Hugh Hamilton

CCP asks Hugh Hamilton the deep questions about his craft

1. What gets you out of bed every day?

2 cups of strong coffee!

2. Who is the photographer that has inspired you the most?

Much as I would love to name off the usual suspects, I realised when I read this question that it was definitely Grant Mathews, who I assisted at Studio Ben Ericsson back in 1984 until he had me fired (deservedly) for freelancing outside the studio too much.

3. What camera and lens do you like shooting with and why?

I mostly do video these days, so its a Panasonic GH5 and GH5S. Lovely cameras and so light. I travel a lot and when I had Canon my camera bag was 17kg. Now its under 10 and I don’t have to worry about the check-in. And they’re equally good in both stills and video.

4. When you are on a shoot do you play music? What other essential items do you have with you for a successful session?

I always did, but I mostly let my subjects choose what to play. My taste can be somewhat eclectic! Also, I’ve shot a lot of celebrities and they tend to want what they want. It is best to accommodate them I think.

5. In the digital world how important is the print?

There is no greater thrill than seeing your work framed and printed, its a much better thrill than seeing a billboard or magazine page. The idea that some stranger likes it so much they are willing to hand over their money, not just to me, but to the framer!

6. B/W - Colour - Analogue - Digital.

    What are your thoughts and ideas about these 4 different photographic concepts.

Digital because its a such a positive feedback loop. You shoot, you correct, you shoot again till you get it right. As a commercial animal, it just makes so much easier to get the shot. On the other hand I loved black and white and printing my own work.

So that would put colour at the end. Until digital printers came along, printing colour was a dark art.

7. Have you exhibited your work, and other than the print, how important was the framing process to you?

Several times over the years, both in Sydney and LA, where I lived for ten years. My first show I had no frames, but a production designer friend came up with a floor to ceiling wiring solution that was great, but that was the kind of thing you could do only once. Sympathetic framing is so important. It can really lift the work.

8. What is it that defines a great image?

Impact, and not just instant impact. It has to haunt you, so you can go back to it and never get bored. All great art is like that.

9.What is your favourite genre of photography and why? and also your favourite photo? 

Oh I love them all. Whenever I took a good one it always seemed like a small miracle. Whether they were meticulously planned or shot totally off the cuff if they’re good I’m still amazed that I managed to pull it off. Which is not imposter syndrome btw, I do think I’m good. But only occasionally great.

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?

Can’t remember who, but it was not to stop when you think you have the shot, but to keep shooting until you know you’re not just getting it anymore. Digital makes that easier of course.

11. When you are not taking photos, what are you doing?

Editing video usually - the shift in my professional life means I spend too much time these days in front of the computer. And when I’m not editing as anyone who looks at Instagram feed will know, I go Wylie’s at Coogee for a swim. Rain or shine, summer and winter. Best pool in Sydney.

Hugh Hamilton - October 2024