Personal one - Oliver Begg interview
How are you today? Great Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer? My name is Oliver Begg, I’ve been shooting full time now for just under 5 years after a stint of 6 years assisting some of Sydney’s top fashion photographers
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? My approach to my work always starts with a concept whether it be lighting, the model I cast or a story. I then build a team of creatives who I think can best contribute to bringing the concept to life. I like my sets to be collaborative.
“ Be a friend to everyone you meet on your way up
When did you first hear about this exhibition? In my time assisting I would often see it being installed on trips to the gear room.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? Yes, it is actually which I’m really excited about
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition?
Seeing the photographers, assistants and broader community coming together, having a drink and celebrating the artists.
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? It always inspired me to get out and a take more pictures.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition?
It gives me great confidence that I get to sit amongst such talented photographers as peers.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here?
To see the unique way I can shoot portraiture.
“ This exhibition always inspired me to get out and a take more pictures
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? Clients definitely need more shots in less time and with a quicker turn around compared to when I assisted 10 years ago. However, I think brands tend to shoot more regularly these days which can provide new opportunities to younger and middle generation photographers. Shot counts can sometimes seem ambitious but the real challenge is executing all of them to a consistently high standard.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)? I have had some unforgettable trips this year with Sarah and Sebastian, a jewellery brand deeply committed to protecting our oceans. Our ‘Ondine' shoot at Karekare beach in Aotearoa has just been released.
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share?
Painting and getting a bedroom ready for my wife to have our second child.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? My first cover for a Harpers publication in Kazakhstan - it was on of the first fashion stories that got noticed and I began to get work from.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today?
I’m not sure if the imagery and style itself has changed, but learning which processes work for me personally in pre and postproduction. For instance, early on I learnt that being well prepared for a brief in all aspects and communicating that effectively to my team has always rendered better results than relying on instinct on shoot day.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? Always film and television - storytelling and cinematography from the best of the best. What equipment are you currently using, and why? I use both Fuji and Canon cameras for professional and personal work. I use Broncolor flash equipment and Aputure LED’s for constant lighting.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for? It gives me the confidence that I can go into any brief and achieve what the client is after. It also allows me full creative freedom when I’m shooting my own personal work. I’m never compromising on lighting or the look of my images.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? My time assisting Georges Antoni had a huge influence on my path. I got the real world experience day in day out learning from the best.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition?
Be a friend to everyone you meet on your way up. These day’s people remember that. You never know where that might lead.
Anything you want to add? No
That’s all from now. Thank you for your time, next stop Personal One on November 20th.
Check Oliver's web site here.
