Personal one - Brett Stevens interview
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer? My name is Brett Stevens, I have been a professional photographer for three decades. I have been fortunate enough to enjoy a professional career that has encompassed many changes to all facets of the industry. I strive to evolve and embrace new technologies to best serve my personal curiosity & my Clients briefs whilst creating work that exemplifies my talent and distinct creative style
How would you describe your style or approach to photography?
My signature style bestrides food, lifestyle, architecture, design and travel, and I am best known for my ability to create innovative work that combines a technical considered eye with a playful organic freedom.
Inspired by design, architecture and a bold aesthetic.
I seek creative freedom and experimentation through my many personal projects, it allows me to maintain a clear headspace through the non-commercial elements of my craft.
“ I seek creative freedom and experimentation through my manypersonal projects, it allows me to maintain a clear headspace through thenon-commercial elements of my craft.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? I had heard some rumours that it may be happening, then it was confirmed when I received an invite to participate from Lunar! Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? I have been privileged & fortunate enough to be invited to participate in its previous incarnation - 'This Time Its Personal' - for a decade. If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the
exhibition? Being surrounded by my peers, our work on display side by side and the sense on camaraderie within the industry.
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past
editions?
Awesome, such open expressions by all involved. The ‘personal’ aspect of each individual artist and their subject matter on show amongst their contemporaries is quite inspiring in itself.
“ If weare not vigilant we will end up with nothing ‘archival’ to draw upon forfuture generations of image makers.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition? Respect. For me personally, and, my place within the industry that I have loved being a part of for so many years.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here?
A sense that the creative element of what we do is alive and well. We are about perfecting our craft and offering not just a technical solution but valued creative input to our work.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through?
Interesting, very interesting. We are in a period of ‘immediacy over quality’ and I feel that this is detrimental to the industry as a whole. If we are not vigilant we will end up with nothing ‘archival’ to draw upon for future generations of image makers.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way?
Yes, a celebration of Works allowing personal freedom, subject selection & non-monetary constraints have permitted me to shoot what interests me. I am not phased if no-one understand my perspective or vision, it is just great to have an outlet to a wider, more appreciative audience.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)? Currently working on a personal series of abstract aerial images from the salt pans of northern Gozo, Malta. Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share? I am hoping to head back the US soon and find my happy place in the desert, somewhere around the West Texas region to undertake a new project based loosely on the visuals from films such as ’No Country For Old Men’.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point
in your career? I am fascinated with vast, arid modern landscapes often spending weeks in the southwest region of the US. The work from these regions has become a bit of a ‘calling card’ but I find it challenging on many fronts, I generally do not feature the residents of these areas but what is left behind - who lived here? what do they do here? how did they get here? where have they gone? - the harshness of the landscape dictates the emptiness of the scenes I constantly seek. How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today? When I started out I was continuously chasing someone else’s style and aesthetic, nowadays I have developed a visual style that is considered yet relaxed and this is the incubus for many projects long before a frame is taken.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? Everything! We are bombarded with visual stimulants more then ever, the world has become very small and exposure to so many different genres across all the various platforms keep me mentally & visually stimulated What equipment are you currently using, and why? Canon & Fuji Camera Systems, Broncolor & Aputure Lighting Systems How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for? I try not to let the mechanics get in the way of the idea or the process, utilising the technology is paramount but there are probably many features on my cameras that I do not use on a regular basis
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path?
Geoffrey Smart, Dennis Hopper, Joel Sternfeld, Gregory Crewdson and Edward Burtynsky are but a few who capture my ideals of creative expression. What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition? Stand back, absorb, appreciate, emulate. Keep it simple, · Anything you want to add?
Here are my links:
