Stefan José is passionate cinematographer, editor, colourist and visual storyteller from Byron Bay, Australia. His approach to storytelling is uniquely considered – “…when the story of a film is crafted well, the elements combine to successfully spin a tale, taking the audience on an emotional journey.” This and his eye for aesthetic makes his images simultaneously warm, tranquil, beautiful, and rich with the passion for the journey of the man behind the camera.
Stefan has been travelling and filming for Queensland Tourism – decked out by Homecamp – and we caught up to learn more about this talented Aussie photographer as he explores the north east of Australia.
Can you tell us a little of what you’ve been up to over the past couple of months?
At the moment I’m in Cape Tribulation, Tropical North Queensland. Amazing place, but unfortunately it’s been raining the past few days since I’ve been here. Rain here in winter is rare and they tell me they haven’t seen rain settle in like this for twelve months. But of course, when the man with the camera turns up things go pear shaped! Shit. I’m currently on assignment with Queensland Tourism, filming a series on the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Queensland. Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, Gondwana Rainforest, Fraser Island and the Riversleigh Fossil Site.
What route did you take to get there?
Route….well nothing too exciting really. Drove to Brisbane in my bus/mini-camper Transit thingy, flew to Mount Isa, hired a 4WD and drove through the desert to Adel’s Grove Camp site near the Lawn Hill Gorge and the Riversleigh Fossil Site. Stayed and filmed for a few days, drove back to Mt Isa and flew to Cairns. Picked up another 4WD and drove here to the Daintree. So basically it’s going to be a combo of flying and renting 4WD’s between the five sites. We have a tight schedule so we are moving very quickly.
What’s been the highlight of the trip?
That time it didn’t rain… Well the highlight is coming on Saturday I think. I’m meeting up with one of David Attenborough’s Cinematographers Richard Fitzpatrick. We’re spending the day at James Cook University filming inside huge tanks that are setup to mimic natural habitats of The Great Barrier Reef. The studios are used to capture all those crazy little moments in his films when small creatures hide out and hunt each other – and you thought, how did they film that? They must have waited forever! Pretty excited.
You’re from Byron Bay – how much has that place has shaped your outlook on nature and creative pursuits?
Well I’ve lived in Byron about eight years which I think is now longer than I’ve lived anywhere else to be honest. I was born in Melbourne but moved around a lot as a kid and spent a lot of time overseas in my twenties. Byron is a beautiful place to live but I’m not going to go on about it. It’s cliche enough as it is… Everyone loves nature don’t they? Creatively I just like making something that makes people feel good. That’s all… Pull a heart string or two, make a small impact and I’m happy.
How does being in nature impact your sense of creativity?
It’s not all nature content that I shoot but I really do love it. It’s the most of challenging of all. Nothing is a sure thing when shooting nature. Weather, wildlife, swell, water visibility and so on are all so unpredictable. It pisses me right off, you can wait forever and completely miss that moment. BUT, occasionally, something really special happens and it makes it well worth it. Often it’s something you weren’t even there to capture. Nature makes its owns decisions and puts on a show when it’s ready. So creatively nature is challenging and I think that tends to teach patience. I’m still learning…
You’re engaged with storytelling over a range of primarily visual mediums. This act – sharing stories – what does it mean to you?
Now you’re speaking my language. I love a good story. I don’t even know why, I always have. I was very good at English at school and loved to write so maybe it partly comes from that. I really get inspired by music and film and always have. There are some seriously bloody talented musicians and filmmakers who’s storytelling and creativity have changed my life in one way or another and I think you’d probably find that is the same for most people. I love the idea of a person watching and listening to something I have made and taking something away from it. As I said I like to pull a heart string or two, so if someone needs to take a breath when it finishes then that is the ultimate for me.
Practically speaking, when it comes to the outdoors, what’s essential? What gear almost always comes in handy?
To be honest that Storm Kettle you guys gave me has become my must have! I’m huge on tea and it’s getting worse as I get older. I can punch a a few cups so quickly and it’s no hassle with that thing. So good! Other than that there are so many things. I’m that guy who thinks he packs light but realises he’s actually brought everything but the kitchen sink. Lately a quality spray jacket, head torch, super light weight camera covers and leatherman have all been worth their weight in gold from the dusty deserts to the wet rainforests.
Do you have any tips for less-seasoned campers?
Pfft….has anyone got some for me?
All images are by Stefan José.
