Personal one - Jon Bader interview
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?
My name is Jon Bader. My photography journey began with my grandfather who was, amongst other things, a champion hairdresser in 1930’s London. He was what you you would now call a futurist and had the first 35mm SLR cameras out of Japan after the war. He had a darkroom and this was my first exposure to the photographic process. My father was a keen amateur but my two brothers and I have all made our careers from photography, each arriving there via very different paths. I studied film and photography at art school before working my way up through the still-life and food scene in 1980’s London.
“ I was, and still am influenced by the masters of 20th century
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? I’m somewhat of a traditional still life photographer in that my images are driven by composition and lighting. I’m a perfectionist with an eye for detail but I strive to create striking, uncluttered images.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? A few months ago through my printer Selena.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? I have exhibited in the TTIP exhibitions a few times before when it was hosted by Sun Studios
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition?
My strongest impression from prior exhibitions was the scale and diversity of the imagery. A rare chance to see another side to the work of many familiar names in my industry.
“ I’m a perfectionist with an eye for detail but I strive to create striking, uncluttered images
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? It is always a thrill to see large scale photography exhibits in Australia. Having just returned from Europe, where photography is such an important part of the art scene, you are always struck by it’s relative obscurity here. So it is always exciting to see photography on the walls with an engaged audience.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition?
Photographers love recognition and a chance to stand side by side with their contemporaries. It is always a thrill and an honour to be invited to exhibit. I look forward to seeing everyone’s work up on the walls - it's always inspiring and thought provoking.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here?
I hope the audience will be astounded by the accomplishment of all the photographers featured in Personal One and I hope they find images that resonate and beg to come home with them.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? Photography has, and always will be, an evolving art form and industry. Emerging technology has always influenced the direction we, as photographers, have to take in order to remain relevant and in business. The younger generations hoping to make their way in photography must embrace this change. Get on top of it, work with it, and use it to evolve your practice.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way? Exhibitions of personal work always make you re-assess your own practice and maybe force you out of your commercial bubble for a moment. It is way too easy to become consumed with the commerce side of our industry, so this exhibition is a necessary and important distraction from that.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)? My recent work has been very diverse, from traditional stills to high speed video work and stop frame animation.
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share?
I can’t really share any info yet, but I’m very excited to be involved in the remaking of an opening title sequence for an iconic tv show. Stay tuned!
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? The photography I did as part of the year 2000 SMH Good Food Month was a turning point for me both artistically and commercially. The image (a pear with a fork wrapped around it) was widely published and became a kind of signature of my work at the time.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today?
I think I still have the same basic approach to my work as I did when I started out, even though there have been monumental shifts in technology along the way. I have also moved into different forms of image making but I still just strive to create simple, impactful images.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond?
Travelling to new places is always a major influence on my thought process. I always see something I’ve never seen before. It’s important to ‘step out’ to get perspective.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? I use whatever gear is right for the job but I own a Fuji medium format system. In my film work I often gravitate to arri cameras and vintage glass.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for?
Cameras are just tools - I generally choose the gear based on simple factors, speed, agility, quality - I use the highest quality equipment I can afford for the job in hand.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? I was, and still am influenced by the masters of 20th Century – Man Ray, Avedon, Penn, Sudek, Mapplethorpe. The guy that influenced me personally to pursue food photography was Francois Gillet.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition?
Enjoy ALL the images - look at everything, don’t walk past. Pay attention to composition and lighting and let your own eye find the images that say something to you.
Anything you want to add?
Thanks for inviting me to participate in a great event – I hope everything sells and we raise a bunch of money for Oz Harvest.
That’s all from now. Thank you for your time, next stop Personal One on November 20th.
Don't miss Job's website if you want to see more
