Photographer Interview
Award-winning photographer David Dare Parker has brought his latest exhibition to the Brisbane Powerhouse. Entitled ‘The Clubs’, David explored the relationship between workers and the social clubs where they relax in and around Fremantle.
Q: When did you start taking photographs? Can you remember why and what excited you about it? I was around 18 years old. I was a professional musician – working nights, with time on my hands during the day. I took up photography as a hobby. I read every photography magazine and book I could get my hands on. At 25, I was ready to switch careers. I felt drawn to photojournalism - real images of real people. It was as if I could experience something of their life experiences through the eyes of the photographers I admired like Don McCullin, W. Eugene Smith, Robert Capa and certain members of the Magnum Photo Agency tradition.
Q: Is that reason different today? In some ways, although responsibilities to the people and their stories that you are trying to tell, takes precedent over your own ambitions and influences.
Q: Describe your exhibition in 5 words? Contemporary documenting of Fremantle’s clubs.
Q: How do you go about capturing the feel of a club? The essence of the people? I first set up meetings with the various clubs management in order to let the clubs and its members understand what it is I am trying to achieve. Then I slowly integrate into club life in order to record what I see as it happens.
Q: Any advice for up and coming photographers? Understand that every photograph you take is adding to your overall body of work. Get in close and know your subject well. Treat people with respect at all times.
Q: What did you learn from shooting these images? Helped me rediscover the comfort of belonging - sharing a meal or a drink and enjoying a chat with old friends.
Q: Next project is...? For now I am working in Sydney as a production stills photographer on the new ‘Underbelly Razor’ (just having come off ‘Cloudstreet’ in WA). When that finishes I will probably try to pick up another production (somewhere) in order to raise the finances necessary to head off again on a self-funded story.
David Dare Parker’s exhibition ‘The Clubs’ will be on at the Brisbane Powerhouse until August 7.
