This week we're visiting Lake Macquarie based Darren Kidd.
Whether it be getting up at stupid o'clock in the morning shooting the sunrise, hanging out in scary places late at night photographing the night sky, or putting himself in front of an intense storm cell to capture lightning bolts, he loves capturing the beauty of nature in all conditions.
He's always striving to take a better photo than the last & always searching for different angles, which has become a real passion
View Darren's image collection at jigsawgallery.com.au/collections/darren-kidd
Q1. How did you start out as a photographer/artist?
A. I started very early on as a child with a keen interest for photography where I would always want to take photos with mum & dads cameras throughout my early childhood years. But it wasn't until about 6 years ago when I decided to invest in some decent camera gear to get a little more serious about taking better photos with an artistic sense about my approach.
Q2. What is your favourite subject to photograph & why?
A. Landscape & in particular astrophotography. I love this style as there is a lot of planning that goes into it & the conditions need to be perfect. When finding a location the sense of isolation & quietness at night makes all the senses tuned into the subject & landscape you are photographing & gives a real awareness of our existence here on this planet.
Q3. What is your biggest challenge as a photographer?
A. The weather is always a challenge, but I feel you need to be in the right "head space" to create decent & interesting content & have those creative juices flowing.
Q4. What’s your next or dream destination to photograph?
A.New Zealand, which I am going there in 2 weeks to photograph.
Q5. Social media - love it or hate it? What platforms do you use?
A. I use both Instagram & facebook.
Q6. What equipment do you use, favourite lens?
A. I have 3 cameras & they are all Sony, from the a6000, a7r through to the a7riii as well as GoPro 7 & a drone Phantom 4 pro... My favourite lens at the moment is the Sony G master 100-400mm with a 2 x teleconverter enabling me to photograph at 800mm.
Q7. How do you know when your photo editing is finished?
A. Now that is difficult, because even when I post or share a photo I still feel it is not finished & I could have done better. I generally let my photos marinate anywhere from days to months with me going back to them & I find I change my outlook when my mood changes so sometimes I just say "thats it" & share it!
8. What’s the most difficult/challenging place you’ve photographed?
A. The most challenging place Ive photographed is a cave in Munmorah State park where you wade in waist Depp water to a cave system where the waves smash through he cave system creating lots of spray & harsh lighting with a mere split second to take a photo which needs to be bracketed because of the harsh lighting.
Q9. What is one question you’d like to be asked and have never been?
A. Mmmm, Hi Mr Kidd can we supply all your camera gear needs for the remainder of your life at no cost on whatever gear you would need!
A10. What do you think about having jigsaws made from your images/artworks
A. I am truly grateful & honoured to have my photos featured as a conversion to jigsaws. I've had many people say what a great idea & they have bought them & expressed how good they are to put together.