The World Through Josh Robenstone’s Lens
Melbourne-based Josh Robenstone is an acclaimed documentary, editorial and advertising photographer and director – with a portfolio that extends from far away places to people, Josh is moved by moments that are purely candid and unconsidered.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Josh Robenstone
‘Generally, I’m drawn to moments of subtle obscurity. Scenes that present slightly differently to what we’re used to seeing,’ says Josh Robenstone. Pictured: BASTA! Italy, personal work by Josh Robenstone
BASTA! Italy, personal work by Josh Robenstone
When Josh Robenstone was just ten years old and on a trip to New York, he was handed his first camera – a small point and shoot. Standing at Battery Park on a stormy winters day, looking out at the Statue of Liberty, Josh had his very first significant creative experience capturing a moment, ‘As the sun popped through and hit Ellis Island, I remember raising the camera to my eye to take the picture. When I got the prints back from the lab, I remember that feeling of satisfaction. The same feeling I have today, and I guess that feeling never left,’ shares Josh.
Growing up, photography was big part of Josh’s life – his uncle was a collector and his father a keen amateur photographer. ‘As I got older it drifted in and out of my life but retrospectively, it was always present and without realising it, as photography tends to do, it had taken a hold of me and my path was set.’
Today, Josh works across documentary, editorial and advertising photography and directing, drawing inspiration from all areas of his life; from music, art, design, culture or humanity. ‘I love looking at life and how we as a people live and express ourselves. Whether it’s walking around the block at home or in a remote African village, I like to observe and try to understand. Ultimately though, time and space provides clarity and that’s what really drives my creativity,’ says Josh.
With a portfolio that extends from far away places to people, it’s the subtlety of a subject that draws Josh in - those moments that are purely candid and usually unconsidered. ‘I’m not one for over dramatisation so I like to convey the emotion of a subject through the nuances of their expression and energy. Obviously depending on the purpose of the photograph, this may change, but I like to keep that as my baseline.’
He continues, ‘When it comes to portraiture, initially I try to actually give as little direction as possible and just let things play out naturally. Obviously though if I don’t feel that I’m getting that results I’m looking for I will help to calm their nerves or give them a task but really what I’m generally looking for is honestly.’
Inspiration for Josh comes from many places, particularly large grungy cities and on the flip side nature and space and 'small weird towns’ - ‘Art, music, food, friends, ideas, thoughts… throw it all in the mix. I think the more I see and feel, the more I am inspired and the better my work is as a result.’
As for many photographers, curiosity is something Josh values - in particular, the freedom it creates for discovery. ‘Photography is a tool for an adventure. It give some a reason to explore, to travel and to look at things from a different perspective. Photography gives purpose to curiosity.’
This year, Josh has exciting plans in the pipeline with his agents The Artl-ne across a range of different projects. ‘I am looking forward to being pushed into new and challenging directions.’
‘I’m not afraid to take a lot of images of one scene knowing that within that there will be a small number that are exactly what I’m looking for.’ Pictured: Home, Namibia – personal work by Josh Robenstone
“ I love looking at life and how we as a people live and express ourselves. Whether it’s walking around the block at home or in a remote African village, I like to observe and try to understand. Ultimately though, time and space provides clarity – that’s what really drives my creativity.”
‘The thing I love most about what I do is the exploration and freedom it allows me.’ Pictured: Personal work, Mumbai by Josh Robenstone
