Haydn Robertson

Haydn's love affair with photography began at the age of 11 when his mum gifted him a Kodak digital camera for a school camping trip. Armed with a 1-megapixel sensor and a 2x optical zoom, it might not have been the pinnacle of technology, but it was a gateway to a world of creativity. Over the next year, Haydn filled a modest 64MB memory card with around 10,000 photos. Admittedly, none of them were masterpieces, but they ignited a spark within him.

Haydn took photography seriously around the age of 15. An old Minolta x300 SLR and a school darkroom opened up the technical wonders of photography. As a budding musician, Haydn started capturing moments at school gigs and experimenting with friends during weekends. His camera became an extension of himself, and his skills naturally evolved thanks to the talented photographers around him in Tasmania who generously shared their wisdom.

"It's the timeless allure of film and the enchanting colours and details it captures" 

Themes of people and places consistently find their way into his work. Whether it's the essence of a location or the raw emotions people experience, these themes remain central to his artwork.

"I'm a firm believer in the power of both film and digital photography" 

Equiped with a trusty Canon A-1 and Canon R5, Haydn is always experimenting with various film setups. His heart is set on venturing into medium format film with a Mamiya 7 coming to the collection soon.

As an artist, Haydn encountered his fair share of creative blocks and self-doubt. In an age of social media where instant validation is at your fingertips, comparisons can be crippling. The key is to reflect on your personal journey and surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand your artistic path.

Navigating the fine line between adhering to your artistic vision and succumbing to market trends or client expectations can be tricky. Early in Haydn's career, he struggled to find his digital style, but with time and experience, he discovered his unique approach. Today, he is fortunate to work with clients who appreciate his process, making it easier to stay true to himself.

One of the most significant hurdles in Haydn's artistic journey was the financial aspect. Managing gear expenses, software subscriptions, and pricing for his many services was a learning curve. 

"Especially when you have imposter syndrome and you don’t think you are worth what you should be charging" 

Setting fair rates, not undervaluing his work, and diligently saving for taxes and equipment became crucial.

Collaboration is the heart of artistic growth. Working with fellow photographers like Jesse Hunniford, Scott Gelston, Cameron Jones, and Michael O’Neil has been instrumental in his development. Sharing ideas, experiences, and knowledge has enriched my creative process.

"Whether it was a chat about gear, jobs, editing or a catch up in general, it’s the constant support and collaboration that has shaped me into the photographer I am" 

In today's digital age, social media is paramount for artists."I think in todays social media age, it is so difficult to really showcase your work" Haydn states. Instagram, in particular, has become the primary stage for showcasing photography. Navigating the platform's algorithm can be challenging, but it's an essential tool for connecting with audiences, landing work, and collaborating with fellow artists.

https://www.sightscene.com.au/contact

With his venture, SIGHTSCENE, social media has played a crucial role in building support and connecting with clients. However, the ultimate goal remains sharing his art in the form of large format prints that can adorn people's homes.