For acclaimed Australian artist Robert Billington, photography has always been more than a way of documenting the world. It has been, in his own words, “a way of seeing and connecting.” Over the course of his distinguished career, Billington has become known for his ability to capture the emotional essence of a moment and transform it into something timeless.

His achievements are impressive by any standard. Twice recipient of the Hasselblad Masters Award – a global recognition of excellence in photography – Billington was also named the 1994 AIPP Photographer of the Year. His works have been exhibited in major institutions worldwide, from the Art Gallery of New South Wales to the international M.I.L.K. exhibition and he has published nine acclaimed books. These milestones speak not just to his technical mastery, but also to his ongoing commitment to exploring the ways photography can connect us to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.

However, for Billington, the story does not end with the camera. In recent years, his practice has expanded beyond photography to embrace painting, drawing and mixed media. What began as a career defined by portraiture and black-and-white photography has evolved into a multidimensional exploration of mood, texture and atmosphere. This shift has been embraced by collectors and curators alike – his more recent works have even been acquired by the Park Hyatt for permanent display, cementing the significance of his new direction.

Beyond the Frame: The Evolution of Robert Billington Photography

Visitors to this year’s Southern Highlands Arts Trail will discover an artist in transition, but not in the sense of leaving photography behind. Rather, Robert Billington photography now extends beyond the frame of the camera, spilling into painted canvases and works on paper that complement and expand upon his photographic vision.

“Most people know me for my black-and-white photography,” he explains, “but they’re often surprised to discover the way I now blur the lines between photography and painting. I’m exploring mood, nostalgia, and texture more than ever – driven by what I feel in a landscape rather than what I see.”

This evolution is not about abandoning one form for another, but about weaving together different strands of creative practice. In his Burrawang studio, photography and painting sit side by side – two approaches to the same search for atmosphere, presence and emotional resonance.

Inspiration from the Southern Highlands

The Southern Highlands itself has become an enduring muse. “Right now, I’m deeply inspired by the Burrawang surrounds,” he says. “The mists, the seasonal shifts, the quiet roads – they all have a certain presence that has found its way into my work.”

Billington’s art – whether through the lens or on the canvas – reflects his sensitivity to atmosphere. In his photographs, the play between light and shadow often conveys a story as vividly as any subject matter. In his paintings, that same interplay emerges in colour, texture and abstraction. Visitors to his studio during the Arts Trail will encounter both modes of expression side by side: the precision of photography and the intuition of painting.

What to Expect at the Studio

Stepping into Robert Billington’s Burrawang studio is as much about the experience as it is about the art. Visitors are encouraged to wander at their own pace, viewing not only finished works but also pieces in progress. This openness offers a rare insight into the artistic process, giving guests a sense of how inspiration is transformed into form.

Billington emphasises that this year’s exhibition is about dialogue as much as display. “You’re welcome to wander through, ask questions, and enjoy a relaxed, personal encounter with the work in the place where it’s created,” he says.

The studio itself is easy to access, with plenty of parking and the iconic Burrawang Pub just a short stroll away – making it an ideal stop on a day of exploring the Arts Trail.

New Works and Highlights

One of the highlights of this year’s Arts Trail will be Billington’s new collection of photographic landscapes, drawn from both overseas travels and the Southern Highlands. These images, combined with Burrawang-inspired paintings and pastels, mark a significant shift in his practice. For visitors, the result is a space that feels both familiar and surprising – recognisable in its sensitivity to light and mood, yet new in its painterly textures and expressive freedom.

Although Billington will not be offering formal workshops, he is generous with his time and knowledge. He is always open to discussing techniques, answering questions and encouraging aspiring artists. This spirit of generosity reflects his belief that art is not just something to be viewed, but something to be shared.

A Legacy of Connection

At its core, Robert Billington photography has always been about connection. Whether through the intimacy of a portrait, the drama of a landscape, or the quiet abstraction of a painted canvas, his work invites reflection. It encourages viewers to pause, to feel and to recognise the beauty in both stillness and movement.

Through decades of global recognition and personal reinvention, Billington has remained faithful to one guiding principle: to create images that resonate beyond the moment. His photography and painting alike speak to the deeper layers of human experience – those intangible qualities of mood, memory and presence that often go unnoticed.

Why Visit Robert Billington on the Arts Trail?

The Southern Highlands Arts Trail is renowned for showcasing the breadth of talent and creativity that thrives across the region. Within this rich mix, Robert Billington’s studio offers a distinct perspective, bringing together the legacy of his award-winning photography with the fresh energy of his recent expansion into painting. Visitors can expect an atmosphere that is at once reflective and inspiring, shaped by both decades of experience behind the lens and the expressive freedom of paint on canvas.

“It’s not just about the art – it’s the whole experience,” he says. “You can see where the work is made, talk to me about the process, and get a real sense of what inspires it.”

Whether you are drawn to the classic elegance of Robert Billington photography or curious to explore his evolving painterly side, his Burrawang studio promises a memorable and rewarding stop along your Arts Trail journey.

The Southern Highlands Arts Trail 2025 will be held across the first two weekends in November, the 1st & 2nd and 8th & 9th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Studios and creative spaces throughout the region will be open, offering visitors the chance to connect with local artists, discover unique works and enjoy the vibrant creative spirit of the Southern Highlands. Download your map here today!