Capturing moments in time and making them into magical memories is the most rewarding aspect of Tilly Clifford’s photography. Tilly says you have to dig deep to take a good portrait and this shows in her work. Home to the South Coast, Tilly enjoys being able to travel with her work around Australia as well as coming home to her red brick home and four-legged doggie-pal Piper.
INTERVIEW BY ANNA HEYLIGERS IMAGES BY ANNA HEYLIGERS
Capturing moments in time and making them into magical memories is the most rewarding aspect of Tilly Clifford’s photography. Tilly says you have to dig deep to take a good portrait and this shows in her work. Home to the South Coast, Tilly enjoys being able to travel with her work around Australia as well as coming home to her red brick home and four-legged doggie-pal Piper.
INTERVIEW BY ANNA HEYLIGERS IMAGES BY ANNA HEYLIGERS
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m a photographer based on the South Coast. At the moment I mainly spend my days shooting weddings, elopements and portraiture alongside a few projects I currently have in the works. My partner and I have spent the last few years renovating our little red brick home after finally deciding where to plant our roots. Life is busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER?
It’s so hard to choose, there is so much I love about what I do. I think I get the most enjoyment simply having the ability to capture a single moment in time and create a memory that lasts forever. There is a constant feeling of exploring unknown territory as a photographer and this is what inspires me from day to day. I’m forever working with new subjects, seeking out ways to tap into their emotions. This is an essential part of my work and ultimately what makes a great portrait, you can’t just scratch the surface, you must look deeper and this is the part I love most.
WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
The handover of memories is always the most rewarding. I’ve captured a story through my own eye and to hear how much this means to each individual is pure magic. I’m addicted to capturing those tiny little moments that you never want to forget, I don’t think that feeling could ever get old.
CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m a photographer based on the South Coast. At the moment I mainly spend my days shooting weddings, elopements and portraiture alongside a few projects I currently have in the works. My partner and I have spent the last few years renovating our little red brick home after finally deciding where to plant our roots. Life is busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER?
It’s so hard to choose, there is so much I love about what I do. I think I get the most enjoyment simply having the ability to capture a single moment in time and create a memory that lasts forever. There is a constant feeling of exploring unknown territory as a photographer and this is what inspires me from day to day. I’m forever working with new subjects, seeking out ways to tap into their emotions. This is an essential part of my work and ultimately what makes a great portrait, you can’t just scratch the surface, you must look deeper and this is the part I love most.
WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
The handover of memories is always the most rewarding. I’ve captured a story through my own eye and to hear how much this means to each individual is pure magic. I’m addicted to capturing those tiny little moments that you never want to forget, I don’t think that feeling could ever get old.
WE LOVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE CREATIVE PROCESS BEHIND THEM?
When I’m shooting a wedding I’m very much a visual story-teller, I have a very candid and photo journalistic approach to my work, although coming from a fine art background I often feel my photographs combine both styles. Capturing fleeting moments with a focus on light and movement would define my creative process. If I could shoot all day on film I would, I love photographing with the intention that there is only once chance to capture a moment.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PHOTOGRAPHERS JUST STARTING OUT?
Just keep shooting, never let the passion slide. Many times I’ve fallen into the trap of photography being my job, but it's so much more than that. Live and breathe it, find constant inspiration and shoot what makes you happy. Most importantly don’t compare your work to others, shoot for yourself and your style will find you.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD AN INTEREST IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
Yes, I had a keen interest in the medium from an early age and went on to study, graduating with a Master of Arts Practice specialising in Photo Media. Upon completing my studies I ventured out starting my own business, shooting here, there and everywhere, I eventually found my feet documenting weddings and haven’t looked back.
WE LOVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE CREATIVE PROCESS BEHIND THEM?
When I’m shooting a wedding I’m very much a visual story-teller, I have a very candid and photo journalistic approach to my work, although coming from a fine art background I often feel my photographs combine both styles. Capturing fleeting moments with a focus on light and movement would define my creative process. If I could shoot all day on film I would, I love photographing with the intention that there is only once chance to capture a moment.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PHOTOGRAPHERS JUST STARTING OUT?
Just keep shooting, never let the passion slide. Many times I’ve fallen into the trap of photography being my job, but it's so much more than that. Live and breathe it, find constant inspiration and shoot what makes you happy. Most importantly don’t compare your work to others, shoot for yourself and your style will find you.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS HAD AN INTEREST IN PHOTOGRAPHY?
