The place she called home

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in photography. What inspired you to start taking photos?
Photography was the only subject I found joy in at school. Messing around in the darkroom creating something felt exciting, so when it came to choosing a course for my uni studies, it was the first thing that came to mind. I was fortunate to do a degree that focused on research, ideas and creating a body of work instead of just how to take a great photo. I had wonderful lecturers who opened my eyes to all the ways photography could tell a story. All this led me to how I create today.

Everyone has a unique style. Can you describe how you would define your style and what visual or conceptual elements characterize it?
I would call myself an art documentary photographer. Most of my work comes from my day to day life, ideas and concepts I am interested in delving deeper into. Visually my body of works consist of a range of portraits, details and landscapes to create a bigger story.

Photography has the power to tell stories and convey emotions. Can you share an experience in which one of your photos had a significant impact on people or on yourself?
Anytime I’ve had an exhibition and someone has felt comfortable to come and tell me how an image or the body of work has made them feel, it is a wonderful experience. One moment comes to mind when I did a residency in the countryside outside Sevilla Spain in 2018. The artists who participated exhibited our work in the local town. A woman came up to me and said I’d captured the place she called home in an honest and beautiful way and that will stay with me forever.

What has been your most challenging photographic project to date and why?
My work ‘Beneath’ was the most challenging. For a while after uni I made a couple of bodies of work overseas, away from my home in Naarm/Melbourne Australia. I found having the time away helped me to really consider the history of my country. Australia is an interesting place to be brought up in. There’s this sense it’s a ‘lucky country’ but I don’t feel that’s the case for all. The real history of this land is one of dispossession of land from First Nations people, genocide and racism, which isn’t taught at school. Taking the time to learn the history as an adult and truly understand what happened on the land I call home is uncomfortable. I wanted to capture that feeling.

Technology and photo editing tools are constantly evolving. Can you tell us about the techniques and equipment that you consider essential for your work?
I work mainly with film photography so not a lot of editing goes into my work. Of course I use photoshoot for minor edits plus playing with the sequencing and layout of a body of work.

There are many genres in photography, from portraits to nature photography. Do you have a favorite genre in which you feel most comfortable or enjoy shooting the most? Why?
Long form art documentary photography is my favourite. Building a body of work from research, time and returning to the ideas to capture a deeper sense of the concept. I also love when I’m able to capture an interesting portrait. I see this process as a collaboration between the subject and the photographer. It’s telling us something about both people.

Can you share an interesting or unusual anecdote you’ve experienced while taking photos?
I take many photos of people I’m close to (especially my family and partner). Even though it’s easier to ask to take a photo, there is a wall there that changes the dynamic of the relationship. I find this especially with my Mum, there’s always this wall there that I may never break. Photography teaches you a lot about people.

Many photographers find inspiration in other visual artists or everyday life. What are some of your sources of inspiration?
I love reading, books can build an incredible world in your mind. I also enjoy wandering around my neighbourhood and taking the time to slowly see the world. A gorgeous bit of light through the window in the afternoon. Travelling to a new place. These are the things that inspire me.

Photography is a visual medium, but it often has a conceptual background. Have you worked on photographic projects that address specific themes or concepts? Can you share information about one of those projects?
Looking back over most of my work I found the central theme of home is the most prevalent. The idea of home as a feeling as well as a physical thing is fascinating to me, I think it’s something so many people can relate to.

What inspires you when creating new images? Do you have a ritual or creative process you follow to find inspiration?
I go through waves of creativity. Most of the time it’s an idea, something interesting I’ve read or a change in space that inspires me to create new images.

For aspiring photographers who may be reading this interview, what is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your career, or what advice would you like to share with them?
Shoot the shit out of it! When you have an idea and you’ve done the research, all that work will lead you to the photos that will bring together your concept, even if you don’t think anything will come from particular images at the time.

Recommend us the Instagram account of an artist that you like their work.
@meg_de_young