Hi Charlie, thanks for taking the time for a quick interview with me. I see you recently exhibited at ‘The Grotto’ in South Yarra, and noticed more than a few red dots on the walls – I take it the exhibit was well received. Tell us a little about it.

Hey Marc, my pleasure. Yeah, I had my first exhibition along with my friend, painter, Nick Modrzewski in August. Nick and I had been talking about having a collective show together, so at the beginning of the year we started organising one. I suppose we had a vision and just stuck to it. It took a lot of work to get it all together but we wanted to exhibit in our ‘own’ space so we found one and named it the Grotto; no idea why, and we wanted to run it our own way. We got some very much appreciated support from a number of people and Little Creatures certainly helped us a lot with making the opening an enjoyable experience.

Somehow we had literally hundreds of people there for our opening night, which was a shock more than anything, but a good one at that. All in all Nick and I both did quite well for our first ‘solo’ exhibition, Nick sold pretty much everything and I did alright for myself too.

So you’re well on your way to becoming an established, professional, commercial and fashion photographer - But where and when did it all begin? What sparked your interest in photography?

Still a long way to go yet. I have always had an interest in photography and liked using my dad’s cameras when I was younger but never really intended on becoming a photographer until I had to choose something to do. Photography is something that agrees with me in different ways. I like the way it allows you to capture time and do what you want with that moment. I also like how quick it can be, as an art, in that you can have an idea and create something in very little time, if you want to; but for that matter it can also take a very long time too I guess, to evolve from idea to image, but that is just another plus.

How did you develop your skills as a photographer? Have you had much in the way of formal training or are you largely self-taught?

I'm sure you have had extensive interaction with other photographers over the years - what is the best advice you have received from another artist in the industry?

It may be hard to put into a short response but I'm interested to know what you love the most about your job?

It's always fascinating to look into the bag of the artists and see their tools - what's in your kit? What is your equipment and software of choice for your workflow?

Is there anything missing from your kit? Perhaps a 'hero' piece of photographic equipment your are yet to obtain?

Having asked what great advice was once imparted to you, what advice do you have for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a professional photographer? What does it take to be a fantastic photographer?

I’m not sure. When I meet a fantastic photographer I will be sure to ask them this same question!

... A very modest response Charlie. Alright, as far as your style is concerned, what matters most – techinique vs creative, if you wouldn't weighing in.

The technique is as important as the creativity. The important part of being a photographer is being able to apply both to every image. Some people might be fantastically creative but won’t know their head from their ass when it comes to a camera; whilst on the other hand, someone might know everything there is to know about photographic technique but have the creative ability of a fridge.

So they are complimentary; it is more about knowing what technique is appropriate for an intended creative outcome. This is where the time and experimenting / learning come in.

We know you have a website under your name at www.charlespaynephotography.com - are there any other sites you participate in, ie. Facebook, Flickr and so on… where else can we find you on-line?