Newcastle: Why 2020 was a ‘blessing in disguise’ for beach photography duo ChangingTides
Downtime in 2020 allowed the couple to explore their backyard, and build their Instagram following into a small business.
Newcastle
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The last year was a stark change from 2019 for Newcastle beach photography couple, ChangingTides.
After travelling 24 countries the year prior, Jacob Bee-Gill and Shannan Lovell spent most of 2020 in their lounge room.
But the downtime allowed the duo to explore more of their backyard, and build their Instagram following into a small business.
“It’s crazy how it all kicked on but 2020 really was a blessing in disguise for us,” Jacob said.
“We’ve been able to slow down a lot in our crazy busy work lives, and have had a lot of time to concentrate on ChangingTides and growing it.”
It was a match made in paradise for the couple, who met in 2016 while working on Daydream Island in the Whitsundays, and bonded over their love for adventure.
Jacob and Shannan, originally from Gunnedah and Port Stephens respectively, now call Newcastle home, and spend plenty of time capturing the region’s breathtaking coastline.
Although they started out with just their phones and an old GoPro, the couple said they haven’t looked back since upgrading to newer technology including a drone.
And that growth is reflected on their Instagram, which now boasts close to 12,000 followers.
ChangingTides recently joined Soul Kollective, a collaborative retail space in Merewether for local creators to show and sell their work.
“There are about 20 small, local businesses in there with us and it has been such a great opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people where we all support each other,” Jacob said.
“We are still blown away that we are able to show our work in the shop and people actually buy it and love it.”
Living in Newcastle, the self-professed daydreamers are spoiled for choice when it comes to shoot locations, but said they do have their favourites.
“There are so many places up the coast that we love going back to but it’s hard to beat Birubi Beach at sunset, or Zenith Beach for sunrise,” Jacob said.
“These are the two places where our photography journey took off a few years ago while living in Port Stephens.
“Overseas, the Amalfi Coast in Italy or anywhere on the Croatian coastline were breath taking and we would love to get back there one day.”
ChangingTides were, like many of us, forced to cancel their travel plans in 2020, but that allowed them to discover local gems at home.
It’s inspired their new adventure, and the hope to spend this year travelling Australia in a van.
“Our backyard is so amazing, and we have so many places we want to visit.
“While international borders are closed there is no better time to do it.”
The self-taught snappers have plenty of advice for those looking to dip their toes into photography.
Jacob said the most important step was having a go.
“YouTube is a great tool when first starting out, although actually going out and practising is the best way to learn,” he said.
“But it’s not the end of the world if you stuff up or don’t get ‘the shot’.
“It’s all about getting out there, experiencing what our landscape has to offer, finding what you love to photograph most and making it your own.”
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