Yes, I had a keen interest in the medium from an early age and went on to study, graduating with a Master of Arts Practice specialising in Photo Media. Upon completing my studies I ventured out starting my own business, shooting here, there and everywhere, I eventually found my feet documenting weddings and haven’t looked back.
I’m a dreamer at heart and life seems to be a constant hazy blur of wishing to be on the road yet living for those slow, simple days at home. I’m often away for work so I really do cherish my time at home. In my 20’s I lived a mix of life on the coast and out in the country, somehow though I always found my way back south. I grew up here and nowhere else feels like home. It’s funny how sometimes leaving a place behind for a while makes you realise just how perfect it is.
If you peeked through my living room window in the morning you would spot fresh coffee brewing, a record spinning and Palo Santo burning. I work out of my home studio most of the time and when not here I love spending time outdoors, hiking the escarpment, my camera always with me. The Royal National Park holds a special place in my heart; I love spending time there shooting on film.
Most weekends I’m usually driving the highway on route to a wedding or two. I love that it’s always somewhere new that I’m headed though; I’m incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to explore the country as I work. If I happen to have a rare weekend off you can usually find me grabbing coffee and croissants at Bread, Espresso & in Thirroul and hanging out with my four-legged daughter Piper.
She runs the show! She is without a doubt the most curious, intuitive, affectionate and hilarious sidekick. She has more energy than I’ve ever known but at the same time loves a good nap in the sun and is always the last one up in the morning. She lives to explore and takes food very, very seriously. She brings such joy to life.
I fell in love with the perfectly curated selection of goods and the spirit of what the store stands for. I have a connection to the beautiful pieces that have found their way from the store into my home, mostly hand crafted goods with a story to tell.
My favourite find as of late would have to be Dutchie Scents, I spotted Sundazed burning in the store one Saturday morning took some home and my house has had the magical scent drifting through it ever since.
I’m a dreamer at heart and life seems to be a constant hazy blur of wishing to be on the road yet living for those slow, simple days at home. I’m often away for work so I really do cherish my time at home. In my 20’s I lived a mix of life on the coast and out in the country, somehow though I always found my way back south. I grew up here and nowhere else feels like home. It’s funny how sometimes leaving a place behind for a while makes you realise just how perfect it is.
If you peeked through my living room window in the morning you would spot fresh coffee brewing, a record spinning and Palo Santo burning. I work out of my home studio most of the time and when not here I love spending time outdoors, hiking the escarpment, my camera always with me. The Royal National Park holds a special place in my heart; I love spending time there shooting on film.
Most weekends I’m usually driving the highway on route to a wedding or two. I love that it’s always somewhere new that I’m headed though; I’m incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to explore the country as I work. If I happen to have a rare weekend off you can usually find me grabbing coffee and croissants at Bread, Espresso & in Thirroul and hanging out with my four-legged daughter Piper.
She runs the show! She is without a doubt the most curious, intuitive, affectionate and hilarious sidekick. She has more energy than I’ve ever known but at the same time loves a good nap in the sun and is always the last one up in the morning. She lives to explore and takes food very, very seriously. She brings such joy to life.
I fell in love with the perfectly curated selection of goods and the spirit of what the store stands for. I have a connection to the beautiful pieces that have found their way from the store into my home, mostly hand crafted goods with a story to tell.
My favourite find as of late would have to be Dutchie Scents, I spotted Sundazed burning in the store one Saturday morning took some home and my house has had the magical scent drifting through it ever since.
COMMON PEOPLE #23
When two leaf lovers are sent on a blind date you get a combination that makes a little business called Leaf Supply. Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan from Sydney's Inner West set out to create a community of plant lovers delivering greens in little handmade pots throughout the city. Their efforts have grown via social media and publishing their first book Leaf Supply, with their second book about to drop it's a true testament to all they've achieved.
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common people #23
When two leaf lovers are sent on a blind date you get a combination that makes a little business called Leaf Supply. Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan from Sydney's Inner West set out to create a community of plant lovers delivering greens in little handmade pots throughout the city. Their efforts have grown via social media and publishing their first book Leaf Supply, with their second book about to drop it's a true testament to all they've achieved.
