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Life, Camera, Action
It took ten years in the coal mines for Mitchell Burns to realise that no pay cheque is worth sacrificing your dreams. Now he’s making up for lost time.
Mitchell Burns never wanted to be a miner. Growing up in a Queensland coal mining town with parents in the industry, it never felt like pursuing his passion for photography was an option. So, he went in the only direction he knew – straight into the mines.
After spending a decade in a job he hated, Mitch realised that he had put his dreams on hold for too long. With no blueprint for success, he turned away from mining knowing he’d have to forge his own path in photography. In a vulnerable moment, he posted online about leaving the only industry he’d ever known to follow his dreams – the now-viral video has inspired millions of people around the world not to give up on their goals.
These days, hundreds of thousands of viewers follow Mitch as he travels Australia and abroad, sharing his breathtaking landscape photographs and how he captures them. His story is a compelling call to action for anyone who has ever longed to quit their day job and pursue their passion. Learning the hard way that you won’t find happiness in a big bank balance, Mitch discovered that some risks are well worth taking – you just need to be brave enough to take the shot.
Life, Camera, Action is an inspiring story about choosing your own adventure, and the beauty to be found in following your dreams.
Mitchell Burns never wanted to be a miner. Growing up in a Queensland coal mining town with parents in the industry, it never felt like pursuing his passion for photography was an option. So, he went in the only direction he knew – straight into the mines.
After spending a decade in a job he hated, Mitch realised that he had put his dreams on hold for too long. With no blueprint for success, he turned away from mining knowing he’d have to forge his own path in photography. In a vulnerable moment, he posted online about leaving the only industry he’d ever known to follow his dreams – the now-viral video has inspired millions of people around the world not to give up on their goals.
These days, hundreds of thousands of viewers follow Mitch as he travels Australia and abroad, sharing his breathtaking landscape photographs and how he captures them. His story is a compelling call to action for anyone who has ever longed to quit their day job and pursue their passion. Learning the hard way that you won’t find happiness in a big bank balance, Mitch discovered that some risks are well worth taking – you just need to be brave enough to take the shot.
Life, Camera, Action is an inspiring story about choosing your own adventure, and the beauty to be found in following your dreams.
- GenresBiography
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2024
6 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 15, 2024
I don't know much about landscape photography, but I do know Mitchell Burns is so smokin' hot he should be considered a natural wonder of the world. Every time he posts a new Instagram video I transform into a Victorian woman, bosom heaving, fan waving, soon to faint.
Of course it's not just his heartstopping smile, textbook Aussie accent and teasing man-cleavage which makes him such a hunk. There are plenty of attractive dudes on Instagram. A significant portion of Mitchell's sexiness comes from his talent as a photographer and, more importantly, an infectious passion for his craft. Joy oozes from his videos as we see him in his element, wading through Outback rivers or on a beach at sunrise. He educates his audience on the hard work that goes into capturing the perfect shot in a gleeful way that can't be faked. It's abundantly clear: nature and photography are his passions — and, I must say, passion looks good on him.
He also has a cool personal story which many tortured artists will relate to. In the book, we learn how he spent a decade working in the soul-crushing field of mining. Burns saw his colleagues wither away at a young age and grew increasingly fearful his life would end up the same. Sure, the money was good, but was this how he wanted to spend his life? Since a very young boy, photography has been his true desire. He can't imagine it being just a part-time hobby.
Without much of a plan, he takes the courageous step of quitting the reliable mining job and pursuing photography. Though he never regrets the decision, many years go by before he will be able to survive with more than a few dollars in the bank account. Even now, with massive online followers and agents knocking down his door, most potential sources of income don't pan out. We close the book feeling inspired by his determination and ever aware that the road to happiness is often scary. Still, he is proof that the reward can make it all worthwhile.
Fans will enjoy many chapters detailing Mitchell's family and upbringing. We get to follow along for the meet-cute he had with his girlfriend. I kinda hate her for stealing him, but am very appreciative that she is a significant source of his joy. I also think her female gaze is what makes his videos so titillating. Mitchell, bless him, seems very shy and aloof about how hot he is. But she understands the assignment. We love his photography, yes, but we also love keeping those top buttons unfastened. For that, we thank you Jessie. Keep doing the Lord's work.
