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A Personal Statement on Photography

by Richard White

“Unfortunately photography has become too common. Is photography still an art form? For many it is difficult to take it seriously and to even consider that it could be used for artistic expression. It is the viewer who must make this decision. Do they see what the photographer is trying to convey through their images?”

“I have been asked why do I photograph? Well basically I am compelled to. It’s as simple as that. I am always looking for the beauty in front of me. Trying to make images from my heart with technical information from my head. Trying to make a visual communication. Hopefully it will give others an appreciation of what is there and with luck it will elicit an emotional response from the viewer”.



Background

Richard White lived in the North East Victorian town of Mansfield. He was involved in photography for over 35 years. What began as a hobby turned into a lifelong passion. Basically a self taught photographer, although in the early years, Richard attended many workshops to better his craft. His work was influenced by some of the giants of photography, but mainly Ansel Adams, Morley Baer, Arnold Newman, Bill Brandt & Brett Weston. Not only their photography, but their philosophy and approach to life.

He wrote regular articles for a national photography magazine, and occasionally for other international magazines. He was also a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers ( AIPP ) and past Victorian President of that organization as well as being a Federal and State Judge at the Annual AIPP photography awards that are held around the country.

In a 10 year period Richard won more than 40 silver awards and a gold award at the Victorian and Australian AIPP National Photography Awards. He retired from competitions because of their changing attitude to acceptable imagery.

Richard exhibited locally and statewide for several years and was known for his high quality photographs.

Each year he offered a large format Black and White calendar on the High Country, produced a range of black & white postcards and also worked on major documentary projects for television.



Publications:



Exhibitions Include:

Images of the High Country,
1991		 Mingo's Gallery, Mansfield, Victoria
E D O Environment Exhibition,
1992 (Group Exhibit)		 Gallery 101 Collins St., Melbourne
E D O Environment Exhibition,
1993 (Group Exhibit)		 Bond Gallery, Melbourne
Colour in the High Country,
1993		 Courier Gallery, Mansfield, Victoria
High Country Images,
1994 (Group Exhibit)		 Easter Art Show, Mansfield, Victoria
Felix Australia, Victorian Images
1997 (Group Exhibit)		 She's Arty Gallery, Benalla , Victoria
The Parks Exhibition,
1999		 Shepparton Art Gallery, Victoria
Been There, Wish You Were Here,
2000		 Yering Station Gallery, Victoria
The Parks Exhibition,
2000		 Hamilton Art Gallery, Victoria
A Sense of Place,
2000 (Group Exhibit)		 Benalla Art Gallery, Victoria
The Parks Exhibition,
2001		 Horsham Art Gallery, Victoria
The Parks Exhibition,
2001		 Benalla Art Gallery, Victoria
Images of the High Country,
2003		 La Trobe University, Mt Buller
Images of the High Country,
2004		 Mt Buller Chalet
Light in the High Country,
2005		 Yering Station Gallery
Light in the High Country,
2006		 Redgum Gallery
Places I’ve Been,
2008		 Muse Gallery, Milawa
An Indian Odyssey,
2009		 Arts Walk, Mansfield
Places I’ve Been,
2009/2010		 Wilderness Gallery, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Australia’s Large Format Masters,
2010		 Meyer Gallery, Sydney
The High Country,
2012		 Melbourne Camera Club Gallery
The High Country, Ballarat Foto Biennale,
2015		 Boah Gallery, Ballarat
The High Country,
December 2015		 St Francis Gallery, Melbourne


Workshops and Talks



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