Darren Padgham
Photographer (Toorak, VIC)

Darren studied photography at PSC in Melbourne, Australia. He had no idea what type of photographer he wanted to be when finishing college so decided to spend a few years assisting all types of photographers from various fields. He relocated to London for 3 years and quickly found a liking for working with other creatives such as art directors and artists. He also enjoyed the discipline of going out and constructing images.

Darren found himself attracted to 60s and 70s American photographers such as Lee Freilander, Joel Sternfeld, Robert Adams and William Egglestone. Today he still greatly admires these photographers as well as a growing number of Dutch photographers. Darren is also greatly influenced by the work of modern artists such as Bansky.

On returning to Australia Darren put together a portfolio of his work. He began showing anyone who would look, and is now regularly approached by advertising and design agencies for comissioned photography work. He has also participated in a number of group exhibitions.

Previously Darren focused on the projection of the individual image. He now concentrates on building up a body of work around an idea and exploring that idea over a series of images. He is currently working on various projects with the intention of exhibiting them and being represented by a gallery.

Darren is available for commissioned work and is interested in connecting with galleries and other exhibiting photographers.

Contact Darren Padgham
Visit Darren Padghams website

Exhibition History & Awards

AOP London Awards 2002 - Landscape winner
AOP Exhibiton 2002
AOP London Awards 2005
AOP Exhibiton 2005
Urban Masterpieces Exhibition, Eve Complex 2005

Artists Statement

I am interested in creating imagery that negotiates truth and fiction. I like to create images that make the veiwer ask questions as to what may have just taken place prior and what may be about to happen. I try to instill the image with its own life rather than being a document of what life is. I try to create a sense of wonder and mystery in the image. I also avoid using cliches or gimmicks and try not to make the image looked too contrived. I am interested in exploring something beautiful, tender in something that may too often cast aside by others because it may not contain anything of commercial beauty. I also like the reverse idea of this and look for something hard and rough in something commercially pretty.