Many people dream of a job that allows them to shape their work around their lives, allowing them to live the life they’ve envisioned for themselves.
Photographer and Richmond Hill resident, Kody McGregor, has worked hard to achieve just that.
It is through the lens of his camera that he has been able to create a work-life balance that suits him, and fortunately he loves nothing more than capturing magical moments which so often go unseen in the business of everyday life.
“There are definitely pros and cons to working as a freelancer, but overall the positives outweigh the negatives. I don’t take it for granted and when it comes to putting in the work, then I definitely do so.”
His eye for detail brings a unique perspective to McGregor’s images. To him, there is a captivating and special quality to all kinds of photo-graphy.
He enjoys street photography, preserving memorable – otherwise fleeting – moments while people go about their daily lives. McGregor also values the importance of portraiture and, through his clear focus, bears witness to the worth of the individual in society.
“Portraits show intimate glimpses into the lives of people which I think is very important for society to see.”
As a keen sportsman and water polo and squash coach, he loves taking sports photos but also enjoys looking for and creating abstract images. To him, these images are wonderful creative gateways to telling stories and revealing imaginative narratives from his own perspective.
McGregor has been greatly influenced by the greats, as well as modern masters, in photography. He also pays homage to the people who have, and still are, encouraging him to continue to work on his craft.
“I also look up to some great South African photographers of my generation, such as surf photographer, Alan Van Gysen, and Tyrone Bradley. Some of the next generation photographers are also fantastic, like Joe Greer and Willem Verbeeck.”
Of course there is a magical ingredient, the glue that binds together his artistic soul and love for photography – the ocean.
“The ocean has always been a source of inspiration and insight for me, not only from an artistic point of view, but also as a calming presence and an escape from “normal” life.”
The sea has also been a central feature in a lot of his personal photography. For McGregor, it brings with it calmness, a sense of relaxation and an escape from the harshness of the world. “Surfing is an extension of that escape, a way to be immersed in this source of inspiration.”
The ocean links to McGregor’s photography in both a figurative and literal way.
With a muse as powerful, as cleansing and as difficult to capture as the ocean, one is not surprised that he is a tenacious individual who doesn’t give up easily.
“I have fought hard over the years for this kind of work freedom. I have my commercial work, I have my personal projects, and then I have my surfing and running lifestyle that all mix together to create my life. It’s a constant act of creating mini goals.”
To top it all off, there is also another muse close to McGregor’s heart.
“I am very fortunate that my wife and I both surf, so that has brought us together in such a special way. Our work lives and love for surfing have intertwined perfectly and I really do feel lucky to be able to combine family and surfing.”
Even their dog, Luna, loves the beach.
“She’s known the beach her whole life. We did a lot of training with her at the beach when she was a pup. It’s her safe place and her favourite space for playing.”
Giving back to his community is something close to McGregor’s heart.
“Coaching at my old high school is my way of giving back to a school that really helped shape me and gave me the good grounding on which I stand today.”
“We have been living in Richmond Hill for four years now. I really enjoy how it feels both urban and suburban at the same time,” he said, casting his eye over his neighbourhood.
“Suddenly the world looks different; more interesting in all its small details. Perhaps every neighbourhood needs people to help us to look more closely; to think a little bit more deeply, so that we can open ourselves up to the world and to others in a more unique way.”
