jack allen
Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions Jack, how’s the day treated you?
Great thanks. Got up nice and early went down the pools, did a few laps to start off the day.
Tell us a bit about yourself - where did your passion for photography start, have you studied, and how have you ended up where you are today?
My passion started with travel it took me from one camera to the next and to many places around the world. How have I ended up here? Well I have lived in the UK and Australia switching between both for around 15 years now but I the moment I am situated here.
‘The 59th Minute’ is your first solo exhibition and there is a very strong message behind the idea of the show. Without giving too much away, what is it that you want the viewers to take away from the series of photographs?
I want them to take an understanding of what is important to them. You are right the show does have a strong message so I can not give too much away you will have to come and see for yourself
Great thanks. Got up nice and early went down the pools, did a few laps to start off the day.
Tell us a bit about yourself - where did your passion for photography start, have you studied, and how have you ended up where you are today?
My passion started with travel it took me from one camera to the next and to many places around the world. How have I ended up here? Well I have lived in the UK and Australia switching between both for around 15 years now but I the moment I am situated here.
‘The 59th Minute’ is your first solo exhibition and there is a very strong message behind the idea of the show. Without giving too much away, what is it that you want the viewers to take away from the series of photographs?
I want them to take an understanding of what is important to them. You are right the show does have a strong message so I can not give too much away you will have to come and see for yourself
Every photographer has an opinion on Black and White vs. Colour. What is the thinking behind making this whole show Black and White?
I don’t really believe in Black and White vs Colour. Both mediums have their place. Reimagine the Hubble Telescope photos in Black and White. Having shot Black and White film and worked in the darkroom at Tafe it has always been important to present work in Black and White. I find it unifies this exhibition and gives more space for thought.
Which photographers do you draw inspiration from and how do they influence your thinking?
We studied a lot of early photographs at Uni and Tafe over the Years. Bill Brandt, Eugene Atget, Paul Strand, and Ansel Adams are all very inspirational. One I have taken note of for quite some time is Edward Burtynsky. His way of presenting the facts without taking a side and leaving the viewer to decide has always impressed me.
I don’t really believe in Black and White vs Colour. Both mediums have their place. Reimagine the Hubble Telescope photos in Black and White. Having shot Black and White film and worked in the darkroom at Tafe it has always been important to present work in Black and White. I find it unifies this exhibition and gives more space for thought.
Which photographers do you draw inspiration from and how do they influence your thinking?
We studied a lot of early photographs at Uni and Tafe over the Years. Bill Brandt, Eugene Atget, Paul Strand, and Ansel Adams are all very inspirational. One I have taken note of for quite some time is Edward Burtynsky. His way of presenting the facts without taking a side and leaving the viewer to decide has always impressed me.
What is the most memorable and inspiring photograph that you’ve seen recently?
Rene Burri. Brazil, Sao Paulo, 1960. Men on a rooftop
You’ve experimented a lot with films and papers in the dark room, using different techniques in both printing and processing. Is there something that excites you more about using the traditional, hands-on approach to producing images as opposed to shooting digitally and do you apply much knowledge and/or techniques from one to the other?
I think the Lith printing I did at Tafe sticks in my memory the best. It was the accelerated development process that was exciting. The longer the paper stayed in the developer the quicker it developed to the point where it could be in the developer for 6-8 mins but it was only if the last few seconds where the print was correct. So it was a visual inspection to decide when it was correct leave it in 1-2 seconds too long and the print was ruined too early the same.
I also believe working in Black and White film helps understand how a print should look in the final product.
What motivates you to continue shooting photos?
The excitement of what I could come up with next, I do like Paul Strands opinion of just going out there and finding things to photograph.
Lastly, if you had to let anyone punch you in the face, who would it be?
No one, violence is not the answer.
Good answer, the first time someone has not accepted face punch question. Thanks for taking the time to answer these Jack, we’ll see you on the 28th of April!
Thank you and see you then.
Rene Burri. Brazil, Sao Paulo, 1960. Men on a rooftop
You’ve experimented a lot with films and papers in the dark room, using different techniques in both printing and processing. Is there something that excites you more about using the traditional, hands-on approach to producing images as opposed to shooting digitally and do you apply much knowledge and/or techniques from one to the other?
I think the Lith printing I did at Tafe sticks in my memory the best. It was the accelerated development process that was exciting. The longer the paper stayed in the developer the quicker it developed to the point where it could be in the developer for 6-8 mins but it was only if the last few seconds where the print was correct. So it was a visual inspection to decide when it was correct leave it in 1-2 seconds too long and the print was ruined too early the same.
I also believe working in Black and White film helps understand how a print should look in the final product.
What motivates you to continue shooting photos?
The excitement of what I could come up with next, I do like Paul Strands opinion of just going out there and finding things to photograph.
Lastly, if you had to let anyone punch you in the face, who would it be?
No one, violence is not the answer.
Good answer, the first time someone has not accepted face punch question. Thanks for taking the time to answer these Jack, we’ll see you on the 28th of April!
Thank you and see you then.