Tom Ross is an Australian architecture and editorial photographer. Originally from Ocean Grove, he studied at VCA and Massachusetts College of Art and is now working from Melbourne. Be sure to check out some of his work on architectural photography including the Spotted Gum Tree House, Unbricked House by Merrylees Architecture, and more! We sat down with Tom to discuss challenges about being a photographer, his exciting new projects, and his obsession with caviar dip. Let’s hear what he has to say..
George Takes Twelve
1. Pleasantries first… Tell us about who you are and what you do?
I’m Tom Ross. I’m an architecture, and editorial photographer.
2. When I was growing up I wanted to be….
Marine biologist (didn’t realise this was common). I actually finished my degree in Marine biology and conservation before trying out photography.
3. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
We have to articulate ourselves, otherwise we would be cows in the field. W. Herzog.
4. What’s been your favourite moment so far in your career?
Making my own book about architecture in Melbourne with some of my favourite people. http://amongbuildings.com
5. What do you feel is the most challenging part about being a photographer today?
To start, I am very grateful, as anyone who gets to take photos for a living should be. Maintaining your own honest trajectory, and expression, amongst the thousands of jpegs that fly through your view.
6. What words of wisdom do you have for a go getter look at breaking into the world of photography?
Be honest, try to ignore what everyone else is doing. Over service, but don’t let people take advantage of you. Thank the people who take a chance on you when you’re starting out.
7. What’s the most treasured belonging/item in your own home?
My grandad’s watch. My shower probably too, it has great pressure and I love showers.
8. What’s one thing other people may not know about you?
I eat a lot of caviar dip.
9. Can you pinpoint the moment photography turned into a profession for you?
That is a constantly unfolding experiment. But the moment I knew I had to give it a crack was when I came home from driving around Australia for a year.
10. When’s the last time you were on the opposite side of the camera lens?
In Queensland a couple of weeks ago when I gave my sister a camera for her birthday.
11. You’ve got 24hrs to shoot any person or subject in the universe. Who or what is at the top of your list?
Peter Zumthor’s, Therme Vals (spa/baths) in Switzerland, or Bill Murray maybe.
12. What’s next for you? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline…
Yep working on a little photo book. Launching that, and showing some work at Centre for Contemporary Photography this August.
Meet the Photographer Radio
“An Even Suntan” Playlist
“Stream of consciousness, all over the shop. Felt too pretentious to include the opera that I like.” – Tom Ross
Where to find him
Name: Tom Ross
Business Name: tomross.xyz
Job Title: Photographer
Website: http://tomross.xyz/
Instagram: @tomross.xyz
