Roz Sharp

https://www.instagram.com/rozsharp/ http://damienmintonpresents.com

CCP asks Rosyln (Roz) Sharp the deep questions

1. What gets you out of bed every day?

 I love the mornings, each day a new day.

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

I can’t say there is only one photographer who has inspired me.

In my early days is was Jacques Henri Lartigue, Augest Sander,

Robert Frank because they were such great portraitists working outside a studio.

Middle years in my personal work Nan Golden, Jim Goldberg, Diane Arbus, William Yang for their narrative approach or social documentary.

Now,  Meg Hewitt, Trent Parke, Pat Brassinton because of their visual language touches a spiritual and emotional nerve.

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

I have never been overly interested in photographic equipment, its just a tool. Commercially and personal work I use Nikon equipment with lots of lenses, personal work now mostly done on my iphone.

4. When you are shooting do you listen to music, and if so; what genre and/or band?   and if you don’t; are there other essential items that you use?

No I don’t listen to music, when making images I have a conversation either with who I am photographing or in my head if I’m in an urban or bush landscape.

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

Proof sheets and printed portfolios are things of the past. But, it is always a thrill to see a  considered print.This is why it as so important to have a good working relationship with your lab, which is definitely my experience at CCP. It has a beauty and is so tactile.

6. B/W - Colour - Analogue - Digital. What are your thoughts and ideas about these 4 different photographic concepts.

They all have their place. Digital has changed the way I make photos, I make less choices in the camera, ending up with more frames than when I used analogue. On social media platforms I prefer sites that have intelligent, tight editorial content. It’s sad that Sydney has no world class dedicated photographic gallery these days. Melbourne is better.  I am drawn towards both B&W and colour.

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

 Yes I have exhibited my work both in institutes and commercially. Ideally I like simple frames that are well constructed, made for perpetuity and are sympathetic to the image. Good custom made frames at CCP.

8. What is it that defines a great image?

One which all the elements, technique, content and intension touch my intellect, heart and soul.

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

Probably social documentary photography, I am interested in the human spirit. I don’t have a favourite photo.

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?

"I use my intuition” Jim Goldberg I think.

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

Seeing images that I didn’t make.

 “ I use photography as a way to help me understand why I am here. The camera helps me see.”

Trent Parke.

Roz Sharp - June 2023