Greg Sullavan from the Canon Collective

Getting to know @Gregsullavan from the Canon Collective

For many, Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island presents the perfect holiday retreat for a bit of RnR, exploration or adventure just off the coast of Brisbane. But for those who see the world through the lens of their beloved cameras, Moreton Island offers up an abundance of unique and distinctive photography opportunities amongst some of the most untouched island landscapes in Queensland. We caught up with @Gregsullavan from the Canon Collective to learn more about his love for capturing that perfect shot, and get the low-down on the inaugural Tangalooma Canon Collective event this October!

Q&A with Greg Sullavan

Tell us a bit about yourself Greg – when did you first get into photography and what sparked the ambition to pursue photography as a career?

I was in year 2 at Wellington Point State Primary and we had an excursion to St Helena Island. My mum entrusted me with her Kodak instamatic 35mm and a roll of 24 exposure film. I felt really important and took the most amazing images and interesting angles. I thought that these photographs were going to be really special and if was a big deal for my parents to pay for the film processing. Imagine my horror when I got the photographs back and they were all blurry! I think it had such a profound impact that to this day, I’m still obsessed with shooting the perfect image...

When did you start working at Canon?

I first came to Canon in January 2000. I had applied for the entry level clerical position after working for 3 years in a portrait studio in Sydney where I learned the art of studio portraiture with the Mamiya 645 medium format camera system and Elinchrome studio lighting.

How did the Canon Collective start, and when did you first get involved?

I believe the concept of Canon Collective started when we started taking our photographers on to sporting fields to learn how to use the Canon EOS system and lenses in action. People were looking for engaging the brand they loved in a meaningful way, rather than, buying a box off the shelf at the local camera store. The Canon Collective heartland are keen photographers who are looking for an experience, learn new skills, test some Canon gear, engage their creative side and meet like-minded people. Many of our events are free and all are welcome in the spirit of sharing and contributing to the community.

You’ve been the driving force behind locking away the inaugural Canon Collective event at Tangalooma Island Resort (Moreton Island) this October. What is it about Tangalooma and Moreton Island that will make this event a highlight for the year?

One thing I’ve learned is that the more variety a single location has to offer, the better the experience for our guests. Moreton Island is a gem on Brisbane's doorstep with easy access for interstate and local visitors alike. It offers photographers unique landscapes and an underwater wonderland on the doorstep of Tangalooma Island Resort. If there was a photographic bucket list, they would include Cape Moreton Lighthouse at sunrise, the famous Tangalooma wreck snorkel, aerial photography in an R44 helicopter with the doors off, inland sand dune landscapes and fashion shoot to name a few.

Is there a particular site on Moreton Island that you especially love to photograph? What is it about that area that interests you?

As one of the Queensland Collective ambassadors, I have been influenced by the community. So I love a good sunrise for an instagram post. The iconic red and white Cape Moreton Lighthouse is located on the northern tip of Moreton Island national park and can only be accessed by 4WD. The best time of day to shoot this would be to watch the sun hitting the top as it rises from the Pacific Ocean. I think that if the weather gods permit, then this would be a once in a lifetime photographic opportunity for those brave enough for the 4am start… who’s with me?

So what can we expect in October? How will the event pan out and who should get involved?

We are expecting up to 150 photographers to join the Canon Collective Ambassadors from Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales for 3 nights of photographic action. There are a variety of organised photographic workshops, shoots and experiences that attendees can register for. Additionally, there are numerous other opportunities if you want to ‘choose your own adventure’. The overarching direction of the event is Capture, Edit, Print and Exhibit with plenty of prizes up for grabs at the closing print/ swap and exhibition. Everyone is welcome and this is not just for professionals and experienced photographers. If you have an interest in photography and want to get more out of your camera – then this is for you!

Are there any special guests lined up?

We have some very special guests including Sean Scott who’s images from Western Australia’s shark feeding have recently been seen all over the world. Also going is Canon Master Darren Jew from the National Geographic series ’Tales by Light’ and representatives from Aquatech underwater camera housings, Goal Zero portable solar powered generators, Wildhorn full faced snorkel masks and F-stop professional camera bags.

You can keep updated with the event info by joining the Facebook Event.

What are your top 5 tips for photographers travelling to the Collective event this October?

• Pack for the beach, don’t forget you hat and sunscreen – the opening night party is QLD Beach attire!

• There will be plenty of water-based opportunities so bring your swimwear too.

• You might need some insect repellant and enclosed shoes for bush walking.

• Be prepared to meet some like-minded photographers and make new friends.

• I recommend bringing your laptop, card ready and the latest version of Lightroom installed too.