Personal one - Tim Swallow interview
How are you today?
Good Thanks!
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?
My name is Tim Swallow aka @timothee_hirondelle and I'm from Margaret River, South Western Australia. After studying Building Design and Architecture I decided to take a gap year in Europe which lasted 4 years - ha ha. During this time I started shooting and making a living photographing. When I returned home I decided to move to Sydney - I always enjoyed passing through here, great climate, good food and nice surf, with plenty of coastline to explore. It has been my home for 14 years now.
“ Have fun, take it all in and remember - art is subjective
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? Fast, loose and spontaneous, I apply this approach to my fashion and lifestyle work.
When did you first hear about this exhibition?
When you sent me the email - ha
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before?
I have been part of it in the past and it's been a great opportunity for all of us photographers, agencies and the wonderful people that make up and support this community to catch up.
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition?
One year my friend Jake Terry exhibited a beautiful picture of a huge eagle on a man's arm - from memory it was taken in Mongolia?
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? Very cool and interesting to see the diversity of styles of self expression.
“ I'm a visual person and need to keep seeing new things
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition?
An honour really because this exhibition features some of the best photographers in Australia donating their work for a good cause.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here?
A sense of freedom and strength.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through?
It's super exciting - a lot has changed since I was establishing myself. I look towards the youth for inspiration and they are literally repeating my youth, the 90s - 2000s for inspiration so it's a full circle moment.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way? Any opportunity to see photographic prints on exhibition is very inspiring for me.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)?
It's been a lot of travel in Australia and NZ recently which has been nice - mainly for fashion and lifestyle brands.
Is there a future project you’re particularly excited about and would like to share?
I am well overdue for my own personal show, when I get the free time I chip away on that.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career?
Making the call to dive in and shoot full time all those years ago was the turning point.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today?
It's more calculated and considered.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? Travel, I'm a visual person and need to keep seeing new things.
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What equipment are you currently using, and why? I'm all Nikon and Urth because their equipment is the best (and they look after me)
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for?
I can rely on it 100%
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path?
Seeing Helmut Newton's work for the first time when I was young and then years later visiting his foundation in Berlin. Unforgettable.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition?
Have fun, take it all in and remember - art is subjective. Hopefully you see some images you love that resonate and inspire.
Anything you want to add?
Thanks for having me. I hope you enjoy the show.
Click here if you want to see more.
