PHOTOGRAPHER JACQUI TURK
The late photographer Robyn Beeche one day said to Jacqui Turk, “You love photography, and you love interiors. Why not photograph interiors?” It might seem like an obvious suggestion today looking at Jacqui’s portfolio, but her photographic career was taking quite a different path up until that point. After studying an associate diploma in photography at Tafe, where she learnt on film, she assisted for a while and then left Sydney to travel overseas. While based in London Jacqui worked for Darren Lyons’ paparazzi agency Big Pictures in the London office and on her return to Australia got a job on the picture desk at ACP’s NW magazine. When the opportunity came up to take a job as the fashion editor, she jumped at it. Eight years later, after working with photographers and regularly in studios, she went freelance as a fashion stylist. “But I felt it wasn’t right,” Jacqui says. “I bought a digital SLR about five years ago and haven’t looked back.”
Which five words best describe you? Hard worker, positive, optimistic, flexible, attention to detail.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? About four years ago when my youngest started school I sent a rough portfolio in to Broadsheet. Luckily Sophie, the editor, liked my work and gave me a go.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Know your brief but expect the unexpected.
What’s your proudest career achievement? I am just thankful that I get the opportunity to do what I love for people and that they are happy with what I do. I am still early in my career, hopefully achievements will come with time.
What’s been your best decision? To pick up a camera again after many years.
Who inspires you? People who rise from adversity, creatives.
What are you passionate about? My family, art - I don’t get time to get out and see enough, checking food expiry dates.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Probably an obvious answer but Annie Leibovitz. Her early work fascinates me.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? A photography dream job would be to shoot for an interior print mag.
What are you reading? Just finished Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.
images courtesy of jacqui turk and broadsheet sydney (1), mary van de wiel [interview], the minimalist [interview] and slabsbydesign