Interview

Aug 5

Luke Munro

A passion for taking photos commenced at an early age where Luke was found using the family camera on holidays and special occasions. Luke commenced his photography training, partnering with other photography studios for several years prior to commencing his own company, Luke Munro Photography, in 2009 and has never looked back!

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My Nanna was a brilliant oil painter who painted stunning landscapes of north east Victoria, so the creative juices were inherited at a very young age. During high school, the option of choosing photography for a semester also started my passion for creating a striking image. Capturing images on film cameras and processing them in darkrooms was a tremendously rewarding adventure of creative expression. This led me to taking a week long photography tour with 5 professional photographers, including Australia’s most prominent landscape photographer Ken Duncan. Photographing the beautiful Whitsunday Islands with seasoned professionals and sharing the experience with over 50 photographers was the springboard to new adventures with my cameras. Taking photographs on Whitehaven Beach, sailing through the crystal clear blue waters and hanging out of helicopters to capture some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Whitsundays provided such an exhilarating adventure that had to be explored further.”

What inspires you?

“Capturing moments that can never be replicated. Creating memories that my clients will treasure and hand down to generations that tells their unique stories.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“My underlying message is: I capture moments of fun, affection, family and celebration - life’s moments for life! Capturing loved ones, landscapes, cultures and traditions, I honour and celebrate moments of significance, eliminating the disappointment of missed opportunities. Real people, real stories, celebrating authentic moments captured in time, proudly gracing spaces and walls to reflect your personality and lifestyle. Identifying the moments that matter, I assist in creating visual imagery that evokes a sense of connection to the past, and preserving life’s precious memories. My clients leave a legacy for their families, and create homes that visually reflect significant moments. Making life’s moments last a lifetime is my creative heartbeat.”

How would you describe your work?

“I would describe my work as authentic, timeless, intimate, emotional, candid, natural, vibrant, joyful, sentimental, elegant, personal, detailed, warm, dynamic, reflective, genuine and heartfelt.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Most definitely artists like Ken Duncan, Nigel Unsworth, David Oliver, Rocco Ancora and Ben Connolly to name a few.”

“I capture moments of fun, affection, family and celebration - life’s moments for life!”

What is your creative process like?

“I work with my clients to learn what is important to them. Even if I have been to the same location multiple times it is their story, not mine, I am simply the storyteller and no 2 clients are ever the same. I love that most of my work is on location where I work with the ever changing natural elements. Interpreting the available light or creating the light is a creative process that thrills both the photographer and the subject. Capturing their authentic story and true personality drives me to produce images that are complimentary of my clients.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I have the privilege of capturing moments in time that my clients will look back on and remember exactly how they felt at that precise moment. I am invited to photograph some of the most significant occasions in a families journey. Weddings, portraits, children and family occasions, all pass by in a flash and it’s the photographs and art that allow them to share their story with future generations. My landscape photography helps bring peace to a busy home and relaxation to a space, allowing people to stop, reflect and find hope with all the stresses and demands of a busy life. Art will never die, even with smartphones, apps, AI and digital media. The authenticity captured within a photograph will live forever.”