Christian Fletcher has been photographing landscapes in Australia and around the World for over 19 years. In that time he have witnessed huge changes in technology, the introduction of Photoshop and Digital and the demise of Film and analogue printing. What an incredible time to be taking photographs.
Christian is an acclaimed landscape photographer with three galleries in Western Australia as well as numerous outlets that sell his work.
How long have you been picking up a camera?
I have been shooting for 20 years as a professional and at least 5 years before that as a hobbyist.
Did you always know that you wanted to be a photographer?
No but I did like it when I was growing up. It was only when being out of work and moving to the country that I thought I would like to be a photographer. Never back then did I think I would actually make a career out of it.
What is your specialty as a photographer?
I am a Landscape photographer predominantly but take on commercial work at times.
When your not shooting for clients, what kind of images do you like to shoot?
I will shoot anything for myself, planes, animals, people, buildings everything that looks good.
You have been an international judge for many years now, how did you first get into judging?
I started judging local competitions and then as my profile increased got asked to judge more serious competitions such as this one, the International Pano Awards, the Better Photography awards and a Jetstar competition that recieved over 30,000 entries.
Do you think there are extra considerations to be made when entering an International versus Local competition?
Not really. As it is all done on-line these days borders aren’t any barriers to success. The main thing is to look hard at your entry and make sure it is the best work you are capable of. The judges are experienced shooters and can spot problems in an image in seconds.
It's been said many times that entering a competition is more than just winning. What do you take out of a competition when you enter?
Firstly you get the excitement of wondering how you might go, the excitement if you win but most importantly it forces you to look at your work more critically and it pushes you to create an image that is the best work you have done at that time. It shows you where you stand amongst your peers and teaches you to produce better work.
What are the first 3 things you look at in your images when you enter a competition?
Composition, light and detail. What else is there? Ok subject matter, mood and accuracy.
What advice would you offer photographers entering a competition for the first time?
Go for it, put in your best work, think about the brief of the competition and stick to the theme. Don’t be caught up in emotional connection to the scene i.e. you might think your kids are cute but others don’t. Get friends to tell you which ones they like. Don’t go in expecting to win so if you do it will be sweeter, if you don’t you won’t be disappointed. Remember it is just a game and sometimes your lucky on the day. I have only won two competition in the past 20 years.
As well as being part of the judging team for the International Aperture Awards, Christian currently has an amateur competition running with the theme of Australian Landscape.
Checkout Christian's Landscape 500 Awards
and The International Aperture Awards.
Find out more about Christian at
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