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Up close and personal with photographer Adrian McMillan.
Q1. How would you describe your photographic style?
Story teller, narrator or image creator best describes the majority of my images. When I work with models, mua's and stylists I try to create an atmosphere that is comfortable where all participants know what we are trying to achieve. I begin each new series with an idea or concept that will transform into at least 6 to 10 usable images. When my work is going well, I am filled with a sense of pleasure but more often relief. When people see my work, I'd like them to see the story first and the mechanics of the image second. Themes are often developed after meeting individual models but usually the ideas are built up over extended periods and then the model is selected for the project.
My equine work tries to portray the beauty, power and majesty of the horse when competing at the highest levels. The “Bodyscapes” that I have investigated since the early seventies suggest the contours of the landscape and give me the opportunity to continue my love of Black and White photography.
Q2. What camera do you use and why?
I have a couple of Canon 40D’s with some alternative lens. These cameras are not top of the range but have proved excellent in most applications. I would like to add an 800ml zoom lens to my camera bag at some stage in the future. I also have a Mamiya RB67 that I use in the studio.
Q3. Who are your biggest photographic or non photographic influences?
The ideas and concepts that I explore are influenced by photographers like Newton, Brassai, David Bailey and Bill Brandt. Artists that have had a profound impact on my work over many years are Fredrick McCubbin, Norman Lindsay and Fred Williams.
Q4. Do you see yourself as a photographer or an artist? Is there a difference between the two?
I have always viewed photography as an Art form since my earliest days at Art school. I try to create a story or a narrative in each image or series that I produce. I have worked as a wedding photographer and for me there is a huge difference.
Q5. What are the challenges facing your photography studio/business over the coming years?
Keeping pace with the technical developments of both cameras and software editing programs will be a huge challenge to all who use digital imaging. The amazing steps that have been accomplished over the past 10 years suggest that the next decade could be very daunting.
Q6. What are the highlights of your photography career?
Teaching Photography at the University of Ballarat was a great pleasure. Publishing my first book and winning several photography awards have given me great confidence to continue on my photographic journey. However the highlight was and still is working with wonderful models from all over the world.
The joining of the Redbubble website in July 2007 gave my work a platform that is still hard to comprehend. My portfolio has received in excess of 400,000 views, regular sales and a network that is truly global.
Q7. What are the low points of your career?
I have been very fortunate in my life as there have not been many low points. My work has been a joy and my art has been a real source of pleasure.
Q8. How do you view the transition from film technology to digital technology?
I did enjoy the darkroom and I was dubious of digital quality so the change has not been an easy process. I am now completely converted and love the quality and possibilities that digital technology has made available. The over use or misuse of Photoshop however, is a real concern and something that needs to be policed diligently. It is my belief that unless magazine editors start to get the over edited super model images under control the public back lash will be felt by every photographer.
Q9. What is the best advice you would give to other photographers?
I believe we mess up when we see what other people are doing and think it is a pathway to success when really it is a pathway to mediocrity. Make your personal work your personal vision and don’t compromise it for anyone. Do what you want and only what you want. Be humble, accept advice, don’t take yourself too seriously and take lots of images.
Q10. What is the biggest photography shoot you have ever worked on?
I have been fortunate to have been able to do photography shoots with a number of great photographic artists over the years. Being able to participate in workshops and organised group shoots has given me the chance to see and discuss photography with some great artists. These shoots would not be considered big in terms of budget or numbers involved but for my development as an artist photographer they have been invaluable.
Q11. What sort of photography do you like to shoot?
Nudes, portraits and horses are my primary subject matter. There was a time when I would photograph all that would stand still but now I work only on my own projects. These projects all have a theme and are based on what I see in my own mind.
Q12. If you could spend one hour with any photographer in the world, alive or dead who would it be and why?
Really I could not limit myself to one or even two how about a dinner party and we will invite Brassai, Bill Brandt, David Bailey, David Hamilton, Helmet Newton and Norman Lindsay for a bit of colour.
Q13. What does your studio/business shoot the most? Why do you think this is?
Models, because as Picasso says “If it is chaste, it is not art”.
Q14. What was your first fully paid photography job?
My first photographic work was tutoring students at the University of Ballarat. The students had to complete a Photographic elective to complete their teacher training course.
Q15. Are you a member of any photography association?
No I am not at this time.
Q16. Is Photoshop a big influence on your photography?
Photoshop and plug INS such as Nicart are the tools I use to create the finish to my art. It has been 3 years of experimenting, tutorials and workshops and I still feel like I have only scratched the surface of the capabilities of Photoshop. I do believe that knowledge of Photoshop will be a prerequisite to any young photographer. The introduction of better cameras with improved “Auto” functions will mean any person with a camera will be able to capture a great image.
Q17. Now tell us a little bit about yourself or your studio/business?
I was born in a small country town in central Victoria. School was the local primary and my secondary education was completed at a regional centre one hours train ride from my home. The University of Ballarat provided my initial Arts Education and after a period of about ten years in private enterprise became my employer for 20 years. Art teaching for the past two decades is a source of great pride and a great foundation for my new career in the Arts. I love to work with creative and artistic people who want to make fine art photographs. Although my portfolio does contain images with nudity it is not required. I try to build a relationship of trust and respect with the models, stylists and MUA’s that I work. During the next couple of years I hope to hold a couple of exhibitions of my photography and painting. Develop a network for the greater distribution of my work and another couple of books are my goals. |
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