Personal one - paul blackmore interview
How are you today? Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer? As a kid I was always fascinated by the images in magazine like Time and National Geographic. In my early twenties, I set off to travel around Australia - a journey that would become the foundation for my first book, Australians. Three decades on, I’m still using my camera to tell stories.
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? My work is about seeking the incidental moments of beauty that emerge from the rawness of life—those authentic, unguarded slices of reality.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? As its incarnation at Sun Studios. Seems to have been in existence for a long time
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? I have participated many times
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition? The way it brings the community together
“ “No matter what state the photographic industry is in there will always be artists expressing themselves through photographs”
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in
past editions? What I liked about past
exhibition is seeing the diversity of expression from the different photographers
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition? I like being a part of this show because it recognizes that I am part of the photo community.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here? As always, I am trying emotionally connect the viewer and my work. To make them feel something How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? I think the next generation of photographers are amazing. They seem to be working at a deeply personal level and interpreting the world around them. No matter what state the photographic industry is in there will always be artists expressing themselves through photographs.Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way? It has always enjoyed seeing the personal work of other photographers because it reveals the core of their creativity
“ “As always, I am trying emotionally connect the viewer and my work. To make them feel something”
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)? I have been working on a project called the Distance Between. An exploration of the interior of Australia. Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? I think my first book Australians because it allowed me to trust my photographic voice.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? I just showed at Sydney Contemporary in the Sydney Photo section., The response to this new initiative was really inspiring. What equipment are you currently using, and why? I use Canon R5s because of their quality and reliability.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for? I want to forget about my gear when I am working. So ease of use is important. I also want beautiful quality of both lenses and files.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? I think late great Sebastião Salgado was a great influence on my early work. He brought an almost religious quality to his photojournalism which always inspired me to make photos that had meaning and purpose What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the
exhibition? To keep pushing to make work that personal and true to yourself.