Personal one - Will Hartl interview
How are you today? Life is good!
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer?
In a family of intellectuals, I was always the artistic one. Art was my language, and it helped me communicate ideas and feelings that I lacked the words for. I graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from RMIT in 2005 and quickly realised I didn’t want to be a graphic designer. What stuck was learning the design elements and principles, the history of graphic design and art history. Knowing what’s been done helps inform our visual choices and has been profoundly influential. I began photographing a lot once I left uni, but like with anything, I failed and learned from my failures. I held in-house roles for a few years and eventually transitioned to freelancing. I photographed anything and everything to survive: events, weddings, fashion, and commercial work. Weddings helped pay the bills for a few years, but they also shaped how I tell stories and refined my photographic voice.
I now focus on my personal practice and commercial work. Always learning.
“ Photographers rarely gather in large groups, let alone celebrate one another
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? My work currently explores the poetry of ordinary life through an existentialist lens.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? I knew of and attended the previous iterations of the exhibition.
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? Yep, first time! Humbled to be included.
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition?
My strongest memory is the sense of community. I think it’s great to bring people together and have a group show that celebrates people’s personal work.
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? Photographers rarely gather in large groups, let alone celebrate one another. So it’s really nice to see the community together in person and visually.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition? I’m humbled to be included among so many people I look up to.
“ There is no ‘made it’ moment and always keep on pushing
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here? I believe the beauty of art lies in the fact that everyone takes away something different. Just art for art’s sake.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? In my lifetime, I’ve watched film change into digital and digital adopt AI. We are at a revolutionary inflection point where we get to decide what is relevant and how we push photography into the future. I believe that emotion, opinion, authenticity, and imperfection have never been more relevant in a world where AI is growing daily.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way? Yes, absolutely! It’s really refreshing to see so many different approaches, perspectives, practices, and subjects. It opens your eyes to ways of seeing and practicing. It’s inspiring to walk away from.
What projects have you been working on recently (if you can tell)? Aside from commissions, I’m working on a couple of personal projects that have been a labour of love, creatively filling my own bucket with images that explore both people and landscapes.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? I don’t think there’s been one single launching pad. It’s been more of a slow build. Each project has added another layer, and I think it’s just the accumulation of those experiences. Success is being happy with what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.
How has your photography evolved from when you first started until today?At first, I was just chasing images, wanting to capture something striking. Now, my work is more considered, more about my personal connection and story.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? Going places for the first time, the Australian landscape, and chats with interesting people.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? I use the Canon R5. It’s everything I need. It’s fast, it’s reliable, and versatile. Would love a medium format camera though.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? I once tapped Hugh Stewart on the shoulder in the Qantas terminal. He graciously invited me for breakfast to share his wisdom and look at my work. Simon Harsent has been similarly gracious with his wisdom and time.
The big takeaway was that there is no ‘made it’ moment and always keep on pushing, exploring and creating work that you love.
What advice would you give to amateur photographers visiting the exhibition? Put the phone down. Comparison is the thief of joy. Create art for yourself, not for an audience or outcome.
