photographer tony owczarek






I have always enjoyed looking at the catalogues for Melbourne brands Elk Accessories and Nancybird not just for the designs and art direction but the photography too. It turns out that Tony Owczarek is the man both of them have used - and for many years. He always captures a lovely moment with the talent. Tony's other clients include Purebaby and Hardie Grant.


Which five words best describe you? Creative, passionate, precise, excitable and fun.

How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I assisted as many photographers as I could to pick up the best few habits from each and used that to better my own practices. Then I started shooting and built up clients over time. I have been fortunate in developing and growing my business with a group of like-minded and creative clients who continue to provide me with the opportunity to challenge and expand my skill set, and are a great group of people to work with.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Assume nothing and have a backup plan for everything!

What’s your proudest career achievement? Every time I receive the finished catalogue or magazine I have worked on I feel like this is the best moment in my career. To see the final product produced after days or weeks of shooting and re-touching and feeling proud of what can be achieved when you are working for and with great people is a pretty exciting.

What’s been your best decision? To build my own studio in Collingwood so my clients can be comfortable and relaxed in a space that is not being interrupted by others. Having worked in many studios prior to this I knew it was important to create a space that would be enjoyable to be in year round.

Who inspires you? There are too many to mention for so many reasons but people who don't give up when the going gets tough always gives me inspiration.

What are you passionate about? Photography for sure; it's always been a part of my life in some way. Behaving in an ethical way in every aspect of life. Delivering to my clients a product beyond their expectations. Keeping physically and mentally fit.

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? In terms of photographers, Richard Avedon. Class and style, a rare commodity.

What dream do you still want to fulfil? Among the many would have to be to make a film of a book I read about 10 years ago and to do more work overseas.

What are you reading? Having a 15-month-old does not give me much time for reading but I do read PDN mag and I have Atomic the first war of physics on the go, I'm not into fiction.


images courtesy of tony owczarek; (elk - 1 & 2, nancybird - 3 & 4)