Personal One - Jeremy Shaw interview
How are you today?
I’m good, it’s been an interesting 24 months, like many others there been a lot of changes within photography as a whole. I’m extremely grateful of where I am and what I get to do and I won’t be doing it with the amazing crews I get to collaborate with.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?
My name is Jeremy Shaw, I’m a photographer and DP based here in Sydney. For me I’ve ad an incredible journey to get to this point, after leaving art school I started working as an assistant with Australia’s biggest fashion and advertising photography and directors.
“ I love when my work bring back memories for the viewer, maybe it’s the favourite beach for a summer swim or that holiday to years ago
How would you describe your style or approach to photography?
I feel like I have a real mixed style, my personal work is a blend of raw and natural work and the considered approach. Then the commercial work is a heightened version of real, working hard on the lighting and framing to make it feel as if it wasn’t being lite. To achieve this my approach is always collaborative, when working on bigger productions you have to trust your team and why you have them there to create. Most of the time I’ll be with a creative team who have been working on a project for months and they are trusting me to bring that idea into reality.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? I’ve been looking forward to this group show since Lunar opened, I think Sergio told me about it.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before?
I’ve been a part of group shows in the past for this time it’s personal.
What’s your strongest memory of the exhibition? It’s the crowd, even at the opening to see all the different creative friends in one place, there’s always such an awesome melting pot of people who come alone.
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? It’s been such a special feeling to see my work in the room with such a high calibre of photographic work.
“ Every great photographer has made thousands of bad photos before making ones they’re proud of
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition? Truly honoured
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here?
I love when my work bring back memories for the viewer, maybe it’s the favourite beach for a summer swim or that holiday to years ago.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through?
Mixed, it’s so amazing to see the work and creativity that’s coming up in the since. I know it’s hard for younger assistants to get a start and I think it’s super important for older photographers to remember they once assisted and that how most of us in the creative world learn is by doing and experiencing.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way?
I’m sure I’ll be inspired by all the other artworks that will be on display
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)?
This year has been so interesting, I’ve had the opportunity to work on 10 feature films (all with NDAs) and some
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share?
I’m really excited about continuing my long-term series Endless Summer, which has been a passion project for over a decade now. It’s something I come back to between commercial jobs, and it reminds me why I first picked up a camera.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? Shooting my first large scale advertising campaign for Great southern bank, it felt like a real milestone seeing it on billboards. It was the moment I realised I could hold the weight of a big production and still bring my creative voice into it.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today? When I started, I was very focused on the technical side. Over the years, I’ve learned that connection and storytelling are what make an image last. Now my work is less about perfection and more about creating something that feels real and resonates.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? I’m inspired by the crews I get to work with, the young assistants I see growing and the communities. What equipment are you currently using, and why?I use a range of different cameras, Leica, Fuji & Canon for my stills work and Arri, Red and DJI for most of my motion projects. They’ve been my go-to for years because of their reliability and the way they just feel natural in hand.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for?
The right gear gives me confidence to focus on the people in front of the lens. My aim is always to make the viewer feel like they’re in the moment, and having equipment that I trust lets me take creative risks without second guessing.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? Assisting some of Australia’s top fashion and advertising photographers early in my career shaped the way I work today. I learned discipline, collaboration, and the importance of vision on set. More personally, my mentors taught me that being generous with knowledge is just as important as the images themselves.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition?
Be curious, experiment, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every great photographer has made thousands of bad photos before making ones they’re proud of. Most importantly, trust your perspective, it’s the one thing no one else can replicate.
Anything you want to add? Just gratitude. For the opportunity to share my work, for the people who’ve trusted me over the years, and for the community of photographers who keep pushing each other forward.
Check Jeremy's web to discover his work.
