Backpacker Project by Greg Paterson.

Name: Jamie

Age: 20

City/Country: Chicago, Illinois

Occupation: Musical theatre student

Arrival in Australia: May 22, 2002

Departure from Australia: July 22, 2002

Arrival in Byron Bay: July 10, 2002

Departure from Byron Bay: July 16, 2002

Why Byron Bay: People told me about the laid back lifestyle, recommendations.

Best thing about Byron Bay: Playing on the beach and in the ocean.

Worst thing about Byron Bay: Having to leave.

Have you met any locals: Yes, met a few people through the Main Beach Backpackers.

Best place to eat: None.

Why: Haven't been able to eat out because of budget reasons. I'm living on a diet of cereal!

Favorite daytime activity: Hanging out by the beach playing guitar and relaxing.

Favorite nightspot: Lighthouse/Tallows Beach

Why: The infinite number of stars and the sound of the surf.

What's your passion: In a word, music.

One thing to change about Byron Bay: Nothing I can see, if it were to change, the relaxed vibe might be lost.

Photographer's impression:
Jamie was sitting alone on a picnic table overlooking Main Beach playing his guitar and taking in the scenery. As he was my first subject I was a bit nervous, but once I got past the point of asking if he would participate, and he was into it, I relaxed, and had a good chat with him. Throughout the entire interview he was strumming away at his guitar, playing effortlessly while formulating his answers to my questions. Once I pulled out the camera to take a few shots, his demeanour didn't change a bit, and he didn't feel the need to pose whatsoever, unlike a lot of people. Great start to the project.