege to be able to witness and photograph the kaleidoscope of colours and the seasonal features of so many wonderful locations.

For me each sunrise and sunset has its own unique signature. I just love starting or finishing the day like this, the spectrums are sublime and often I am treated to the most amazing natural light show. Why would you not want to experience this!?

What do you look for in the perfect photo?

Lighting and the time of day is so important. Positioning and having an idea of what angle you want to shoot from is also paramount. It’s also good to have an idea of the story you want to tell or the feeling you want to create from that moment caught in time.

I vary my techniques and probably break all the rules of photography, but I am not a professional and I am untrained. To be honest I just shoot from the eye, I’ll shoot directly into the sun, go for ridiculous and obscure angles and hover or partly submerge the camera in the water. I’m constantly learning by trial and error and am having a blast doing so.

What do you love most about Canberra?

No two days are the same, and each day provides me with a natural light show that sometimes leaves me gasping in wonder.

We live in a city that that has the wonderful community spirit of a small town. We have so much on offer locally and within a short 30-minute drive you can be immersed in the stunning rural settings.

This city has so much to offer and is an excellent place to live. We have great facilities (sport, education, arts), good food and coffee, easy commuting (car or cycle), world-class education and plenty of employment opportunities, all nestled in gorgeous surrounds.

What is Canberra’s best kept secret?

The art and music scene! There are so many venues that offer everyone a wide variety of international and local artists the opportunity to display their art.

What three words would you use to describe Canberra?

Unique, community, opportunity.

Where are your favourite places in Canberra on land?

Mount Ainslie’s walking and cycle tracks, the surrounds of Lake Burley Griffin and its wetlands, the National Portrait Gallery and sampling the coffee and food of Braddon and the Kingston Foreshore.

Where do you see the city in five years’ time?

Canberra’s CBD is expanding and in five years’ time you will see the city link with the lake as per the West Basin Waterfront project. I’m looking forward to seeing this development as the precinct will provide new parks, cafés, restaurants, plazas and streets for the community to use and enjoy.

 

Click here for more kayakcameraman photography