The Layers Of. Interview

The Layers Of interview

I was happy to recently be interviewed on The Layers Of.
A few questions on my experience and lifestyle as a photographer.

Where are you based right now and how is it shaping you?
Antony Merat – I’m based in Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast, Australia.
We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world. Coastal lifestyle surrounded by mountains. We live just a few steps away from the beach. I find it very peaceful here.
I photograph weddings in Australia, however, the majority of my weddings are destination ones, so when I’m home I’ll spend most of my time with my family; shoot personal projects, relaxing and preparing for my next adventures.

MBW – Explain your daily routine.
AM – I’ve made a conscious effort to balance my work and family life. I’m on the go a lot so when I’m home, it’s important for me to be there for my wife and kids, as much as possible. Not always in editing mode. Besides, when you work on a schedule, I feel I’m so much more efficient.
Wake up – go for a surf or ride my bike. Have breakfast then answer emails.
When I’m in an editing headspace I’ll put some tunes on, or youtube with stand up comedy or a documentary and start editing until lunch. Have Lunch then answer more emails and edit until around 5 pm.
When I get tired I walk around, stretch, play a little guitar.
The rest of the afternoon is family time. We usually head to the beach until sunset. When kids are off to bed, I’ll play more guitar until they fall asleep. Facebook – Instagram more editing. finally, I chill. either watch a movie, read or research.
I usually take Sundays and Mondays off?

MBW – What is the most useful piece of advice you have been given? 
AM – Push yourself to do something different on every photoshoot. Dig deep, challenge yourself, learn and grow. 

MBW – Do you remember the saddest moment in your life?
AM – When my grandmother died. I’m ok with death. It was my grandfather’s reaction when he suddenly cried out and broke down. It was heartbreaking.

MBW – What would you say about your perspective from your youth until now?
AM – Well, it hasn’t changed much. Things are now on a bigger scale, that’s all. I still feel I should live life to the fullest, experiences as much as possible and be a good person.
I’m still very much a child at heart, a free spirit with a massive sense of adventure. A big dreamer.
Throughout the years I’ve learned to take my time. Because of this I appreciate and enjoy the journey, the people and things in life more. I’m not so much in a hurry these days.

MBW – What would you like to give for your legacy? 
AM – To be a good husband and father first and most of all. Hopefully, create meaningful work. Finally, inspire by example, to follow your passion and not conform to social pressure to what might be expected of you. Rather be as brave as you can, go for your dreams and live the lifestyle you choose.

MBW – How did you come to photography?
AM – I first discovered photography as a child. My mother used to hand me her red film camera, before going to our family get-together and tell me that I was in charge of taking the photographs. It always puts a smile on my face! She knew it was something I really enjoyed. I’ve always had a camera handy from then on.
About ten years ago I became a full-time photographer. For many years as an Interior and Architectural photographer, however, after photographing a wedding for a good friend, I realized how much I enjoyed it and with some encouragement from friends and my wife I progressively became a full-time wedding photographer?

MBW – What did you want to be when growing up?
AM – I honestly just wanted more than ever to travel the world to see as much of it as possible. I remember quite clearly agreeing with my best friend at a very young age that no matter what we would see as much of the world as possible.

MBW – Who or what is inspiring you at the moment?  
AM – I watch a lot of short films on Vimeo. I also enjoy interviews and documentaries on photographers, musicians, actors, and everyday people. It inspires me. I’m constantly blown away with people’s perspectives on life and what they inspire to do or be their journey and achievements. I find it fascinating and enriching.

MBW – Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now? 
AM – Traveling as much as possible, creating images.

MBW – What creative training do you do outside of your work? 
AM – I don’t really train much. I focus on what I do and shoot a lot. I do learn as much as I can on the history of photography and the people that influenced the art. 

MBW – How do you know when a piece of your work is finished and needs no additional work? 
AM – With time you have a better understanding of your style and the quality of work you want to deliver. So it gets easier to make a call. 

MBW – Is it important to you to be a part of a creative community?
AM – Yes, I think so. Unfortunately, most of us are so busy it’s not always easy to meet up. An occasion a phone call or catch up is always a treat. I think as creatives some of us naturally want to connect with other artists. Social media is good for that too.

MBW – Do you have any advice to share with people about the lifestyle of a wedding photographer?
AM – Building and working on your business is one of the hardest things you will do but also one of the most rewarding too. Be prepared.
On a creative level you will also have many challenges, if you care to put some heart and soul into your work, you know, keeping it real and meaningful. Discovering what you are made of.
In that instance, I’d say do your utmost to be the best version of yourself!  The good and the bad your quirks and differences. 
When you are so passionate about your art, when you explore your creativity, taking an honest approach and sharing your work in a sincere way, it can take you to such depth, it can be quite daunting, even really scary. You need to trust in your ability to create work that is a real reflection of you and your experience. If you have the courage to pursue, you will find yourself on a journey of self-discovery which will ultimately grow you in your own unique way as well as other people around you.
We all have a voice and it’s important for each of us to find it and share. 

MBW – Thank you so much for your time, it is always a pleasure to know more about awesome people and connecting with them.