Flaming Good
fire-picture-by-robyn-adams
DECEMBER 2016 | Joanne Eisemann
I WAS intrigued by the stunning fire images presented as a slide show at Winterfire. Watching ‘Old Flame’, I felt like I was observing a dance, ancient, yet serenely beautiful. MVG caught up with photographer Robyn Adams to find out more…
Q. When and how did you develop an interest in photography?
I have always appreciated great photographic images. I became interested in low light photography in my late teens which led me to study photography at the Queensland College of Art. I was drawn to the variety of work in photojournalism and worked at that for a few years. My love of nature and landscapes led me to Aboriginal people and their culture & I have been a free spirit ever since.
My work as a remote area tour guide gave me access to some of Australia’s best locations, even if I was too busy to shoot them.
Q. What do you want to say with your images?
The image needs to get attention by declaring, ‘I am here’. When you know it’s a photograph, the photographer can also say ‘I am here’. The viewer looking upon the image detail can say, ‘I see everything’ so ‘I am also here’. That’s how I’d like it to go anyway.
Q. What makes a good picture stand out from the average?
Good pictures have great lighting! They are only recordings of reflected light after all, so it’s important to bounce that light off an interesting subject or frame it deliberately as it falls upon a scene. I like simple image constructions which have a clear contrast; maybe light against the dark or a solid in a liquid, something smooth on a rough texture etc. The other quality always present in a good picture is, detail. A photo of a wombat is greatly improved if you can clearly see how thick and course its fur is.
Q. What led you to starttaking pictures of fire?
I’ve looked at plenty of campfires and been mesmerised by all of them. Passionate photographers don’t quit when the sun goes down! Digital cameras allow instant review of your image so I was able to make adjustments and tweak the settings and just generally experiment until I found a ‘sweet spot’ where the randomness of the flame started to make sense to my eyes.
Q. When you are taking pictures how much of it is instinctual and how much is planned?
Equal measures of both at different times. I have a plan which is, to follow my instincts. Having my tools clean, charged & packed is crucial but not as crucial as having the right tools in the first place. I sometimes revisit places that didn’t work out & I usually have a plan for a re-shoot. Awareness of the weather (light), moon phases & tides as well as the seasonal cycles are kept in mind & my instincts then work like a light diviner once I’m on location.
Q. How do you teach yourself to make better pictures?
Better photos happen faster if you understand the technical aspects of the behaviour of light on different surfaces and you can grasp the fundamental sections of your camera. Look at the work of others, ask questions. I often override my camera when it’s telling me I can’t take this photo. Fill your box with knowledge and then step out of the box!
Q. Where can people see examples or purchase your work?
I make photo cards and mounted prints. I also choreograph some of my work to music & project them as performance pieces.
Cards and prints are at Elemental Art Space in Deloraine. Or search Youtube for Robyn Adams and flame to see the 5 minute piece I showed at Winter Fire.
Photo | Robyn Adams
