Tim Coulson: alumni profile
You graduated in 2002, what have you been doing since leaving CCGS?
When I left school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I was accepted into a Bachelor of Human Nutrition but after a term of chemistry labs, I realised pretty quickly it wasn’t for me. I jumped ship and ended up with a Bachelor of Management. Science didn’t make much sense to me but business seemed to come pretty naturally so I stuck it out and finished with a double major in marketing and human resource management. I graduated from university and headed to Japan on a mission with my church before returning home and working in marketing for a few years in Sydney. It didn’t feel right though and I joke that I had a quarter life crisis. The reality was, I hated my job and felt completely unfulfilled in what I was doing everyday. Something had to give and I completely changed career paths.
Outside of education and work, I got married in 2009 to an incredible woman who continually blows me away. Without question, marrying Kesh is the single best thing I’ve ever done with my life and I am a far better human with her than I was without her. We’ve got two boys, Roo (six years old) and Zion (three years old). Kesh is pregnant with number three so late November, there will be five of us! We've bounced around a fair bit, moving nine times in our marriage. For now, we're in the Southern Highlands, living the 'country cottage' life. Eventually, I think we’ll head back to the South Coast of NSW. It’s the place we feel most connected to.
You’re now a photographer, travelling the world capturing weddings, families and incredible landscapes in some of the most far reaching places of the world. When you were a teenager did you ever imagine this would be your life?
No way. It’s a far cry from the corporate life I’d always envisioned living, but in 2010 I quit the best paying job I’d ever had and decided to pursue a career in photography. The decision was one I agonised over at the time. It meant an unstable future but I had to follow my passion. Knowing what I know now, I’d make the same decision over and over. I’ve been commissioned to shoot in the USA, Mexico, Canada, Scotland, England, Italy, Indonesia, New Zealand and all over Australia. Honestly, I still can’t believe it.
Editor's note: You can view Tim's photography work on Instagram or on his website
What has the highlight of your career been to date?
That would have to be my first international shoot. I flew to Devon in England to photograph a wedding in a castle. I’ve also been able to work with brands through Instagram that I never thought possible: Google, Airbnb, BMW, Qantas, Air New Zealand and a bunch of others.
You’ve already done so many incredible things as a professional photographer, what’s next?
Strangely, I see myself moving away from photography a little. I’m eight years deep into this career and some of the shine has worn off. I envisage taking more of an instructing role, training other photographers, as well as helping my wife with her online store where she curates and sells ethically produced fashion from around the world.
What are you passionate about?
My deepest passion is being a husband and a father and documenting my own family life. We’ve been fortunate enough to travel much of this world through my work. I made a decision from the very beginning that we would always travel together and as a result we’ve seen almost 30 countries as a family. I’ve only photographed one international job without them and even though it’s so much harder travelling with kids, the effort is worth the reward. They learn so much more about the world and its people, becoming more understanding and compassionate as a result. Travel is one of the world’s best teachers.
Favourite memory of your CCGS years?
I loved swimming and cross country. Heading to Homebush to swim and compete against all the other schools was always a highlight. CCGS was seriously a great school. I really enjoyed my time there and look back with only positive memories. I always felt like I could be myself.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your high school self?
Focus on figuring out what it is that you truly love to do.
