I have just realised quite an interesting fact – in the past few months, almost every artist who has caught my attention is from Australia. I may owe an apology to this country for not having paid more attention to it before. Anyway, I would love to show you my latest musical finding – Chet Faker & his band.

“I have come to realize that im inspired by the simple things. Like a horizion or a sunset as chessy as it may be. Open landscapes what ever form they take. That rare glimpse of beauty or humor you may find in a fleeting moment with a random stranger. Friends and lovers. Music . Words on paper. Good times.” We can only agree to that. Australian photographer Ross Laurence inspired us with his beautiful work and his thoughts about photography and life…

Hey Ross, so how are you and what are you up to at the moment? And even more important – what part of the world are you at right now?

Im good- a little cold. Currently in Moscow working on a few jobs- some private portrait sessions and a advertising gig. Also working on a self published print publication called IMG_001.- I have a big desire to create something that’s tangible- not just a image on a screen that’s scrolled over and lost for ever in the world wide web.

In an interview last year you said you wanna move to Berlin as you love the dark, industrial vibe to it. And the Techno music. Seems like you have changed your mind now? Or you just don´t find the time to settle anywhere really?

Hahaha… yeah I did move to Berlin for 5 months over the European summer but found myself spending more time in Ibiza than Berlin. I “thought” I would like the dark industrial vibe that berlin throws off but after a few months it kinda got to me. So much grey concrete. Berlin is kinda portrayed as this super creative city- maybe it was like that 20 years ago- but now with ‘techno tourism’ taking over I think alot of people just talk about being creative- normally at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon at Panaroma bar. The most creative people I meet in berlin where the ones who where working super hard to get out of there. It definitely was’nt as inspiring as I thought it would be. Due to the fact it’s a cheap place to live- your rates as a photographer take a hit aswel. I did jobs for 1/10 of the rate I would get in Sydney. You still do the same amount of work- just for less money. Its all relative thou. I would recommend anyone wanting to move to berlin- make sure your super busy before you go- a lot of people sit around on there hands waiting for the weekend to roll in so they can go party- but having said that the music scene is off the hook and I made a lot of life long friends and started shooting for few well known record labels so some good things did come out of it in the long run. Compared to Australia thou the weather is not as reliable- and due to the fact that I prefer to shoot location it kinda slowed my work rate down a lot. I realized I need to be surrounded by a large body of water and sunshine at all times to be comfortable and happy which leads into a productive work schedule. On my to-do list for 2013 is to settle down- not sure how that will go.

Anything that you really miss from back home in Australia while being on the road?

I really miss my family- I have a lot of nieces and nephews (10 in total) ranging from 4-15 so I really miss watching them grow up. Oh and I miss the ocean- I try and get in the water at least once a day- even in winter.. The ocean has a strong healing power- cures a hangover or a heartbreak even if its just for a few minutes. I also miss the ability to rock up to my mum’s place raid the fridge, chill out and talk shit.

“Capturing moments in time” is one thing that attracts you towards photography. What moments in your life do you wish you could hold onto longer?

The moments I´ve lost. Sometimes u see something happening in front of your eyes and you simply just don’t have enough time to record it.. there are a few distinct images that have stuck in my mind I wish I could have captured that eluded me for whatever reason. I shoot all of my personal images on film as I don’t believe you should ‘edit’ your personal life. I’ve been unlucky in the fact that I´ve had a few things have been stolen from me in the past. Mostly bags containing un-processed rolls of film- about 20 in total. But im lucky to have a really good memory for images- so I can always re-create them if I want. U don’t always need a camera to record a image.

What is a good image in your eyes?

There are so many factors that make a good image. Timing is one of them- composition and light. Subject matter is also key to any strong image. The connection between the model and photographer. Good direction and vision. Also having a strong creative team working with you makes all the difference. Ive been lucky enough to work with some of the best model agencies & hair and make up artists and stylists going around. I´ve been focusing more on my personal images rather than shooting fashion of late. So I suppose a good image is something that can take you back in time and make u remember how and what you where feeling. Oh and luck. That’s a big part of what we do.

What are the best life lessons that you have gained from all your travelling?

Giving in to the notion that there is no point worrying about the things that are out of your control. Making split second decisions and running with it. Working out of my comfort zone constantly, and adapting to ANY situation that arises. Packing light- I have the ability to travel for a year with just a few clothes and my camera gear.

The person that has influenced you most in your life?

There have been some many people that have pushed me to become not only a better person but a better photographer. Ranging from my old bosses in hospitality, my family & friends, Nick Scott- a photographer who took me on as his assistant when I knew absolutely nothing about photography 4 years ago- to my ex-girlfriends mother- who actually pushed be into believing that everyone possess a form of creativity. But If i take the last 2 years as a major part of “my life” I would have to say my girlfriend- her desire to see more of the world has definitely opened my opportunities up to a more global market than it would have if I had just stayed in one place.

The things and people that inspire you the most nowadays?

I have come to realize that im inspired by the simple things. Like a horizion or a sunset as chessy as it may be. Open landscapes what ever form they take. That rare glimpse of beauty or humor you may find in a fleeting moment with a random stranger. Friends and lovers. Music . Words on paper. Good times.

Your past regrets and future dreams?

I sometimes regret not knowing what I wanted to do from a earlier age. I only really started shooting 4 years ago- 2 of them have been on the road travelling. But that was completely out of my control- maybe I needed to go thru what I did in the past to get me to where I am today. Im really looking forward to settling down in a few key places. I have realized that you cant just swan into town and expect things to happen immediately- what we do for work takes time to build. People have to know your personality before you can start to work constantly for good publications and clients. I want to set myself up in Sydney for 6 months of the year, 3 months in Ibiza then the other 4 in LA (pending the approval of my green card). It might take a bit longer to achieve a certain level of success than most but at least ill have sunshine 12 months of the year.

The most important thing for you in life is?

Making sure I leave something behind that’s indicative of my existance- be that a visual memory of my life as a photographer or a few good stories to tell the grand-children.

www.rosslaurence.com
www.yeahiveheardofhim.com

All images by Ross Laurence