THIS week we chat with highly accomplished local photographer Bill Conroy, who\u2019s been there and done that across the worlds of editorial and commercial photography, in Australia and across the globe.<\/p>\n
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What initially motivated you to become a photographer?<\/strong><\/p>\n My mother was a keen photographer, and was a great influence. From an early age, I had access to film cameras with a few different lenses that I could experiment with. I was into motocross as a teenager and always took a camera along. It was my first foray into the commercial possibilities of my interest in photography \u2013 I documented races and individual riders, then sold images to help fund my racing. From then on I\u2019ve always had a camera with me. I\u2019ve always loved photography as a medium, and I\u2019m fortunate my passion became my career.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How would you describe your style and how did you develop it?<\/strong><\/p>\n My own style is typically a photojournalism approach, knowing how best to convey a story through images, capturing a strong visual moment. My experience in the magazine and newspaper industry, specialising in both editorial and commercial photography, has allowed me to develop my own approach and tailor my style to suit the needs of clients. When creating images for my own practice, I find I operate instinctively within this same style, although more flexibly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Which other artists inspire you?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve always been inspired by the photojournalism greats, including Henri Cartier-Bresson – the influential French photographer said to have helped pioneer the street photography genre, and Robert Capa – the famous Hungarian-American war photographer and photojournalist. Working in team environments has also allowed me to connect with some wonderful people who have inspired me, and this continues to be the case. The environment I\u2019m in, and the people I\u2019m with influence and inspire me to create my images.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are some highlights you have from your career so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve worked nationally and internationally for many clients including Reuters, Cond\u00e9 Nast, Siemens, Qantas and the Royal Geographical Society. I was based overseas for a number of years which led to many extraordinary, and sometimes challenging photographic opportunities, documenting presidents, actors and singers, heads of state and more. I\u2019ve also loved capturing relevant, contemporary images for significant community and sporting events, festivals, performances and public events. I really enjoy that connection to (the) community that comes from my work.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n