Q: How long does it take before I receive the printed photograph?
A: Usually within 20 working days for international clients and 10 working days for Australian clients.

Q: Can they be delivered framed?
A: Yes, but we prefer to only send framed photographs within Australia. We have a number of high quality, handcrafted gallery frames such as black wood, white wood or teak and we are happy to guide you towards the frame that will suit the image you have selected.

Q: How about sending framed photographs internationally?
A: To date we prefer that photographs are sent unframed internationally. We are still investigating safer means of transporting photographs internationally successfully.
Q: What do you mean matted & mounted?
A: The photograph is hinge mounted onto lightweight archival mounted board, then the surrounding matting on top frames the photograph ready to be slipped into either a ready made frame or hand-made frame of your choice.
Q: Can we have a larger picture than most is stated?
A: Yes, depending on the image. Some of Robert’s photographs are more striking larger and can be printed to suit the décor. We are more than happy to quote for this either via an email or telephone conversation.

Q: Do you display your photography in galleries?
A: We have a gallery in Bowral (near the Bradman Oval) which we welcome you to either browse through artwork on the walls and books or alternatively we will sit down with you and look through some of Robert’s original proofs. In Sydney, Sydney Galleries at Darling Harbour have a large selection of Robert’s work and their friendly staff are quite versed with all of Robert’s work. United Galleries in Surry Hills, Sydney have Robert’s French Art Prints Also, Robert often exhibits his new work at various galleries around Australia throughout the year and information we be posted on our website or in our newsletter closer the these events.

Q: What does hand-coloured mean?
A: Individual Black & White photographs that have had pastel or paint added making the photograph more individual. These prints are then re-produced on water colour paper.

Q: Can I have an original hand-coloured photograph?
A: Yes, Robert will produce individual hand-colour photographs upon request. He will discuss colours and styles prior and usually it should take approximately 14 working days.

Q: What is a Certificate of Originality?
A: This is a document issued with every original photographic print. It will have the title of the image, size and number of prints in the edition.

Q: Is this the same Billington Photograph that was in Crows Nest, Sydney?
A: Yes. For 12 years at we had a gallery in 7a Clarke street and Hume Street, Crows Nest. Prior to 1992 we had a gallery in Mosman and Chatswood.

Q: Do you enhance your photographs with Photoshop?
A: No. My finished black and white photographs are as true to the original negative as possible. Nothing has been added, subtracted, or otherwise enhanced in the process of converting the original black & white negative to a photographic print or web image. All of the truly great photographs I have seen have been digitally unaltered. Their strength is really in their reality: the subtle imperfections that fantasy always lacks.

Q: How do you make your black and white prints?
A: I start with a very high quality black & white negative direct from my archives. These are then printed in a wet darkroom (traditional method) up to the size of 20”x24”. Images that are above this size, the negative is scanned and printed onto photographic paper, using a combination of digital and traditional wet darkroom.

Q: Will my print require a custom sized mat/frame?
A: Yes, I’ve found over the years that custom size matting and framing is readily available from most large department stores, framing shops or the internet. We do provide the option of receiving your photograph matted so that all you need to choose is a frame that will suit your décor. Naturally a hand-made frame will be more expensive than a ready-made frame.

Q: Why do your photos look strange on my computer?
A: These photographs were prepared for the web on a typical flat-screen monitor. However, computer monitors vary a great deal in the way they display colour, detail, and tonal depth. Even the software you use to run the monitor will affect how a photograph will look. The result is that photographs look quite different from computer to computer.

Q: Why do you still use film? Wouldn't a digital camera be better?
A: Digital sensors have come a long way in recent years, but I still prefer good quality black and white negative film. I prefer the highlight and shadow reproduction of film; also, by scanning from a negative, I can create a digital file of much higher resolution than one from a digital camera, capturing more image detail and allowing for a slightly larger print.

There are many good reasons why other photographers prefer digital equipment. Storing and printing images is quick and easy. There's no film to buy, and many hundreds of images can fit on a tiny reusable memory card. However I prefer the feel of film and paper proofs.

I'm not averse to using digital technology - once film becomes unavailable, or once I decide that digital sensors have truly eclipsed its capabilities, I probably will. For now, though, I truly enjoy the practise of loading film, the weight and feel, the anticipation of the image revealed in the darkroom, the sound of the shutter and the romance of he cameras mechanics ability to record a fleeting moment via the human eye, the way it’s been done for over 170 years.

Q: What kind of camera do you use?
A: I still use an old fashioned Rolleiflex 2.8 GLX or a Hassleblad 500cm. I have used the same brand and style of equipment for the past 25 years that I feel comfortable and relaxed with.

Q: Is fine art photography a good investment?
A: Collecting photographs as a fine art genre is a 20th century phenomenom. Photography is perhaps one of the most affordable and rewarding paths for beginner collectors. We also recommend collected that photographs use archival methods for processing (via pH-balanced, acid free, conservation archival materials). All of the photographs are signed by Robert Billington.

Buy art because you'll love having it in your life day after day, not because you expect to make money from it in the future. If your artwork happens to increase in value, consider yourself lucky that you did not have to pay more for the same pleasure.

To browse Robert’s unique photographs click here.

For more details about having Robert photograph you and your family click here for more information