Newcastle Live’s Facebook inbox is always full of surprises. A few days ago we noticed a message that linked to a gallery of beautiful photos shot here in Newcastle. The person behind those images, Laura Tovar, is a Colombian national who is here studying at UON. We asked her if we could share her story and some of her photos with you. She said yes!
NL: Where are you from and when did you arrive in Newcastle
LAURA: I’m from Colombia. I have been in Newcastle for 2 Years and a couple of months. When I came here, the original plan was to study English for a couple of months and then return home to start my degree. The plan changed radically. I fell in love with things like: The University, Newcastle as a place to study, live, work, take pictures and enjoy; The beaches, they are just perfect; Local business etc. So I decided to stay here to study my degree, in the other side of the world, a different language, a different culture…I have to say that I miss my country, but I really like Australia. I’m happy with what I have done till now.
NL: Tell us about your study
LAURA: I’m doing my second year of Mechanical Engineering. It has been such a big thing in my life; to be honest i was expecting something a bit different but when you get to encourage the situation, you are already sit with 817,692,927 (just kidding) boys around and just 4 or 6 girls. At the beginning was shocking because back in my country you can find more girls studying these kinds of degrees, but now is fine… I’m getting used to dealing with boys and their world. (In a good way). In terms of my degree, I’m doing well so far. I’m so happy with it, even though it is so difficult sometimes. The University of Newcastle is a great institution, I’m very proud of being a student here.
NL: When did you start taking photos around Newcastle?
LAURA: I have had this hobby since 5 – 6 Years, so wherever I go I used to take a lot of pictures. I personally think that is such a nice way to take you back to: good moments, surprises, dates, and places… I love photography in so many ways. I did start taking pictures as soon as I get here and to be honest, I still have such a big way to cover… so I’m in my way. I have been preparing a project, which consists in a blog of Restaurants & Venues in Newcastle. So it will have pictures and opinions of the people that work in those places or those very constant customers. I would love to ask them questions like: “Why is this place so special for you?” and “What makes you come here every week/day?” More than just a picture I’ll be able to share stories and feelings with people.
NL: Where’s your favourite spot?
LAURA: Such a difficult question! I will say that the beaches are my favourite spot, any of them (Newcastle, Nobbys, Merewether, Bar Beach…). I love waves, sand, the sun and it presence, surf…
NL: Do you have a favourite venue to go to?
LAURA: I have a couple. Central, The Junction Hotel, Merewether SurfHouse and The Edwards.
NL: Who makes the best coffee in Newcastle?
LAURA: Saluna Coffee Shop.
NL: What sort of camera do you use?
LAURA: Nikon 3100. I have 3 different lenses; an AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm, a Sigma DG 70 – 300mm and a AF-S NIKKOR 18 – 55mm.
NL: What do you think makes a great photo?
LAURA: Flash ranges, Focus, Light ranges, Details, Occasions, Tricks and Techniques. A lot of things can make a great picture BUT not necessary, a great pictures can means a lot for someone that is in it, someone that has been in that place, someone that dream to travel, someone that shoot the picture… There are a lot of special feelings involve. That’s why I love it.
