Photographer Interview | Liz Ham
Posted on Jan 16, 2012 - 01:24 PM
Sydney based Fashion, Advertising and Commercial photographer Liz Ham talks about her experience in the photographic industry from where it all began at age 4 and her achievements and personal projects now and in the future…
1. Hi Liz, when did you first become interested in photography?
I received my first camera at age 4 - a kodak brownie. That first roll was full of pictures of towels hanging on the washing line. When I was 13 I started photography in high school and became instantly obsessed. I started entering loads of competitions and won a few prizes which really spurred me on to keep it up! My first exhibition was at age 15 at the Bondi pavilion gallery, my mum and dad also exhibited their paintings and collages so it was quite a family affair!
2. What was your first commercial paid job as a photographer?
I was always helping friends with small paid jobs and doing random commercial shoots, but I think my first serious paid job was for Mambo about ten years ago.
3. How did you break into the photography market? What advice would you give emerging photographers?
When I left high school I went to art school for a year, but was also working as a fine art black and white printer. I decided to concentrate on work rather than study, and continued in the industry working as an E6 processor, colour and b&w printer, I assisted Geoff Lung for several years and then managed Pioneer Studios for a couple of years. For me all this varied experience was invaluable for gaining an understanding of this industry as a whole, and honing in on what I really wanted to shoot. My advice to anyone starting out is - don't rush. Take it slow, gain lots of experience and try to take pictures that really make you happy.
4. What do you love about working as a photographer?
I really love having a job that feels like a hobby. Sometimes I feel I need to pinch myself, I feel truly blessed and extremely lucky to have made a career out of something that I love to do. That's not to say its easy! But I enjoy every challenge that my job throws at me. I love that there is always something new to learn.
5. Each year you have been a contributing artist to the Sun Studios This Time Its Personal exhibition, how would you describe your personal works?
My personal work is usually based around the persistence and prevailing of nature in our lives. And holiday snaps of my friends and little family.
6.What personal projects are you working on now?
I am trying to work on several projects at the moment that revolve around my immediate environment. I am Intrigued by overgrown industrial spaces and how the seasons are still so defined despite the human imposition In these spaces.
7. What is your favourite piece of equipment to use?
My favourite equipment that I use for work would be the Hasselblad H1 and the 50-110 lens. For fun I love shooting film and really enjoy the Fuji GA645 as it is so compact and light. I really love my Pentax k1000 with its fixed 50mm lens as it reminds me of the Spotmatic I used all through high school.
8. What is your most favourite photograph and why?
Hardest question ever as there are so many!! But the one image I always come back to and that has probably inspired me the most would be Carol Jerrems 'Vale St' I love that it defined a time and place but in such a timeless manner. It's a strong and pure image, completely transfixing. Perfect.
9. Who or what inspires you, and your work?
I am inspired mostly by the past... Old films, music, images. Sub culture fascinates me, always has. Perhaps as I grew up during the 80's and 90's when information travelled a bit slower than it does now. Movements seemed to define themselves over several years and sub cultural cliques were stronger and more defined than they are now. I am so inspired by amazing female photographers like Diane Arbus, Carol Jerrems, Sally Mann, Sarah Moon and Corinne Day. I also have to mention my latest obsession being Instagram and iphoneography! It's completely surprised me and has definitely inspired me immensely over the past 6 months. I feel as though we are on the cusp of a very important social movement. The ease by which anyone can document and record their lives, the amazing quality of this portable device and the wonderful supportive and creative community of Likeminded people I have met on Instagram - these factors have inspired me so much.
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Images by Liz Ham for Magdalena Velevska AW12
To check out more of Liz Ham work head to her website or Check out our Sun Studios Face Book page and see recent Wedding Pics and Advertising Campaigns by Liz Ham
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