Personal one - Steven Chee interview
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey asa photographer? My journey started back in Year 10 at High School. I chose photography as one of my COURSES within my overall ART subject. I really loved learning the 'behind the scenes' of photos. Developing films and then printing the images in the darkroom totally grabbed me. It fascinated me watching the images appear in the developer solution under the red light of the darkroom. I was hooked and then went on to Brighton Bay Photography and then RMIT BA in Photography. That totalled 6 years of study before I went on to start assisting in Melbourne and then moved to Sydney to continue working for photographers in the fashion arena. I did my last 6 months of assisting in NYC with a photographer I had worked with in Sydney. From there I went out on my own starting with film and Polaroid as the digital wave had not begun to infiltrate the commercial world of photography yet.
“ I love the challenge of something new each shoot whether it be the subject or location or studio
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? I love my job so I would say that I just try to make the most beautiful version of what my subject is on the day. I love the challenge of something new each shoot whether it be the subject or location or studio.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? I heard about it from Selena who has printed all the previous exhibitions I've been involved with at the studios. I thought is was an awesome idea to continue the idea of showing off photographers 'non work' work.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? I think I’ve been in everyone that has been on in the past!
What’s your strongest memory of the exhibition? I think its being surprised by what some photographers you think you know and what they present on the night. It's an eye opener as to what people really love and how different it can be to their commercial works.
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? It's great to see the community all there on the opening night. Its surprising to see the group en masse as you rarely see everyone in one place as we are usually divided by studio walls or completely different locations.
“ Shoot the things you love. Shoot them a lot. The rest will fall in place
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition? Its a great reward to know that a picture i captured will earn some money to go towards helping the peeps at Aus Harvest.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here? I guess just to see that what we are sometimes know for is just part of the picture.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? It's changing rapidly. AI is advancing so I'm sure we will see the landscape develop into a new scene where craft and creativity become more important.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? I shot a cover for Harper's Bazaar of Cate Blanchett. That definitely got some attention and accelerated my career in the early days.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today? I think daily hurdles that would have stumped me in the past are now just little bumps. Shooting when it's raining, tricky lighting requests, or huge shot counts are now easier with my years in the industry and all the days of experience under my belt.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? I shoot all my work on Canon cameras and lenses. I know I can rely on them always. My R5II and 24-70RF are my work horses! I shoot with Profoto, Broncolor and Aputure Lighting.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? Philip-Lorca diCorcia. Love his work. Lighting and drama. Beautiful drama.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition?
Shoot the things you love. Shoot them a lot. The rest will fall in place.
Check Steven's web if you want more.
