Bill Irwin: my photography
I am a full time photographer based in Methven, New Zealand, mostly photographing rural landscapes and people.
My work is split in to two main areas; commissioned and self-generated.
The commissioned work includes editorial photography, commercial advertising work and personalised portraiture (more about that later). I have enjoyed working with a mix of clients including Latitude Magazine, Pyne Gould Guinness, Meridian Energy, North & South, ATS and many local businesses.
For the self-generated work, I photograph subjects or themes that interest and connect with me then find an outlet for them (not always apparent at the time!). This goes against all business models for making a good income as a photographer, but enjoyment of each day and freedom of personal creativity is the reason I am a photographer.
With a farming past I am at home in the rural landscape of the South Island, meeting and photographing people in their space is always a pleasure. I particularly enjoy the uniqueness of life in small town New Zealand.
Photographing individual people (I don't do weddings, groups, etc.) is particularly rewarding. I enjoy the one to one nature of spending time photographing an individual and learning about their life, always interesting. I believe the quote, 'ordinary people are nothing but'.
Creativity does not stop after the shutter is released. I love the process of crafting a fine print. My aim is to convey what I see and feel. Having grown up in the traditional wet darkroom era I appreciate the power of the today's tools. I make all my own prints on luxurious fine art papers or canvas with archival pigments - you won't find any better prints.
As a full time professional photographer I constantly refine my skills. I have achieved NZIPP Qualified status (Portrait Division) and collected several print awards in the annual Iris Professional Photography Awards. Producing images that exceed expectation is my aim. In this age of image overload I want to connect and work with people who appreciate real service and exceptional images .
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.