Cecilia Runmore
CCP asks Cecilia Runmore the deep questions about her craft
1. What gets you out of bed every day?
I’m lucky to have a great family, friends and partner. I am passionate about my work as a social worker with Vision Australia, where I teach access technology to clients who are blind or have low vision. It’s rewarding to offer skills that allows clients to achieve their goals. I'm also so lucky to live close to the ocean so I enjoy being there as much as possible.
2. Who is the photographer that has inspired you the most?
Growing up, I loved the work of Annie Leibovitz. The connections she makes with her subjects in her black and white portraits, in particular, creates an intriguing element to her work that has influenced my own style of portrait photography.
In recent years, I’ve been inspired by Vivian Maier’s street photography. She captured fleeting and raw everyday moments and ordinary people in a really beautiful way. Looking at her photographs, I feel like I’m transported back to the streets of 1950’s New York and Chicago.
3. What camera and lens do you like shooting with and why?
I use a Sony A7IV. The body is small and lightweight which makes it easy for me to take everywhere.
For lenses, I use a Sony FE 50 mm F2.5 G and a Sony FE 24mm F2.5 G. They are great quality and extremely small they are a great choice for when I travel and allows me to shoot street photography relatively inconspicuously. I also tend to use these lenses for taking portraits, the smaller lens sizes aren't too intimidating for subjects and helps to create a more comfortable environment.
For situations that need a zoom, I use a Sony FE 34-105 mm F4 G, again the lens size isn't too large or heavy for a zoom lens which makes it a good travel companion.
4. When you are on a shoot do you play music? What other essential items do you have with you for a successful session?
When shooting my only essential items are my camera and good walking shoes. I prefer to walk quietly around a location, listening to the surrounding environment. Often the sounds around me will influence what I want to capture so I try to avoid listening to music so I don’t miss the action or dilute the experience.
5. In the digital world how important is the print?
Print is still incredibly important. The digitalisation of photography has made it so much more accessible, but I don’t think it can replace the print. There’s something special about holding a photo in your hands, or having it on display where you can experience it daily. Without prints, photos can become files on a device that gets forgotten.
6. B/W - Colour - Analogue - Digital.
What are your thoughts and ideas about these 4 different photographic concepts.
Black and white photography is by far my preferred style of photography. It’s timeless and allows you to use light, contrasts and textures to focus on a subject or scene in a way that really resonates with me.
I first started taking photos at school where I learnt how to develop my black and white negatives in an old dark room. There is something magical about the process, using chemicals and light to shape how your image will develop.
I would love to still use a dark room to develop my photographs, but the expense and time it requires means that it’s just not practical. The beauty of digital is that it is so practical and accessible, amazing photos can be captured regardless of whether you’re using a smartphone or a Leica.
7. Have you exhibited your work, and other than the print, how important was the framing process to you?
I haven’t exhibited my work yet but I am building up my collection so hopefully an exhibition is not far off. The framing process is exceptionally important and can impact how the audience experiences the print. Done well, the framing will highlight a subject or scene and create a sense of cohesion with the image. More practically, high quality framing will protect your artwork against damage and ensure that it lasts the test of time.
8. What is it that defines a great image?
I tend to focus on the contrast and composition of a photo, but really, if you capture a subject or scene that makes you feel something then, in my opinion, that’s a great photo.
9.What is your favourite genre of photography and why? and also your favourite photo?
Street photography is my favourite genre, and compliments my love of travel well! I try to capture day to day life, and the feeling of a place. A street vendor selling fruit, a baker kneading bread or a girl running after pigeons in a town centre - street photography can offer a glimpse into seemingly mundane, everyday activities and create a connection with a viewer.
10. What is the best and most enduring advice about photography that you have received? Tell us by who if you can or want to?
“Take pictures of something that has meaning for you” - Annie Leibovitz
You'll get your best shots by capturing something that you have a connection to or are passionate about.
11. When you are not taking photos, what are you doing?
I love being by, or in the ocean and travelling. I’ve also enjoyed making short films and documentaries which have been shown at a few film festivals in the past. Recently, my wife and I have been caring for Seeing Eye Dog's puppies in training which has taken up a lot of time and energy!
Cecilia Runmore - August/September 2024
Documentary maker - Werner Herzog - “just shoot”.
