Conor

Hi there dogmann and others, As you can probably see from that interview with the green left publication, it was exactly that, an interview. I never supplied them with any photographs, they use one the writer Kate took at the cafe when we had a chat. I would also suggest if people want to actually have a That interview was literally four years ago. I had planned on doing more at the time on rural culture, some of which I have got around to and others which I havent. I have managed to get out and visit some wheat belt farmers out in central Western NSW and also in WA. In fairness with age I have come to realise that I am only going to invest my own time and funds on something that I think it important and adds to a conversation that hasnt been covered healthily. Nowadays when I am going on a self funded trip somewhere I always thinking about how the broad issue or challenge can be personified through a persons experience. From what I have seen so far most people are interested in human centred stories, this is why i think with feral animals the key people are those affected by them, farmers, and those hunting. In regards to validating my quality of person. I find it a little difficult to do so to a bunch of people whose names I dont even know. For now I am happy to keep conversations going over emails and phone yarns with anyone particularly keen. Cheers, Conor

Hi Mick, While I dont know the journo that did the story and the circumstances around how they worked with people it you said it yourself dickheads in all circles wthat bring down the majority.... I have to say though as a viewer that while it ended with the push by politiicans in NSW to ban the practice, I thought the opening of the piece showed the need for feral pig hunting as a culling practice, the first interview with the cane farmer highlighted that really well. I can understand the distrust that exists amongst hunters, I spose for anyone that takes me out I hope to be taken on my individual merit as a human first and a photographer second. C

Hi all, Thanks for the responses guys. Firstly over to Mick I can imagine your sentiment is shared by many in regards to feeling misrepresented, I havent seen those news pieces you speak of specifically and In regards to hunting being put at jeaporfy I would personally hate to think that might be a biproduct of any news piece about pig hunting. Secondly in regars to what happens to the photos, you mentioned your face ending up as part of an anti-hunting campaign, I would be happy to sign off with any one who I hung out with saying that my photos will only appear in a series that highlights pig hunting as a practice in a wider context of individuals taking a personal pursuit to try the prolific feral animals that plague our continent. Also in regards to that second point, there is already a large bunch of photos and video online of pig hunting that if a campaign was going to rip off material ( as a photographer I wouldnt give it to them and would issue an infringment notice immediately) their best bet would be to just pinch stuff off youtube, which I have to say there is alot of stuff out there. In terms of what kind of 'day in the life of an Australian pig hunter' I would to focus on, the work of American photographer on crocodile hunting is really powerful stuff, you can have a look at it here. http://matteichphoto.com/trouble-in-the-water Personally I really like this work. Now I dont intend to copy his stuff at all but it is an indicator of the photo essay style. Finally for @Old Dog here is a link to some of my work on young farming men living on the land http://au.reachout.com/project-young-men-exhibition and here is my FB page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Conor-Ashleigh-Visual-storyteller/238264529582203 . If anyone wants to email me directly I am on conor.ashleigh@gmail.com

Hi all, My name is Conor, I am a photographer based in Sydney. I work around the world and around Australia. Growing up in regional NSW as a young fella now I live in the big smoke and have less time to go bush I have become more interested in trying to find ways to photograph the reality of rural Australia for farmers and the habitat. I am looking to start working on a project about feral animals and how they plague farms and natural habitat in Australia, while i know it

Hi all, My name is Conor, I am a photographer based in Sydney. I work around the world and around Australia. Growing up in regional NSW as a young fella now I live in the big smoke and have less time to go bush I have become more interested in trying to find ways to photograph the reality of rural Australia for farmers and the habitat. I am looking to start working on a project about feral animals and how they plague farms and natural habitat in Australia, while i know it