In my contemporary romance, titled ‘Antarctic Affair‘, my hero, Taj Andrews is a daredevil adventure photographer. He lives life on the edge. Parachuting into the midst of a raging Russian forest fire and abseiling into an active volcano are just part of what he does to get those killer shots. This is what makes him unique. His steely calm in the face of danger has earned him the respect of hundreds and his ability to fly in the face of convention has earned him the nickname ‘The Rebel Photographer.’
Me: So, have you always lived life on the edge?
TA: Actually, yes. I’ve always loved surfing, snowboarding and other adventure sports, so when I discovered photography in my teens, it felt like a natural extension to become an adventure photographer.
Me: What are your wildest memories?
TA: Spending those 3 weeks camping and shooting the Russian smokejumpers was intense. I should have known when we boarded the helicopter and it didn’t have any seatbelts – in fact it hardly had seats. The tents were like something out of the war era. I lived with rain and mosquitoes for three weeks, in Russia’s wildest fire season for a decade. The fires were out of control and those guys were fearless. Watching them do their thing was incredible. I have the utmost respect for those guys.
Me: Were you ever afraid?
TA: Sure, at times. Especially when the flames got pretty close. In fact, often we were completely surrounded and I couldn’t see a way out. But they could. Thank God.
Me: And now for the question every woman out there wants to know… Are you seeing anyone?
TA: (Laughs) Unfortunately not. Because I travel so much and for months at a time, it’s impossible to hold down a relationship of any sort. No girl wants a guy who’s never home. Mostly, I spend my time with good friends, when I’m back.
Me: Where is home?
TA: I live in California. I have a house near the beach in Santa Barbara. I love it there.
Me: What do you do for fun when you’re at home?
TA: Hang out on the beach, surf, go out with friends. You know… normal guy stuff.
Me: So what’s on the agenda going forward?
TA: Well, I’m taking photographs for a book on Antarctica. It’s in collaboration with National Geographic, so we’re heading down there next month with a bunch of scientists and a documentary producer, I think. It should be fun.
Me. Mm… Anything dangerous lined up?
TA: There is this small matter of a dormant volcano that needs looking into, and I think the scientists want to dive the thermal vents – that should be good.
Me: Well good luck with that. Hope you get some awesome shots.
TA: Thanks. Cheers.
