Red Bull Illume 2016

Dean Treml: “I enjoy the challenge and buzz of just turning up to shoot a different sport or event, regardless of the location or conditions, and adapting." I was fascinated by photography at an early age, which meant my mum had to pay good money to develop films of dubious worth! I bought my first new camera at 14 and in the years that followed I got a taste of working for a newspaper, studio, shooting weddings and portraits. As a result I knew I preferred the editorial, photojournalistic style of work. I like carrying a small kit and not worrying about lots of gear slowing me down. When I’m working my mindset is to try and give an inside perspective of any sport or event I cover and tell a story, particularly the personal human element. I’m not a big fan of preconceived ideas. Rather I enjoy the challenge and buzz of just turning up to shoot a different sport or event, regardless of the location or conditions, and adapting. I’ve been working as a photographer for nearly 30 years now and in that time I’ve been really fortunate that it’s introduced me to some amazing colleagues, taught me about journalistic integrity, shown me the world, from shooting Olympic Games to international rugby amidst a crowded stadium, to a lonely skateboarder trying to nail a kick-flip or kids playing football in a slum. I’m thrilled to have been working for some fantastic clients, including international news agency AFP, Getty Images and Red Bull, and proud to have been recognised and awarded in such photo competitions as Picture of the Year International, Red Bull Illume and NZ Press Photographer of the Year.