We all gaze in devotion, but few devote themselves to the gaze. In anticipation of Looking Tapes, an analogue photowalk, Chris Bradley sits down with host Ryan Heywood to chat all things observation. Not one to gloss over the details, Ryan gives his undivided attention.
Photos: Ryan Heywood. Portraits: Chris Bradley.
In case you missed it, we're lacing up for our first photowalk in collaboration with Alt Major as part of Northern NSW's LAVA Arts Festival. We'll be rubbing shoulders with the crew from Lazarus Film Lab, and, of course, surf visionary Ryan Heywood. Did we mention tickets are free?
Come shoot with us Saturday 27th Jun 3–6pm, 15 Queen St, Murwillumbah NSW. RSVP is essential, don't snooze on this one.
Many people describe you as part camera, part human. Where do you think this fascination with observation first began?
Ohhh! More machine now than man, that would be so good to be biomechanical. I would actually love that. I’m sure my fascination came from getting a disposable camera as a kid on a school excursion to take photos of the city.
Do you ever leave the house without a camera?
I sometimes do leave the house without a camera. I’ve asked my friends to tell me if they notice me without one, so I can go back and get one. With all the other shit we carry around now, it’s not that hard to carry a camera too.
You do a lot of work for surf and lifestyle brands. Do you enjoy that world?
Yeah, I love it. It’s such an epic community and there’s plenty of time for fun and surfing. Gotta protect the culture and keep the fire lit.
When I was working in art direction and marketing for skate brands, I found the constant cycle of seasonal ranges could get a bit repetitive. Do you find the corporate side still gives you enough room to explore your own creativity?
I think there’s repetition in all aspects of it, just in different intervals. If you can be fluid and react to it, you can generate your own rhythm and keep inspired. It’s good. The grass is always greener with all types of work, you have to find a balance.
Your YouTube channel Looking is fascinating. Tell us more about the concept behind it and how the idea of “looking” and observation ties into this photo walk.
Oh thanks! I love the idea of Looking as a practice, the gaze as devotion. Trying to refine it as a live stream, exactly the way I would use a pair of binoculars or the way I shoot a surf session, with so many things on the periphery happening that all deserve to be observed. But you always come back to a main theme, like a beat in music.
Have you been involved in many photo walks before? What did you love about them, and what maybe didn’t work so well?
I’ve never done one or been involved with one! I’m excited for this one. I feel, in its essence, I’m doing them all the time, but just never with company or people that share the same interests.
What will make this photo walk feel different from the usual format?
Not sure how these things go, or what to expect, but I’m a chatterbox. If you get me started on a topic... I won’t stop. Cameras, camera bags, film, lighting, colour, lenses. I’m excited seeing everyone’s results and getting to meet everyone before and after at Alt Major HQ, and also trying out some new Hung Supply accessories.
What is it about Murwillumbah that makes it the perfect place for a photo walk?
Mur'bah is the perfect place to shoot photos. It has such an interesting layout, sunlight hits my favourite buildings, it’s a relatively small CBD, battle scars from the floods, and such a strong, friendly community.
Some of my highlights are Proudfoots Lane, Bin Chicken Island in Knox Park, the old bank wall on Mur'bah St, and the art deco toilets on Queen St. And of course the waterslides in the Tweed Aquatic Centre. Massive love for Murwillumbah.
If you could recommend one camera to an aspiring film photographer, what would it be?
I would recommend anything mechanical that can shoot without a battery. That way you have to become a light meter. Quickest way to learn is to make mistakes. Or I would get something with some autonomy that can expose the film perfectly, so that you can concentrate on the moment. My favourite was a boxy Minolta Hi-Matic. It took AA batteries and has a very responsive shutter.
What camera or setup are you enjoying shooting with most at the moment?
I’m loving my Pentax 17. It’s a half-frame camera that gives you two shots per regular 35mm frame. It’s so good for pairings, storytelling, or some portraits with range. I’m really loving having more to shoot. If you get the sequence correct, the kind folks at Lazarus Lab will kindly pair them as you wish.
If you could only keep one forever, a camera or a pair of binoculars, what are you choosing?
I think I would keep the binoculars. Reason being: purely analogue, no batteries to charge, no film to develop, just a sublime optical experience. And when the apocalypse hits, I’ll be able to spot zombies from far away.
Read our Good Chat with Ryan Heywood, here.