Overall, I must say I'm impressed by the book. I didn't expect a miner/photographer/model to also be a proficient writer, but this is a good story of overcoming obstacles and reaching for the stars. I felt genuinely inspired by it, and it wasn't just because Burns narrates the audiobook and the sound of his voice gave me all sorts of filthy fantasies.
I SWEAR!!!
Of course it's not just his heartstopping smile, textbook Aussie accent and teasing man-cleavage which makes him such a hunk. There are plenty of attractive dudes on Instagram. A significant portion of Mitchell's sexiness comes from his talent as a photographer and, more importantly, an infectious passion for his craft. Joy oozes from his videos as we see him in his element, wading through Outback rivers or on a beach at sunrise. He educates his audience on the hard work that goes into capturing the perfect shot in a gleeful way that can't be faked. It's abundantly clear: nature and photography are his passions — and, I must say, passion looks good on him.
He also has a cool personal story which many tortured artists will relate to. In the book, we learn how he spent a decade working in the soul-crushing field of mining. Burns saw his colleagues wither away at a young age and grew increasingly fearful his life would end up the same. Sure, the money was good, but was this how he wanted to spend his life? Since a very young boy, photography has been his true desire. He can't imagine it being just a part-time hobby.
Without much of a plan, he takes the courageous step of quitting the reliable mining job and pursuing photography. Though he never regrets the decision, many years go by before he will be able to survive with more than a few dollars in the bank account. Even now, with massive online followers and agents knocking down his door, most potential sources of income don't pan out. We close the book feeling inspired by his determination and ever aware that the road to happiness is often scary. Still, he is proof that the reward can make it all worthwhile.
Fans will enjoy many chapters detailing Mitchell's family and upbringing. We get to follow along for the meet-cute he had with his girlfriend. I kinda hate her for stealing him, but am very appreciative that she is a significant source of his joy. I also think her female gaze is what makes his videos so titillating. Mitchell, bless him, seems very shy and aloof about how hot he is. But she understands the assignment. We love his photography, yes, but we also love keeping those top buttons unfastened. For that, we thank you Jessie. Keep doing the Lord's work.
Overall, I must say I'm impressed by the book. I didn't expect a miner/photographer/model to also be a proficient writer, but this is a good story of overcoming obstacles and reaching for the stars. I felt genuinely inspired by it, and it wasn't just because Burns narrates the audiobook and the sound of his voice gave me all sorts of filthy fantasies.
I SWEAR!!!
February 3, 2025
I knew Mitchell from TikTok and Instagram, so when I saw a signed copy of his book in a Sydney bookshop I couldn't pass it up, I was immediately curious about his story and how he got to where he was, as a teenager I had an interest in photography and always wondered what it would be like to pursue it so it was kind of nice to live vicariously through Mitchell in his book.
This was an easy read, something I could kick back and genuinely relax with. Love a good memoir and this gave me exactly what I was looking for.
This was an easy read, something I could kick back and genuinely relax with. Love a good memoir and this gave me exactly what I was looking for.
September 25, 2024
"It's not an award or even an exhibition that a photographer will be remembered for. A photographer will ultimately be remembered for how they make their audience feel."
Truthfully, I wouldn't blame you if you saw a book by an internet personality and rolled your eyes because they tend to be publishing cash-grabs and an easy paycheck. However, this book is nothing like that. In fact, social media takes a backseat in this book, saved only for the final 40 or so pages, and even then, it is more of an add-on comment rather than the book's crux.
Mitchell Burns takes us behind the lens and invites readers into his life, not as an influencer or 'overnight viral success', but as a photographer who has been chipping away tirelessly at a dream since childhood. The book is surprisingly vulnerable and exposing as it takes us through his life. It is a panorama in its emotional content, from the depressing and mind-numbing existence of being a miner, to the inspiring decision to walk away and headfirst into his passions.
It flows effortlessly, easy to continue reading without feeling like it drags on, and written well enough that you feel like you're sitting with him as he painstakingly slaves away in the mines at Daunia, when he makes the self-assured to decision to open his own exhibition, or excitedly traverses the country to hunt perfect landscape compositions. At its core, the book is a call to creatives and a reminder to everyone that we only have one shot at this life and we shouldn't squander it in favour of status quo.
