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Global Citizen

Jason Benz — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 13:15:58 +0000

I am a dual citizen who was not born in either country. I was born in Holland with a foreign father so I could not be Dutch at birth. This perspective made me consider citizenship as arbitrary. This makes nationalism and patriotism pointless from my point of view. Why feel pride for the achievements of historical figures who only share a similar birthplace to you? This may be why I travel, in search of my tribe. Anyone who has travelled independently knows the global travelling community was a culture unlike any other. One which essentially disappeared in 2020.

Economic Record

Jason Benz — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 10:46:06 +0000

Today Australia took the record from the Netherlands for the longest time (26 years) without a recession. The mining industry helped the economy dodge a bullet when the GFC arrived so there was no need for a bank bailout or austerity like the UK. In the last budget, the current government introduced a surprise big bank tax which must have left the Labor opposition outflanked.

Purple Flag

Jason Benz — Tue, 16 May 2017 13:55:29 +0000

This is Patersonia Sericea, commonly known as the Purple Flag, Native Iris or Native Flag. It is endemic to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. This flower was photographed in a garden in Western Australia.

This image has been accepted by Shutterstock for Stock Photography and is available for download here.

Capitolio Nacional

Jason Benz — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 09:45:54 +0000

This is Karen’s photo of the National Capitol Building in Havana. It was the seat of government in Cuba until after the 1959 revolution. As of 2013 restoration began in preparation for it to be once again used for the national assembly.

Australia Votes

Jason Benz — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 08:56:02 +0000

These are the Australian Parliament Houses in Canberra. Today there has been a double dissolution election where seats in the House of Representatives and The Senate are up for grabs.

This image has been accepted by Shutterstock for Stock Photography and is available for download here.

Independence Day

Jason Benz — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:20:14 +0000

On this day England voted to leave the EU. 9 months later on the 29th March 2017 the UK Government initiated the 2 year exit process. I was in Australia watching the film ‘Independence Day’ with the rest of the Panedia team. The film was predictable, and watching the referendum results come in the following day was more exciting.

To make this image I downloaded the original flags then used Photoshop filters to add some depth. This makes it the only post which is not based on photography.

Australian Citizenship

Jason Benz — Wed, 25 May 2016 01:30:49 +0000

Today I became an Australian. The ceremony took place at the The Arts Centre on the Gold Coast. It was a sunny day so I cycled there this morning. I have been living, working and travelling through Australia since 2011. They call it the lucky country. I was certainly lucky enough to find photography work in 4 of the 5 states we passed through. Australia has also proved to be the most successful country for Stock Photography. It quickly eclipsed Egypt after the first set of shots were accepted by Shutterstock. It was not a difficult decision to apply for citizenship. I can keep my UK passport and it will make travel easier after my visa expires in 2016.

This image has been accepted by Shutterstock for Stock Photography and in available for download here.

Peace Bell

Jason Benz — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 12:30:21 +0000

This is the World Peace Bell in Cowra, New South Wales, Australia. The Bell is made from coins provided by 103 countries and is a replica of the one that stands in the forecourt of the United Nations Headquarters. Events in France remind us of the need for greater understanding between people of the world. It is sad that someone could believe terror attacks on France would be a solution for anything.

To process this image Red and Blue layers were used in Photoshop to add colour. A lightened Black and White layer was used in the centre to finish the flag.

Australia Day

Jason Benz — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 08:36:52 +0000

Today Australia celebrated its national day. It is the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet from the UK in 1788. The Gold Coast Council put on an event in Surfers Paradise so we cycled down from Southport. There was sheep shearing, wood chopping and various reptile displays. We saw a demonstration of cooking with local bush tucker and then took our chances with some festival food.

Purple Bridge

Jason Benz — Sat, 21 Jun 2014 09:36:35 +0000

This is the Sydney Harbour Bridge during the Vivid Sydney Festival. Every winter the city lights up when the nights are long.

We are enjoying watching the goalfest which is Brazil 2014, even though it occasionally involves getting up at 5am to watch England lose again. Australia have looked impressive and face Spain next.

This image has been accepted by Shutterstock for Stock Photography and is available for download here.