ANNABELLE DUREAU

BIOGRAPHY (for my complete bio go to www.bellefineartphotography.com and click on Story)

My fascination and flair for photography began three decades ago in a thriving artists' culture in Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia, where I grew up.

Inititally I dived into the world of black and white photography with gusto.  It was not unusual for my instructor to chastise me for spending too much time in the dark room!  I mastered the techniques, but rebellious at heart and naturally curious, I couldn't resist going against the norm.  I delighted in experimenting and creating different effects.

For example I took photos in very low light without a flash (a real no no at the time!).  This was partly driven by my hectic soical life.  Hobart, with its many pubs was a haven for local rock bands.  I loved the loud music, stage lights, people crammed into a room and the raw energy of performing musicians.  I challenged myself to capture the exhilaration.  I created a smooth, diffused, finely grained effect of the subject which suggested secrecy, surrender and delicious mischief to the viewer. Some of these photos were presented for an album cover for a local band and some were printed alongside related articles in a magazine produced by the first alternative radio station in Tasmania, 92FM.  Inevitably I progressed to colour photography, but black and white photographs remain a feature in my collections.

That's how it all started.  I didn't know it then, but the intrigue of creating art photography would become a lifelong joy.

Over the years my style of photography developed with many influences, but interestingly, learning the techniques of painting such as composition, theme and lighting was a major grounding influence.  I was very fortunate to have studied under renowned Tasmanian artist Jeff Dyer.  Jeff won the prestigious Archibald Prize, his work is represented in many major collections in Australia and overseas. . .