Stephen Tilley

On what I do…

I'm a photographer and filmmaker who primarily focuses on people. I have a passion for taking pictures and am constantly taking photos, practicing new techniques outside of commissioned images. 

On the beginning…

Professional photography for me started in London. I created a travel portfolio of images and was asked to work for a small indi magazine in the city, shooting street culture and music scene images. It basically grew from there.

On New Zealand being home…

I lived in London, Paris and Ireland for a little while. I love New Zealand, the culture, the beaches the landscapes and the people. So although I enjoyed living overseas and experiencing all that history and changes of culture, the call to return to my roots became too strong to deny. 

On inspiration…

The three colour trilogy directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski starring Juliette Binoche was really the first time I experienced an art house film and the photography and lighting really inspired me. I became obsessed in French art house movies after that.

Music has always inspired me. In fact, after my family and photography, music is the most important thing in my life.

On creating personal work…

I've been working on ‘The Ambiguity Project’ – focussing on on Generation Z, it's a study of androgyny and gender fluidity. I am fascinated by individual expression and enjoy capturing images of people when they are experiencing authentic moments; when all pretenses are stripped away. 'The Ambiguity Project' is an homage to iconic photographer, Richard Avedon, and the stark and honest portraits that he made with a simple set up and minimal retouching.  

On switching off from work…

Movies, reading and listening to music are how I relax. When I really need to shut down I listen to a lot of ambient music Brian Eno in particular. 

On what community means to me…

Community is looking after our most vulnerable, where everyone has access to healthcare and a safe place to live, besides clothes, food and access to education… haha, sounds like a political promise at election time. 

On someone significant in my life...

Caroline and I have been together for 20 years. She is a master of detail, a hard worker and motivator – she has always been my biggest fan and is deeply passionate about the creative process. Caroline has helped make it possible for me to follow my dream, and an endless source of encouragement. She is also quick to criticise work that she doesn’t like which has helped me to improve. She gave me two beautiful children, and is a loving, dedicated mother.

On raising my two children in Aotearoa…

I like to think Aotearoa is a pretty safe place. The closeness to all the amazing landscapes and outdoor experiences are never lost on me. I adore Aotearoa's indigenous Maori culture – a culture that I believe most New Zealanders respect.

On a lesson in life…

One thing I've learnt is not to let ego get in the way of taking advice from people – constructive criticism can be more beneficial than the positive reactions. Rather than being offended by your critics or your mistakes, find inspiration in them 

On being grateful...

I am grateful for the fact that I have a beautiful family and friends around me. I have a job that I absolutely love doing, and I live in a beautiful country. What more could you ask for? I try to remind myself of that when I am exhausted!

On contributing to Great Full…

It’s important that everyone has access to healthcare regardless of their economic situation. I think Starship is an amazing foundation, and Cure Kids breakthroughs are extraordinary; they help families at their most vulnerable times and improve lives. I have two children of my own and can’t begin to imagine being a parent of a child seriously ill, it’s heart breaking what some families have to endure. If I can help in any way – such as contributing photography to Great Full's projects – I will.  

Stephen has been part of the Great Full family from the very beginning, contributing both his artistic eye and his amazing enthusiasm to each project by both photographing (such as our Bum Hugger artists) and filming (all artist interviews). http://www.stephentilley.co.nz