Keren Dobia: "The biggest challenge facing photographers today is education"

At the 2017 Australian Professional Photography Awards, a photographer and judge said of Keren Dobia’s work that “there are some portraits that simply say what we look like, and there’s some that say who we are.”

This is the principle that has inspired Keren’s ongoing series of portraits depicting Australian artists and artisans, I AM. – four of which earned her the distinction of being named the 2017 AIPP Australian Professional Photographer of the Year.

Keren is an accredited professional photographer and a creator of theatrical compositions. Her artwork is influenced by her background in painting, drawing, and fashion, and her images often blur the line between photography and illustration.

Keren’s creativity extends to the design and fabrication of costumes and sets. With a natural attention to detail and her industry recognised postproduction skills Keren moulds her inspirational work from concept to completion. Keren holds a Diploma of Photoimaging from Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly NMIT), and lectures at Melbourne Polytechnic and RMIT in the photoimaging courses alongside her creative and commercial work.

We sat down for a quick chat with Keren ahead of her session at FOTO LIVE.

1) What is it about photography you love?

I love that photography gives me the ability to combine my passions. I have always had an interest in the visual arts, painting, drawing and making since I was a young child. Photography is one more way I can express my ideas and creativity. I love the whole process from creating to printing.

2) What do you think is the biggest challenge facing photographers today?

The biggest challenge facing photographers today is education. Many clients can not tell the difference between a bad photographer and a great photographer. They dont see the difference in quality, lighting or printing. This lack of knowledge is devaluing the photography industry and making it extremely difficult to make a living.

If I was an enthusiast trying to get into the professional world of photography I would be focusing on educating myself through workshops (both business and technical), events, volunteering, emerging myself in the industry and up-skilling where ever I could. I think its important to learn the value of professional photography and never settle. To keep the level of photography at a high standard we need to be constantly learning and retraining.

3) What's your favourite image?

Currently my favourite image is The Filmmaker, although I have a sneaking suspicion my favourite image is going to be one I haven't shot yet.

4) What can people expect from your talk at live?

My talk at Live is all about creativity and my artistic process. I will discuss and show how I visualise and produce my conceptual portraits, and hopefully leave viewers with some ideas to try in their next portrait session.

Keren Dobia is one of eight amazing speakers at our one day photography event, FOTO LIVE. Find out more here.