Bill Irwin: current work
Most work is self-generated, with the images being used in many ways. I have published one book and am working on another. I supply the PhotoNewZealand stock library and other companies that need good images. Prints of my best images have ended up in homes and businesses in New Zealand and overseas.
Some projects are commissioned, both personal and commercial. I have supplied images used by Pyne Gould Guinness, Meridian Energy, Forest & Bird, North & South, ATS and many local businesses. I enjoy dealing with people who appreciate superb images and a professional approach.
My photography
I am a full-time photographer living in Methven. The literal focus of my photography is to make images that celebrate the beauty all around us. We can be caught up in the frantic nature of daily life and miss appreciating the surrounding beauty, always present but often overlooked. I see this beauty both in the landscape and people. My photographic style is to spend a lot of time on each image; a low volume, highly crafted workflow.
I love the process of looking, seeing, finding nice form within the bigger picture. By making it fit in to a frame, decisions are made about what to include, what to leave out, how to arrange the players. Adding good light brings the image to life, an image that has roots in reality but can look unreal, familiar yet unfamiliar.
I do not believe photography does or should only record 'reality', rather I think that a photographer like any artist should be able to use any tools in the box to create images that resonate with them. I like to think these images are an antidote, a sort of visual anti-depressant, to all that is not right in the world.
From an early age – 10 years old – I have been interested in photography. I was side tracked for 20 years as a farmer, but those years were part of building my appreciation and understanding of the landscape and random beauty of nature. It was only when I made the jump to being a full time photographer and completely immersed myself that my photography grew. Being in a visual mode all day, every day, continually opens up new ways of seeing.
Photographers have so many tools available today. But they are only tools, and are useless without a sense what looks 'right'. The post-capture ability to interpret the digital files in Photoshop is perhaps the most powerful tool available. It is no magic pill for poor capture, but is an important part of the process of bringing the imagined image to life.
A beautiful image is nothing without a beautiful print. I could never trust this work to a lab, it is as personal as the initial capture. I have spent much time learning skills involved in fine-art print making, mostly from technical and creative genius Les Walkling in Melbourne. The look and feel of a gorgeously textured, heavy cotton rag paper is wonderful.
Influences, photographers I admire, include Edward Weston, Ruth Bernhard, and Robin Morrison.
Thank you for your interest in my work.
A brief history
2011
Awarded Associate Member of the New Zealand Institute of Professional photographers (ANZIPP)
3 bronze awards at Iris print awards
Solo exhibition "Home", at Methven Heritage Centre
Commissioned to supply images for new Methven Heritage Centre
2010
2 bronzes at Iris awards
2009
2 bronzes at Iris awards
2008
4 bronzes at Iris awards
2007
Gained NZIPP Qualified Status, Portrait Division
Fine Art Printmaking workshop, Orpheus Island
2005
"Perspectives Mid Canterbury" published
2004
Grad. Dip Applied Computing, Lincoln University
1982 - 2002
Arable farmer, Mid Canterbury
1981
B.Agr.Sci, Lincoln College
1980
Photojournalism class semester, Oregon State University
1976
"People: Close to home" published
Sold first images, used in national English textbooks by Peter Smart
1970
Set up first darkroom (age 10)
Keep in touch via Facebook
As well as a sporadic blog I have a page on Facebook. It is an easy way to keep in touch with those who like what I'm doing. I really enjoy the interactive nature and welcome any feedback there.
Rest assured if you are not a Facebooker I still welcome any thoughts or questions via email or phone. You can also subscribe to my newsletter by signing up here.
