Warrick Eady: How Photography Revived this Soldier’s Passion

How difficult was it coming back to Australia after serving in the military?

I was in the army for nine years and went to Afghanistan three times. It wasn’t so much being over there that I had the issue with, it was more coming home. The loss of purpose and the sense of importance of doing something like that, that’s what I struggled with most—it was a big adjustment, learning how to do things my own way. I just didn’t appreciate how massive the change would be.

Canon EOS 6D, EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens f/1.8, 1/3200, ISO-200

How did photography enter your life at this time?

I always loved playing around with cameras but nothing too in-depth and then I found myself wanting to learn more.

Canon EOS 6D, EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens f/1.4, 1/3200, ISO-200 

Canon EOS 6D, EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens f/3.5, 1/4000, ISO-100

What do you love photographing the most? Judging by your Instagram account, you love the ocean!

Yes, definitely the ocean! I’ve been doing that for two years now, and it’s hands down the thing I love to shoot. I still shoot the occasional wedding and landscape but there’s something about the ocean. For me it’s about mindfulness. I think I love photographing the ocean because it’s just so physical, you have to be out there, and you can’t just be sitting on the beach waiting for the sky to do something amazing. You’re out in the water, swimming one handed. The physicality of it is one thing I really like about it and also when you’re out there in the surf, with surfers around, you’re 100 percent focused on what’s in front of you. You’re not thinking about work or anything else, it’s just what you’re doing. It’s like the layer of the water is where all the stress and issues you have are gone and it’s just you, the camera and the water.

Canon EOS 6D, EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM f/4.5, 1/4000, ISO-100

How has Photography made an impact on your life?

It’s definitely helped me get my life back on track. After I came home I went through a couple of years of feeling lost and depressed. Stress is something I don’t deal with very well but being in the ocean is something that helps me manage it. If I don’t go out and shoot for a few weeks, I become stressed again.

Canon EOS 6D, EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens f/3.2, 1/2000, ISO-200

Which cameras are you using right now?

In 2013 I bought my first Canon EOS 6D that’s when I wanted to start shooting more. Last year I got two EOS 6D Mark II’s, and next year I plan to upgrade to something bigger. I’m going to Tonga with Professional Photographer, Darren Jew so I’ll upgrade to something more powerful then.

Canon EOS 6D, EF 70-200mm f/4L USM II Lens at 100mm f/14, 1/3200, ISO-100