Welcome to the second instalment of ‘Profiling Photographers.’ I have known Kenneth Hall for many years via a few different projects/associations. Kenneth, through his background and interests, has a unique view of Australia which he imparts to those who view his photography and of course, his customers in his growing ‘Australian Photography Tours’ business. Thank you to Kenneth for agreeing to be part of this series.
Gear: Primary Canon 5D plus range of L series lenses
1. Why did you choose Photography as your medium of communication?
I have spent all my life outdoors starting as a child on the Yorkshire Moors with my father followed by many years travelling the world as a professional soldier and finally immigration to Australia.
I was also a dedicated solo bushwalker later developing and operating bushwalking clubs as well as being a member of six additional clubs.
I love nature so it was a natural step to take for me into photography.
Australia is a good place to be as a photographer and living in Macarthur gives me access to many areas of NSW.
The colours of Australia are superb, particularly dawn, sunrise and sunset. Much of my photography is undertaken at these times.
What better way to communicate with people than using colour?
Most people are visual and to use that old saying “a picture says a thousand words.”
2. Which Photographers have been the greatest influences on you & why?
Ansel Adams, his landscapes are superb and created with the minimum of equipment.
Several from National Geographic – they are engaged in many projects around the world. One example is Paul Nicklen. They have the reputation, money and backing of an internationally known organisation. I associate their photographers with high-quality photographs with very daring and difficult to obtain compositions
Alfred Stieglitz – for his contribution to photography. It is wonderful to be known for what one did and remembered with affection.
“Adams credits three people for driving his interest in photography, Wesson and Strand and Stieglitz but it is Stieglitz that he regarded as the most important. He also regarded that first solo show in New York as the most important of his career.”
Steve McCurry – in particular for his “Afghan Girl”. Pay him a visit, his gallery says it all “http://stevemccurry.com/galleries”
3. What inspires you to create the type of images that you do?
Australia and NSW. I never become bored with nature, it is a passion.
Photography, when used in tours leads onto other things. My clients have many questions about Australia, its people, nature and our First People.
I have led a great life, none so good as my now nearing 40 years in Australia.
At one time whilst working on a four-year project on Longwall mining I was privileged to spend one day every week with a tribal elder. It was the most incredible education.
This led onto research as far back as Gondwana and the super-continent Pangea.
Our business reflects this in the choice of Gwondana, the birth of Australia as it broke away from Pangea.
I am a very proud Australian by choice.
Besides being heavily involved in landscape photography and in my book that covers everything but weddings, portraits and modelling I still do commercial photography for my clients.
This came about because of the high prices charged by professional photographers when I was optimising clients websites.
4. What do you think makes your style unique?
I don’t know that I have a unique style. If I have then I hope it is for a celebration of Australia.
5. Do you have any advice for an aspiring photographer?
Get out of bed early.
Seek advice, find a mentor, learn patience and practice.
Photography is all about people, not equipment.
6. What is the next big adventure for you, photographically?
I have already started on a heritage buildings project.
In 2016, I will be visiting the UK, Canada and Alaska.
We have now taken on board the NSW Central West in the Goldfields and hooked up with Viator and a large Australia wide real estate organisation.
More of Kenneth Hall’s images can be viewed at:
Australian Photography Tours – Gwondana Photography Pty Ltd
http://www.australian-photography-tours.com
http://www.australian-sightseeing-tours.com.au
https://plus.google.com/+Australianphotographytours698/posts
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Photography-Tours/319705881489289
https://www.facebook.com/naroomaphotographytours
http://34-kenneth-hall.artistwebsites.com/
Communicating Creatively 