My only criticism is I wish there had been a few more photos in the book to highlight his work and think it is a missed opportunity that there wasn't. However, one can hope this can translate to a future project of a coffee table-style photography book. Also, frankly, I wish the book was given the opportunity and exposure it deserves.
Truthfully, I wouldn't blame you if you saw a book by an internet personality and rolled your eyes because they tend to be publishing cash-grabs and an easy paycheck. However, this book is nothing like that. In fact, social media takes a backseat in this book, saved only for the final 40 or so pages, and even then, it is more of an add-on comment rather than the book's crux.
Mitchell Burns takes us behind the lens and invites readers into his life, not as an influencer or 'overnight viral success', but as a photographer who has been chipping away tirelessly at a dream since childhood. The book is surprisingly vulnerable and exposing as it takes us through his life. It is a panorama in its emotional content, from the depressing and mind-numbing existence of being a miner, to the inspiring decision to walk away and headfirst into his passions.
It flows effortlessly, easy to continue reading without feeling like it drags on, and written well enough that you feel like you're sitting with him as he painstakingly slaves away in the mines at Daunia, when he makes the self-assured to decision to open his own exhibition, or excitedly traverses the country to hunt perfect landscape compositions. At its core, the book is a call to creatives and a reminder to everyone that we only have one shot at this life and we shouldn't squander it in favour of status quo.
My only criticism is I wish there had been a few more photos in the book to highlight his work and think it is a missed opportunity that there wasn't. However, one can hope this can translate to a future project of a coffee table-style photography book. Also, frankly, I wish the book was given the opportunity and exposure it deserves.
September 1, 2025
This is the story of Mitchell Burns and his quest to break away from his 'expected' career (working in mining, like his father) and follow his passion for landscape photography. After ten years of working in mining and only being able to have photography as a passionate hobby, he finally takes the plunge, and pursues photography as a career. We are privy to his struggles, his (not always successful) efforts, his financial battles, his mentors, his family life and his meeting and connection with his girlfriend . . .
Given this 'follow your dream' story, the book is full of messages about being persistent (as Mitchell certainly was!), you're never too old, it's never too late, putting passion before finances, not over planning, but being open to opportunity and letting fate take its course etc etc. Certainly great messages but I felt they were a bit forced here.
I made the mistake, before reading the book, of googling Mitchell Burns as I hadn't heard of him before, and was immediately put off by his social media image: contrived, I thought, and more about his face and image than about his photography! On reading the book, I now understand that he used social media (and his own good looks) as a promotion tool but nonetheless, my initial impression detracted somewhat from my enjoyment of the book.
I usually enjoy listening (on Audible) to an author reading their own book, but in this case I found Burns' reading style irritating because it felt so unnatural and again, contrived, without much emotion to it: not a natural reading style, with very pronounced breaks for punctuation.
While I like the message within this book, and applaud the author's determination, I found the book to be artificial, affected and without any natural warmth . . . while it's not a criticism of the book itself, I do think a different narrator would have made a positive difference. **
Given this 'follow your dream' story, the book is full of messages about being persistent (as Mitchell certainly was!), you're never too old, it's never too late, putting passion before finances, not over planning, but being open to opportunity and letting fate take its course etc etc. Certainly great messages but I felt they were a bit forced here.
I made the mistake, before reading the book, of googling Mitchell Burns as I hadn't heard of him before, and was immediately put off by his social media image: contrived, I thought, and more about his face and image than about his photography! On reading the book, I now understand that he used social media (and his own good looks) as a promotion tool but nonetheless, my initial impression detracted somewhat from my enjoyment of the book.
I usually enjoy listening (on Audible) to an author reading their own book, but in this case I found Burns' reading style irritating because it felt so unnatural and again, contrived, without much emotion to it: not a natural reading style, with very pronounced breaks for punctuation.
While I like the message within this book, and applaud the author's determination, I found the book to be artificial, affected and without any natural warmth . . . while it's not a criticism of the book itself, I do think a different narrator would have made a positive difference. **
July 12, 2025
Landscape photographer Mitchell Burns grew up in Far North Queensland, trading his bike for his first camera before he left school. He worked in the mining industry for over a decade before he took the plunge into full-time photography. His memoir delivers a simple but profound message: if there’s something you’re passionate about, take the chance to embrace it. Mitchell details his early life in FNQ, the uninspiring grind of working in the mines, and the dead ends, false starts, and risks he took to follow his dream of travelling the globe taking photos. Along the way, Mitchell continues to encounter wonderful kindnesses in the form of supportive parents, caring mentors, and a partner who stands by him through thick or thin.
