Tourism Queensland asked us to provide them with a 500 word story. They've now pulled quotes from it for the creation of our bio page on islandreefjob.com. This is my story.

I am James Hill - intrepid photographer of worldly pursuits - and I would like to say at this point that I’ve been fortunate to experience some of the most incredible globe-trotting experiences a man could ever wish for.

Now, what’s most important to me in life? that’s a toughie… Travel would, without a doubt, have to be up there with family (mine are pretty awesome), photography and technology, but to pick one thing...

Perhaps if I share with you my brief potted history you’ll understand why there’s so much jostling for that number one position.

I grew up in the picturesque Southern Highlands of New South Wales, the youngest son in a family of six salt-of-the-earth farming types. My younger years were filled with Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, rugby tours, boating trips, and even an exchange to Sweden. Once home I finished high school and started a degree in Engineering, but before long I was struck with wanderlust once more, and travelled to the USA to work as an instructor in the Vermont ski fields.

On my return I discovered that my folks had decided to retire to the Whitsundays. Lucky me, eh? I would have been delusional not to take advantage of that opportunity, so I got a job as a photographer on Daydream Island, and in my spare time explored the region, fascinated by the sugar cane industry, the rain-forests, and the amazing tales of locals, backpackers, farmers and tour operators.

Reluctantly I returned to Sydney to knuckle down and finish my degree, but not before organising an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Antarctica. There I spent 15 days aboard a research vessel photographing some of the most stunning landscape on earth.

I did end up finishing that degree, and was offered work at a London web marketing agency – a job that would also allow me to sneak beyond the borders of the Emerald Isle. In my three years away, my nephews have grown from bubs to boys, my family from strength to strength - all things I’ve missed being a part of. So I’ve decided to come home and embark on my most ambitious project yet, iamjameshill.com - a collection of portraits and short stories of the people who have made me who I am today. When you ask me who I’d bring to share in the Hamilton experience, that too is a tough one. My folks already have their little patch of paradise, so I have to look further afield for my island companions.

I would repay the favours of all those overseas friends who’ve literally given me the world, while also extending an offer to one of my closest friends, singer-songwriter, Sophie Paterson, who you might have seen recently on Australian Idol. Soph’s now working tirelessly on her debut album and I know she’d just about kill a few music publishers for a patch of sand on Hamilton to do what she does best: create fantastic music.