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As the father of two sons, how do you nurture their creativity? I never had that much of a creative upbringing; my interest in fashion came about through my sister Karin [Upton Baker, Managing Director of Hermès Australia]. But my children, on the other hand, see what I do, they take their own pictures, they come with me on photo shoots and we travel a lot. That’s the very best kind of inspiration.
Has your career perspective changed since having a family? Absolutely. I should probably be living in New York – I go there a few times a year and when I'm there the doors open up – but I want to raise my kids in Avalon where I grew up. The boys both surf and lead a good life. Having just returned from India I’m even more set in my mind on that; I know my sons are so fortunate to be growing up by the beach in Australia.
What’s your secret to keeping a work-life-family balance? There is no balance. Aneta and I try to keep to a schedule, more for the kids than anything, but then when the opportunities arise I also try to take my family with me when traveling as much as possible. I recently returned from a month-long visit to California with my son in the school holidays and we had a ball together – the kid from Avalon had eyes as big as dinner plates, it was an incredible experience for both of us.
And the lessons your sons have taught you? When you have children, you start to realise that maybe you were just a little bit self-absorbed before. Kids make you take that focus away from yourself – suddenly it’s about their world, and then you spend the rest of your life making sure that everything is perfect for them. There's nothing better.
Simon Upton's Tough Stock launches February 20. For details visit www.simonuptonfoto.com
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