I also loved the honesty and vulnerability Mitchell displays in this book: he talks about his mental health, the times his bank balance has been low, and the criticism he faced from established photographers. Mitchell is still relatively young (early thirties) and I can’t help feeling we’ll see another inspirational instalment down the track. 🎧 Mitchell narrates the audiobook himself. He’s not a trained narrator but he has a pleasant and authentic voice that’s easy to listen to.
I also loved the honesty and vulnerability Mitchell displays in this book: he talks about his mental health, the times his bank balance has been low, and the criticism he faced from established photographers. Mitchell is still relatively young (early thirties) and I can’t help feeling we’ll see another inspirational instalment down the track. 🎧 Mitchell narrates the audiobook himself. He’s not a trained narrator but he has a pleasant and authentic voice that’s easy to listen to.
December 31, 2024
You don’t have to stay in the lane everyone says you should be in. I’m shocked that I didn’t know about this book or that more people don’t know about it. Even if you only know Mitchell’s socials (his photos or his photos), its story is compelling enough to keep you around. It’s the story of every Australian kid in a town where no one wants to dream bigger than the place they come from. I’ve lived that, too, so it’s validating to know that someone else in another small town felt the same way. The photographers he mentioned from the Central Coast are ones I know well; I used to drive by the Ken Duncan Gallery every week. I think it’s also poignant that he talks about mental health and masculine energies rejecting creative outlets. It excites me to hear him speak about the beauties and wonders of my home country, much of which I have not seen. I want to change that and go for my dreams, and this book has helped fuel my inspiration.
September 25, 2024
Life, Camera, Action by Mitchell Burns, Landscape Photographer 📷 🎬 is his very own first biography ~ Part One!
He's only just begun ... his second career; primarily in Landscape Photography which is his first focus and long-held dream.
Mitchell Burns has achieved the first part of his dream come true by being persistant and following his heart.
His working life began in the Queensland mines but his visions lay elsewhere in nature and landscapes throughout Australia.
I'm looking forward to his next book on Landscape Photography and perhaps a Coffee table book later.
* It's never too late to take a shot of your dreams ~ you may even surprise yourself!
www.mitchellburns.com.au
He's only just begun ... his second career; primarily in Landscape Photography which is his first focus and long-held dream.
Mitchell Burns has achieved the first part of his dream come true by being persistant and following his heart.
His working life began in the Queensland mines but his visions lay elsewhere in nature and landscapes throughout Australia.
I'm looking forward to his next book on Landscape Photography and perhaps a Coffee table book later.
* It's never too late to take a shot of your dreams ~ you may even surprise yourself!
www.mitchellburns.com.au
October 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book.
Landscape Photography has been a passion of mine for over 11 years.
I've always wanted a biography about a modern day Landscape photographer and this really scratched that itch. This is a truly inspiring story with great writing! Good job Mitch!
Landscape Photography has been a passion of mine for over 11 years.
I've always wanted a biography about a modern day Landscape photographer and this really scratched that itch. This is a truly inspiring story with great writing! Good job Mitch!
November 2, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this account of Mitchell Burns journey from unsatisfied miner to someone who is living the life he loves - travelling and taking landscape photographs.
This book is a memoir, but also an inspiration for anyone who has a dream of sharing their creativity.
This book is a memoir, but also an inspiration for anyone who has a dream of sharing their creativity.
December 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this memoir! I learned a lot about the mines in Australia, photography, and social media. Mitchell's story and journey are really interesting. I also listened to this as an audiobook and enjoyed hearing the author tell his own story.
January 5, 2025
Whilst I support the premise of following your dreams, there isn’t enough material here to cover a whole book, and the author has serious martyr syndrome, attacking anyone who questions the sense of financially ruining himself as a ‘hater.’
August 1, 2025
inspiring and a true blue Aussie story.
September 12, 2025
Pretty easy read, and I have a signed copy so that’s cool too.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews