Happy As A Sandboy
I first met jack early last year. 2019 was probably the best year of my life and I had huge hopes (like everyone else) that 2020 was going to be even bigger compared to the year prior. In a way it has been for many, People have had had time to reflect on their lives and others have had time to work on themselves. But this story is about the pandemic. Before the lockdowns and self-isolation or the virus was even a thought. I went on a road trip with a close friend and we zipped around South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. Searching for interesting photographs and catching up while we drove throughout our beautiful country.
I first met Jack at a photo met up back in January last year and actually at the same time we both met Joe Greer. He was on tour with Leon bridges photographing his shows and wild parties. Before Joe left for home in the US, he got some film developed at a photo lab in Brisbane that I was a regular at. A few days later a photo meet was happening with a camera club and he came along. I had the typical nerves you get when you meet someone you look up to and admire them for their incredible work. I knew jack through Instagram and as he lived in Brisbane, I asked if he was going to the met. After meeting everyone, talking to joe, holding his Leica M6 (My ultimate dream camera), and meeting up with Jack, we both decided to make the most of the fast-fading good morning light. We hoped on some Lime scooters and zoomed out into the city snapping as we went.
A friendship formed and we hung out a few times before I went overseas to North America for the year. After I returned home and started working again, Jack flew to where I was living in Cairns. I took him to some epic swim spots and some of the most beautiful places on earth. To viewing the worlds oldest rainforest, the Daintree and cruising around taking photos of the things we liked. Just a month or so before the giant shit storm of civil unrest of modern-day society, I flew down to Brisbane and we did a 1,600km roadie together out west to Texas (The town Texas, not the US state). Looped around anticlockwise and headed for the coast of Byron Bay and back up to Brisbane.
From the desert to the ocean, pub feeds and gambling to waterfalls, ocean swims and cowboy camping. I’m going to leave you now so you can quickly scroll past the album of photos and say “oh cool” but I wanted to leave this here below. Something to think about.
Moral of the story. I think if everyone had a friendship with the world like I do with jack, the world would be a better place. Treat others how you want to be treated. Kindness goes a long way, be there for your mates and respect the earth that gives you the opportunities. Don’t worry yourself with what people think of you, live for you and slow down. Life is tough but it’s what you make it and hey smile because it’s fucking free. Reach out to others if you need help and never be afraid to ask. One moment can change the course of someones life and give them memories forever to remember. Be the positive not the negative. Unfortunately, this won’t always be the case, but we can try our best.
Thanks for reading,
Nathan McAndrew
