Catherine Scrivener – Beauty about life is in it’s small moments
In a world dominated by perfection and spectacle, Australian photographer Catherine Scrivener chooses to focus on smaller, imperfect moments that make life feel real.
Her images are visual journal entries, raw, honest, saturated with color, and overflowing with emotion. During the interview, Catherine discusses her process, her early influences, and her enjoyment of working with Ryan McGinley. They also discuss why it thrills her most to capture the passing everyday moments.
Q1. How did your journey into photography begin?
I always had an interest in photography – I remember having 35mm cameras when I was a kid. When I was deciding what to do for my A-levels, I didn’t think I was creative enough to do the art course so settled on photography instead.
Q2. Your work beautifully highlights life’s small, often overlooked moments. What draws you to these scenes, and how do you decide which moments to capture?
Its usually what makes me laugh or smile, or trying to notice things other people might overlook. Or when something looks interesting or unusual. Its impossible to force these things though, so its usually just when something catches my eye.
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Q3. What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I love knitting. I’ve been compulsively knitting socks since lockdown.
Q4. With the rise of smartphone photography and instant sharing, how do you think the appreciation for small, everyday moments in photography has evolved?
Its a lot easier for everyone to do it now, especially with cameras on phones. And its a lot easier for people to post something then forget about it in 24hrs time. I think people are living more in the moment but in a slightly more disposable way.
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Q5. How do you think your style evolved over the years?
I don’t think its changed too much, I think I’m better at editing now or cutting out things that don’t look great. I’ve been collaborating with a musician (Zoee) for a few years now – that’s definitely helped push me out my comfort zone and evolve my style. She always has great ideas and seeing those ideas become reality is exciting.
Q6. How do you handle creative blocks or periods of artistic doubt?
Thats a tough one! Sometimes just getting out and taking photos is the hardest bit. I find it helpful to go see exhibitions and looking at other peoples work – books, zines etc, anything I find inspiring.
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Q7. What do you love to do when you’re not behind the camera?
I love going to the cinema and watching films.
Q8. Are there any personal or professional milestones you’re especially proud of and would like to share?
I started a business last year, which is a pretty big one.
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Q9. How do you see AI and digital art influencing the future of photography?
I’m not sure how I feel about AI yet – sometimes thinking about it can be scary, but then I see what the AI tool does on Photoshop and I don’t worry too much. I think it’s going to get harder and harder to tell what’s real and what’s not.
Q10. What’s your go-to way to relax after a long day of shooting?
Knitting and going to the cinema. And eating.
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Q11. Photographing simple moments can sometimes be more challenging than grand scenes. What obstacles have you faced in this approach, and how have you overcome them?
The most annoying obstacle is usually physical – not being able to get close enough or missing the moment by seconds. Which makes it even better when I do get it. Though there’s no real way to overcome that – just keep trying.
Q12. Are there any new techniques or styles you’ve wanted to try but haven’t yet?
I got quite into prism filters a few years ago – I always enjoying using things like that but don’t do it often enough.
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Q13. What advice would you give to emerging photographers?
Just get out and shoot, find what interests you and keep going. It doesn’t matter if its not technically perfect, if you like it I think that’s the best place to start.
Q14. Are there any upcoming projects or themes you’re excited to explore?
Theres a couple of zines I’d like to make of recent events, that’s always fun. I haven’t made a zine for a while so its definitely overdue.
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Q15. How do you envision your photography evolving in the next few years?
I don’t think it’ll evolve too much to be honest – I like using my photos almost as a diary or record of what’s happened. Theres a few cameras I’ve got my eye on – a new camera to play with might mix things up a bit.
Catherine Scrivener reminds us that beauty is not always dramatic and can reside in the subtleties of our quiet life. For her, the entirely ordinary acquires significance, and the fully overlooked shines bright.
Her work is a call to slow down, observe, and feel the stories that permeate the world around us. For a photographer or simply a lover of photographic imagery that feels true and alive, Catherine’s method offers a bright, splashing ray into the domain of creativity, presence, and attention.
Make sure to check out all of Catherine Scrivener’s work on her site!
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