Photographer Paul McDonald has always seen his camera as more than just a tool for capturing images. For him, it serves as a therapeutic instrument a means of processing emotions and experiences that might otherwise go unsaid. His latest series, Things I Wanted to Say – but Never Did delves into themes of masculinity and vulnerability through arresting nude portraits of men, set against the backdrop of nature.
The series is now featured in the BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! zine, and McDonald recently spoke with Attitude Uncut about his creative journey and the profound connection he feels with the natural world. His work is available through and at the Gallery Café London.
Nature as a canvas for emotions
McDonald’s approach to photography is deeply rooted in his connection to nature. He believes that placing the human form within a landscape is a natural and beautiful act. “Swimming nude in the ocean is so beautiful and refreshing,” he remarks, highlighting the innate harmony between humans and their environment. However, he notes that modern society has drifted away from this connection.
His work reflects this disconnection, particularly in the context of Australia, where he has lived for the past 26 years. “The history, the grief, and the loss of the land” resonate deeply with him, especially considering the First Nations history of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. “The connection to land is so important,” he emphasizes, suggesting that this connection is palpable in the very essence of the land itself.
Photography as therapy
For McDonald, photography has always been a personal and therapeutic practice. “Some people see a therapist for their mental health, for anxiety. For me, the camera is a therapeutic tool – a very personal tool – and it has been from a young age,” he explains. This therapeutic aspect is particularly evident in his landscape work, where he uses photography to process grief and loss.
One poignant example is the loss of a close friend. “I went out into nature and photographed the landscape. It helps me process it,” McDonald shares. This practice of using photography to navigate emotional turmoil has become a significant part of his work. He has even extended this approach to others, running workshops with men using photography as a means of storytelling and emotional expression.
A journey from Liverpool to Sydney
McDonald’s journey as a photographer began in his hometown of Liverpool. Inspired by his father, who is also a photographer, McDonald initially pursued fashion photography but eventually found himself working in the corporate world to pay off student debts. “I was working high-pressure corporate jobs, making money for other people? I was like: ‘No,’” he recalls.
The catalyst for his return to photography came during his time as the Associate Director of the Australian Centre for Photography. Bored with his corporate job, he realized it was time to revisit his passion. “The catalyst for going back into my photography practice, full circle, was being bored in my job at a big arts organisation,” he admits. This decision led him to Sydney, where he has since made his home.
McDonald’s work continues to evolve, exploring the intersections of masculinity, mental health, and the natural world. His latest series, Things I Wanted to Say – but Never Did is a testament to his unique approach to photography and his commitment to using his art as a means of healing and expression.
