Ever since my parents gave me a Kodak Box Brownie camera when I was a child, I have loved taking photos. I’ve always documented my family’s milestones and loved photographing my children as they grew. After joining a local camera club, I became more serious and installed a darkroom at home to be able to process my black and white films.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
Ever since my parents gave me a Kodak Box Brownie camera when I was a child, I have loved taking photos. I’ve always documented my family’s milestones and loved photographing my children as they grew. After joining a local camera club, I became more serious and installed a darkroom at home to be able to process my black and white films.
As I became more proficient, I felt that I would like to go a step further and applied to enrol in an art photography course at university and was accepted. I graduated in 1994 with an Associate Diploma of Arts in Applied Photography.
After graduating, I worked in several government photography departments and as a medical photographer at the Royal Brisbane Hospital. Over the last number of years I have enjoyed combining my love of travel with my photography.
2. What inspired you to pursue photography?
I love the “realness” of photography. The fact that you can document a moment of time and capture it forever. Since its advent, photography has chronicled our history and has informed and enlightened us.
3. Which subjects or frames attracts you the most?
Definitely photographs of people, especially those from other cultures. Postcard shots of famous places and vistas have their place – but I love interacting with the people I come across and taking photos is a wonderful way to do that. My most vivid memories have all been made by running into fascinating people in unexpected situations.
4. What message or impact do you want to create through your photographs?
Photos can be a window to the world and I genuinely believe that images of people from other cultures can create a greater understanding between people.
5. How would you describe your experience after meeting and capturing these people in photographs?
What I like most about street photography is the unexpected. You just never know whom you are going to meet – and often that interaction will stay in your memory forever. I’ve rarely had a bad experience.
I find that most of my subjects are as interested in me as I am in them. Because I photograph people on the street and people are creatures of habit, I’ve been able to return to places and give my subjects a copy of the photograph I took. This is always extremely rewarding.
6. Who is your favourite photographer and why?
I admire the work of Steve McCurry, he’s a great inspiration. But I also love the work of old school photographers like Mary Ellen Mark, Diane Arbus, Dorothea Lange and Henri Cartier-Bresson whose documentary style photographs are a part of our history.
7. How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated?
Travel is my great motivation! But, at present, I’m grounded due to Covid 19. I’m fortunate in that I enjoy editing so I’m working on learning more Photoshop techniques – not to change my photos, but to enhance them.
8. What tips and advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
As far as street photography is concerned, the biggest hurdle to overcome is the fear of rejection. Always show respect for your subject and approach them with a smile and friendly attitude. If someone does not wish to be photographed, that’s fine - respect their wishes and move on. Try to keep your images as “honest” as possible and don’t over-edit.
I have shelves full of photography books which are always good for inspiration. I’m also an avid reader and mostly like to read thrillers!
Interviewed By - Prashansa Maurya
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