By Max Himsl
The massive proliferation of cell phone cameras has meant that literally everyone is a photographer these days. It is readily apparent, however, is that there are a lot of people that have no ability with the image-recording device whatsoever. If size and complexity mean anything then John Woodward and Tina Hudson are two very fine photographers indeed. Their cameras are huge, the lenses prolific and to the untrained eye it appears that their equipment is identical in every respect.
Nonetheless, they are very different people, most obviously because John is a man and Tina a woman. If that wasn’t clue enough, John is of the worldly, salt-and-peppered winter in Victoria, touring the gallery vacation type whereas Tina is more of the tattooed pitbull, mud racing biker set. How could such different characters be immersed in the same world of photographic art?
“Who is your target audience?”
John opens his mouth to answer but Tina cuts him off with a sharp hand motion and a hard look. “It’s for people with money. He’ll tell you some crap but it’s just the same. I make good pictures so that people will want to buy them.”
John displays patient forbearance at Tina’s abruptness and offers never so much as a hint of condescension. “I prefer to make images for that one person in a hundred thousand who is a truly sensitive and sophisticated patron, that truly recognizes and enjoys photography as art.”
“What is your favourite subject matter?” The two photographers lock eyes and there is a brief battle of wills to decide who will answer first. John’s glare is vehement, however, and Tina laughs and flips a hand dismissively. “Go ahead then.” He leans back triumphantly and laces his fingers across his belly.
“I shoot whatever interests me, whatever is around me. I might shoot a bird or a sewer grate or some trees or a boat. I might shoot a ball on the sidewalk or a flower by the water or maybe a cow by the fence or a wave on a shore or a …”
“Interesting, interesting, yes, thanks. And Tina?”
“You can’t go wrong with dramatic skies and great pictures of seasonal weather,” says Tina. “I really like taking pictures of faces showing strong emotion. Happy faces are good, smiling mouths and laughing eyes, but serious faces have a lot of power that I love to capture.”
“Where do you show it?”
“Well to my family and friends, obviously,” says John with a chuckle. “It’s the price of being the friend of an artist, I’m afraid. I sell my work at art sales and fairs, like Art Farm, and have had single and collaborative shows in art galleries.” Tina appears to be dozing off as John recites his exhibition history and jerks back to alertness when I tap her arm.
“Sorry, sorry, just thinking there. Ahem. I show it on my website www.tinahudsonphotography.com. Better pictures, reasonable rates.
“Why do you keep doing it?”
John looks upwards, a beatific smile on his noble face and declares, “I have to. Capturing that perfectly framed instant gives me great pleasure and happiness. It is how I find my place in the world.”
Tina snorts. “Whatever. I do it ‘cause a girl’s got to eat. People keep calling so I keep clicking. I like the job, don’t get me wrong. Taking pictures is fun but is not something most people do with any skill. It so happens I’m kind of kick a — with a camera and I really love the money people pay me to do this. What’s not to like?”
“When do you talk about it?”
Both reply simultaneously, neither willing to give the space for the other to finish. “All the every day time. Wherever I am, I always go composing, I love the next art of any photograph kind,” which seems clear enough. Two very different people, two very effective methods. The results are indisputable.
Art Farm V will be held on Saturday, June 10 at the van der Breggen farm from noon until 7 p.m. Admission is $4, with children ages six and under free.
