Personal one - Richard Freeman interview
How are you today?I’m superb, thank you
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?
I’ve been a professional photographer since 2002, prior to that I assisted some amazing photographers who kindly taught me how to approach any situation.
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? My style and approach to photography varies, depending on the requirements of the circumstance. When it’s a job, some clients have very specific requirements, others want you to bring your own aesthetic to a situation. You have to adjust accordingly. When shooting personal work, I tend to trust my instincts and knowing the feeling I am trying to impart on the image I’m creating.
“ I enjoy learning, photography seems to have so many genres and infinite learning within its scope
When did you first hear about this exhibition? I’ve fortunate to be involved in the TTIP exhibition and now the Personal One since its inaugural year.. .
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition?
The strongest memories of this exhibition are always about the sense of community. Being a part of a like minded group that understands, photographers are often working alone, and this exhibition was one of the first times I can remember seeing everyone and their work in the same room.
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past
editions? Just wonderful, aways inspirational and often an insightful glance into what other photographers find interesting.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition?
I’m very grateful to be included in this exhibition, being a part of the community for such a long time, it feels like seeing family when we come together on the night.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here?
I hope that, like every image you make, the audience has some kind of reaction, whether good or bad, hopefully it will ask some kind of question to the viewer, keeping them engaged.
“ Try to make photography that asks questions of people, makes them look longer. Obvious images are quickly forgotten
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger
generations coming through? I see it evolving in so many ways, one the primary difference seems to be the expectation of speed in delivery. The consumption of imagery is extrodinarily high currently that it places demands on quantity, perhaps at the cost of quality in some areas. I see less people wanting to assist to learn the professional workflow also.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way? It is always good to see what kind of images your peers are creating, I am constantly inspired by those around me.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)?
I’ve just returned from the Great Barrier Reef, documenting climate change and marine biologist researchers working at Heron Island research station. It was an incredible experience, to photograph these selfless people who work tirelessly to improve the world for the future. The photography also challenged me on a technical level, which is important, I enjoy learning, photography seems to have so many genres and infinite learning within its scope.
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share?
A trip in the pipeline, which involves more new challenges.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? Tough question. so many jobs have stood out as special, I’m grateful for each any every opportunity to do this for a living.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today?
My photography has evolved greatly as I’ve felt compelled to try new genres of shooting, from fashion, to portraits, to advertising and now documentary. As I mentioned earlier, I’m trying to explore and learn what photography can offer. I also strongly believe in visualizing the image I’m going to make and be happy with. I don’t think I did that knowingly when I started, perhaps just found my way to it, rather than having a destination.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? I’m inspired by light, the same thing that has always drawn me to make images. How the light moves, how it falls, how it impacts the human condition. I find light and our relationship with it, intriguing.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? I’m using 35mm mirrorless for daily drivers, I then have medium format digital for more specific requirements, for a slower more thought-out process. Then I still keep 8x10 for serious customers and therapy.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for?
Gear constantly shapes the process and results, as all gear has technical parameters. These parameters then dictate how the final outcome can be presented. Usually print size being the most obvious. Also shutter speeds, lenses iso and sensors all play a part in the choices you have to make every time you set out to make an image. Everything must be considered if you have already visualized an outcome.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially
influential in your path? All the photographers, I’ve been fortunate enough to assist and learn from have been influential. Good teachers, make good humans.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition?
Trust your instincts, trust your own taste, make images that make you happy, not what you think will make other people happy.
Anything you want to add?
Try to make photography that asks questions of people, makes them look longer. Obvious images are quickly forgotten. And thank you to Lunar for keeping this community event going, the arts have been smashed in the recent years due to many reasons, I greatly appreciate this initiative, so thank you!
That’s all from now. Thank you for your time, next stop Personal One on
November 20th.
Check Richard's web if you want to see more.
