Teagan Glenane is a local photographer whose travels have taken her little camera to places far wider and more exotic than the sandy coasts of Australia. We dropped her a line to find out more about her love for photo-taking, and she was kind enough to share her snap-happy story.



What is your name and how old are you? My name is Teagan Glenane, I'm 27 years old.

Where were you born and where do you live now? I was born and raised in the country town of Ballarat, before taking off to discover a little more of the world at 18. I'm a bit of a nomad but I seem to always come back to my base in Melbourne.

How does where you live affect your photography? In a way, we are all products of our environment. I am influenced by what is happening around me all the time. The way the light falls on a building, the details in someone's hands, the interior of a shop or café, the old man I see standing out the front of his house every day, little stories of day-to-day life. Not to mention, I live in a vibrant and active creative community who push me to be better and inspire me endlessly. It's a wonderful thing.



When did you first know you wanted to be a photographer? We didn't really have a camera in the house growing up, it was only when a cousin took up photography when I was about 17 that I became interested. The moment I really fell in love with the medium was during a class in high school, when I developed my first negatives in the darkroom. That was a magic moment, realising this combination of silver and light could create images and tell stories – my obsession grew from there.

What kind of subjects interest you the most? I'm interested in everything! Seriously, things would be a lot simpler if I could just choose one subject to focus on. I suppose really the coolest thing is that photography gives you a reason to be invited into interesting people's lives – you are let into their world. I've been able to meet so many people and explore so many places I never would have seen thanks to my work, that's what really gets me excited.



What do you shoot on (digital or analogue) and why do you choose to use that type? For practical reasons, my commercial and client work is generally shot digitally. There is rarely a big enough budget to cover the cost of film, processing and scanning, let alone have it developed in the tight deadlines I generally work to. However in saying that, if a client had the money, time and the right project, I would jump at the chance to shoot analogue!

For my own work, I use any and all mediums. I love that we have so many options now. Digital has opened up so many doors for me; having the capacity to play and experiment with new techniques is invaluable. It has also allowed me to incorporate more and more video into my work. I'm still developing my skillset there, but I love the process of shooting and editing film – which I couldn't have done as easily before. In saying that, I'm a total sucker for analogue. I have been lucky enough to recently acquire the camera of my dreams, a beautiful Hassleblad. So, for the foreseeable future that will not be leaving my side.

What kinds of ideas are you working on at the moment? I am working on a few exciting projects – as usual there are a few travel adventures in the works, plus I am in pre-production for a collaborative project with a friend of mine. It all began with a smaller series I was working on about my sister who has Down Syndrome. We are now aiming to develop a body of work, which will show disability in a true and raw light. The very little knowledge out there, combined with the small amount of media attention that is given to disability tends to swing between patronising inspiration, to the other extreme of pity. What is always missing is a representation of the person, of all their charms, real achievements, hang-ups, and quirks that make us all human. We are still developing our contacts but hoping to begin shooting in early 2015.



When it comes to taking photos, do you have more of a controlled/set-up or spontaneous style? Some of my jobs require a more set up approach, but generally I like to keep things more spontaneous. I like seeing people interact with their environment, and that is usually what I hope to capture – natural and honest images with real emotions.

What advice can you offer on finding your personal style or aesthetic? Take time away from the internet. Read books and look at printed material. Go to museums and galleries. Find work you like, then figure out why you like it and how it works. Surround yourself and collaborate with people you admire – not necessarily just photographers. Above all, travel! Whether near or far, travel to new and diverse places, get out of your comfort zone, and broaden your mind.



What are the hallmarks of a great photographer? The photographers I admire most understand and respect the old masters of art, while not being afraid to push boundaries. They aren't afraid to experiment and don't close themselves off to ideas. My favourite artists and photographers, who seem to have had the most longevity, don't just follow trends, they create their own path.

What are your thoughts on the rise of mobile phone photography and Instagram? I think mobile photography has been a massive development in the photographic world. While there are some definite drawbacks, I like to focus on all the positive aspects. We now have the opportunity to get our images and stories out there, not only instantly, but globally. I love the thought that someone over the other side of the world could see an image I post a second after it goes online. It has incredible potential.



What do you enjoy doing when not taking photos? I love all the cultural wonders Melbourne has to offer, including art, music, movies, but when I really need to switch off I like to go on spontaneous little adventures with friends. I'm sure my summer will include swimming in oceans and hiking in forests. Being a typical Melbournian, I will also sniff out good food, good coffee, delicious beer, wine or G&T no matter where I am in the world.

Where can we see more of your work? I update my instagram most regularly - @teaganglenane. And my New Year's resolution is to finally get my website online!