Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | Sign In

Interview With Photographer Myles Formby

Australian Portrait Artist Gives Tips And Talks About His Career

Sep 14, 2008 Steve Williams

Australian photographer Myles Formby discusses his rocketing career, his plans for the future, his Diva and Advocate shoots and gives tips for budding new photographers.

SW: Was photography something that you wanted to do from a very young age?

MF: I was interested in photography in high school, and did work experience as a photojournalist for a country newspaper in year 10. I had my first cover when I was 15 of my sister with a horse. The paper offered me a cadetship, but my parents told me I had to finish high school, so I forgot about photography for a while. I often wonder what would have happened if I had taken that job.

SW: Who or what in the world would you most like to photograph?

MF: I would love to go to Africa and photograph the people for National Geographic, but capture its people in a more contemporary setting rather than the usual clichés we are presented with.

SW: Currently, what projects are you working on?

MF: I'm working on a project today for a theatre group who are putting on a play based on the Cronulla riots which happened in Sydney in 2005. The play is based on interviews with people involved in the riots. The actors will wear headphones during the play and listen to the interviews, each actor playing different characters. I'm taking shots of that.

SW: To date, what has been your career highlight or proudest moment?

MF: Definitely photographing Australian Olympic diver and gold medalist Matthew Mitcham, then watching him win gold at the Olympics. It was a perfect Olympic moment, the way he came from behind and won. I cried, even my Mum cried!

SW: For someone just starting out in this business, what would you say were three key pieces of information that you'd like to pass on?

MF: My three pieces of advice would be:

Take lots of photos. The best way to learn is to practice the craft.
Be prepared to work for free in the beginning. People respond to enthusiasm and passion, and I've got paid gigs after taking photos for free for people.
And know your rights as a photographer, I've just had some copyright problems because I didn't have proper agreements drawn up, which was a painful lesson.

SW: What is next for you and your career?

MF: Like most artists, I want to work more on my own ideas. So far I've mainly been working on projects for other people, but I want to see more of my own ideas realised, from conception to execution. Also, most of my work has been done with available light and I'm teaching myself lighting with strobes to add a new element to my work.

To see more of Myles' work, visit him at his website or to see a collection of prints for purchase go here.

The copyright of the article Interview With Photographer Myles Formby in Photography is owned by Steve Williams. Permission to republish Interview With Photographer Myles Formby in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.