ROB Heyman is an artist – an artist of photography and still images.
His Nikon Z6iii is his brush, palette and easel and rural families across New South Wales and Queensland are his subjects of choice.
Mr Heyman travels regularly across the eastern states of Australia capturing images, and his creations are incredible.
They are more than just keepsakes.
Images taken by Rob Heyman are lasting memories for families to treasure and admire for generations.
They are works of art.
Mr Heyman was in Moree in January, taking images primarily of farming and rural families – group shots as well as portraits – across the black-soil plains.
He’ll be back in the district in mid-April, such is the demand for his services, and families wanting to document their generational history are encouraged to book now.
There is currently 10 spots available for family photo sessions, and with school holidays scheduled from April 14 to April 24, there is no better time to book a slot.
All images are taken on family properties, with Mr Heyman preferring to work at sundown when natural lighting is picture-perfect.
Mr Heyman fears the age-old concept of the “family farm” is slowly dying, but images are the one constant that keeps memories alive and family photo albums and framed images adorning living room walls are time capsules that never age.
Samples of Mr Heyman’s work is featured in the image gallery accompanying this story as well as on his Facebook page and website, with details and links below.
Mr Heyman insists on capturing families in their everyday attire – the genuine garb worn by those who toil the land – in their own family habitat.
This, he says, infuses images with a raw, unfiltered honesty and allows viewers to connect with the subjects at a deeply personal level.
“Forget the camera. Forget the photo. Look at the subjects and tap into their personalities and qualities. Only then should you be concerned about the camera,” Mr Heyman said.
“Look into a subject’s eyes, and beyond – capture their mood, personality and character.”
Mr Heyman possesses a remarkable talent for doing just that – capturing the essence of his subjects.
What sets Mr Heyman’s work apart is his reverence for natural light and authentic locations, using as backdrops the landscapes his subjects have nurtured for generations.
“I want to ensure I provide people the best possible images so that, in family situations, they can be passed on,” he said.
Mr Heyman’s formal portraits vary in style. Some are staged against simple surroundings and focus entirely on the subject filling the frame.
Others are set within the subject’s own environment.
“This approach not only conveys a sense of place, but also gives the images a feeling of authenticity and belonging,” Mr Heyman said.
Some of Mr Heyman’s images are taken in bold, living colour. Others use a stark greyscale method with a hint of sepia.
Through these techniques, his work transcends mere representation, and gives viewers a glimpse of his subjects’ true characters and traits.
To accomplish this, Mr Heyman says a photographer needs much more than a “good camera”.
“Photographers need to be able to communicate with every one of his clients, and be able to recognise the reasons for the portrait,” he said.
They need to work with the subject’s personality and then design a portrait that works to their requirements.
“All of this has nothing to do with the camera,” he smiled.
Mr Heyman will be in the Moree district during the April school holidays, and plans to cover plenty of territory.
“I will travel to all the towns, villages and farming communities surrounding Moree,” he said.
Places like Mungindi, Garah, Croppa Creek, Crooble and North Star, as well as Warialda, Bingara and south to Gurley and Bellata are on his radar.
“I would also like to see some of the western country; places like Mallawa, Rowena and Burren Junction,” he said.
Farming families in the district seeking to document their generations with extraordinary photography are encouraged to get in touch with Mr Heyman and discuss their needs.
Rob Heyman Photography
When: From around April 14, 2025
Where: Across the NSW north-west, within about a 100km radius of Moree
Bookings encouraged: 0413 430445
Email: rheyman@mac.com
Website: www.heymanphoto.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559568727915
