It's freezing a moment of time so that it can never be forgotten, it's capturing the beauty of life's elements through a lens, it's enticing emotion, imagination and thought process through visual stimulation.

It's an art, unique in itself, and no two photographer's are the same.

In our Life of a Photographer series we talk to Dubbo based photographers about what life behind the lens is like. This week we spoke to Fluer Pors.

Q: When did you become a photographer and what inspired you?

A: I grew up in a small town in The Netherlands in Europe, always walked around with a camera and travelled a lot because of my passion for Cultural Anthropology, Human Geography and Tourism. After photographing landscapes for a long time to capture my travel story, I started to focus on documenting the people I met along the way and found my passion: capturing human connection and telling a story: for me, that was the definition of a great shot and beauty.

"Those who dwell along the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life'' - Rachel Carson

When I moved to Australia in 2012, I decided to keep following my dream.

With great support of my husband and while being pregnant with my first, I set up my own business in 2017 and haven't looked back since. I am now a busy family and wedding photographer in the Central West and am really grateful for all the support in our region.

Q: What is your favourite thing about photography?

A: I have always been fascinated by human connection; the fact that we each have our own unique story, history, personality (quirks and all). I love that I am able to stop time for a moment with my camera and capture a small part of your story that will one day transport you back in time when you look back on the photos we captured together. I live for real, raw moments and wrapping them up in a pretty, tangible package that will stand the test of time for decades to come.

Q: How would you best describe your style?

I would describe my style as Warm and Vibrant with a touch of Moody (that's why I keep chasing the sunset and prefer to shoot in Golden hour). I love shooting in nature and even include flowers and natives in my Newborn Sessions.

Q: Are there any challenges photographers face that the general public isn't aware of?

A: It is a one-man show. Besides taking photos and editing you also have to allow time in your schedule for tasks related to project management, administration, accounting and finance. Some photographers also have another job on the side and a family to look after which came to be a bit overwhelming sometimes. I think clear communication with your customers is key.

Q: Can you describe any images you've captured during your career that will forever hold a special place in your heart and why?

A: All sessions are special for sure but sometimes I get emotional as well and that's where you realise that what you do is close to your heart.

I have cried with weddings and will probably continue to do so, they will forever hold a special place in my heart, like the first time the groom laid eyes on the bride, reveal bride and father are also so special but there are so many more I could include.

Q: What does capturing a moment in time mean to you?

A: I have always been fascinated by human connection; every individual has his/her our own unique story, history, personality and loved ones. For me capturing a moment means that I am able to stop time for a moment with my camera and capture a small part of your story showing exactly that connection between loved ones. One day the photo(s) I took will transport people back in time when they look back on the photos we captured together. And that's where it is all about for me.

Q: What does a day in the life of a photographer look like?

A: Preparing for sessions by setting up props, checking location, ordering right equipment, arranging assistant when required, replying to messages, editing photos, preparing and sending out invoices and try to remain active on Social Media

Q: How do you come up with different settings for images? Backgrounds etc?

A: I create my own digital backdrops and sell them online for other photographers. I am also a member of specific photographer groups which gives me access to unique digital backdrops (digital backgrounds I use for Newborn Photography). I love shooting outdoors as well so keep changing the location of shoots. More and more people prefer to have photos taken at the comfort of their own home which makes every session unique.

Q: Is there anything about the Central West that provides photographers with unique opportunities such as our sunsets or specific landscapes?

A: There are three things that set my soul on fire when it comes to photography;light, connection and landscape. So it is not a surprise that I also travel for sessions and that I try to chase the sunset....

The Central West is diverse and has a lot of variety and the last couple of years have shown us that landscapes keep changing. In 2019 outdoor sessions and weddings showed a lot of red sand and yellow tones while 2020 is all about green again. Every year, you will be able to see the Central West through a different lens.

Night Sky photography is popular as well, especially after COVID where people go out in the bush and look for open unique spaces and experiences.

Q: Any advice for those who aspire to become photographers?

A: When starting your business or when dreaming about running your own, make sure you set realistic goals.

Take little steps and don't overwhelm yourself. Follow photographers who have been in the industry for a while and ask yourself why you admire their work (their actual photos, their personality, social media posts, engagement with customers, uniqueness of images or their style).

This will all help you on your journey finding your own path while you start shaping your own style.Don't see other photographers as competition, collaborate and learn from others and in the end, you will realise that every photographer will attract a different audience.People will eventually end up booking a session with you for who you are and your style.