Ren Pidgeon | Meet the Photographer

Most little kids dream, at one point or another, of becoming a famous football player. For Melbourne-based photographer Ren Pidgeon, that dream is still as strong as ever, with big ambitions to become the Bomber’s oldest and best player in 2018.

We haven’t seen him kick a footy, but the kid knows his way around a camera, that’s for sure. Growing up in Warrandyte, Ren quickly discovered a love of photography at school and instantly knew this was his calling. With plenty of experience under his belt in commercial fashion and editorial, Ren has made a name for himself in the industry with his clean, crisp style.

Ren’s a busy guy. Two years ago, he opened All Time Studios in Richmond, Victoria, and also started building Co:lab, an app for photographers and creatives to meet and plan projects together. He also held his first solo exhibition in November last year, The Dressing Room. Featuring prints up to two metres in size, the images have a voyeuristic feel, each trying to emulate the lighting and feel of an early morning or dusk bedroom window. The idea was to create a calm comfort in each image that has the feel of being at home, however using a controlled lighting situation to showcase and experiment with lighting techniques.

George Takes Twelve

We met up with the man himself to chat more about life as a photographer, career highlights and hidden talents. Check out our conversation below.

1. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I actually wanted to be an AFL footballer. I have not given up on that dream just yet. 2018 Bombers oldest and best player.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do for a living?

I am a Melbourne-based photographer, I generally make my living from fashion photography. I love candid images in natural light, however, I generally spend 80% of my life in the studio.

3. What’s been your favourite moment so far in your career?

I am honestly not sure what the single best moment is. I generally feel very lucky to have the lifestyle and job that I do, I love my work and the people I work with*.

*90% of the time

4. What do you feel is the most challenging part about being a photographer today?

Faster and faster deadlines – Not being able to spend as much time as I would like to make selections with fresh eyes. “When do you need these?” – “LAST WEEK”

5. What words of wisdom do you have for a go-getter look at breaking into the world of photography?

While everyone keeps getting cheaper, become more expensive… Stay obsessed with getting better. You have to exist in your own scene, don’t worry about everyone else and who might be the flavour of the month.

6. What’s the most treasured belonging/item in your own home?

The morning sunshine in my new warehouse apartment that I have with my gf Lucy. Yes, the sun is my possession, for I am the lord of light, thank you.

7. What’s one thing other people may not know about you?

I can spin yarns for days… Gimme a wine and buckle in tight.

8. What’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects in the pipeline you can share with us?

I just did my first solo exhibition in November at Fini Frames in Cremorne. Something I never thought I would do, however these images I am especially proud of. Some large-scale prints featuring a lot of skin.

9. Can you pinpoint the moment photography turned into a profession for you?

I was working as a retoucher for about 5 years, one Christmas holidays I was crying about going back to work… So I resigned on the first day back and decided I needed to focus on becoming a photographer. I spent the next year testing and assisting. I think what made me get to where I am is the fact that I needed to. I didn’t have a job to fall back on, I needed to shoot to pay rent.

Best decision I ever made, I could have quite easily stayed where I was and hated my job forever.

10. When’s the last time you were on the opposite side of the camera lens?

Probably the Hunting For George Hunting Collective exhibition – Still waiting for other offers.

11. You’ve got 24hrs to shoot any person or subject in the universe. Who or what is at the top of your list?

I would probably shoot Trump with a gun.

12. Finish this sentence: I can’t go a day without….

Breathing.

Why We Love Him

We were initially drawn to Ren’s photography because of the intimacy and voyeuristic nature of his images. His work is moody, unique but most of all, it’s natural. He is a passionate and dedicated photographer with a keen eye for detail and his artistic flair shines through in everything he does. He’s constantly striving to master his craft, yet embrace imperfection with purpose.

We teamed up with Ren and good friend and illustrator Georgia Harvey for our 2016 edition of the Hunting Collective. We wanted to feature a photographer and it was a no-brainer. We also had the pleasure of working with Ren for the launch of our Loft Collection back in 2016. Ren shot the entire collection which still to this day, includes some of our most liked images of all time!