THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE SEEING A PLACE FROM ON HIGH.
Interview with Hulia Boz: A Vision from Above
Art has the power to transform perspectives, and for Sydney-based photographer Hulia Boz, this transformation is quite literal. After years of photographing red carpets and celebrities, she traded glamour for adrenaline, capturing the world from hundreds of feet in the air. Hanging from helicopters with a camera in hand, she found a new passion—aerial photography—revealing breathtaking landscapes from a fresh perspective.
Inspired by John Olsen, she sought to create abstract imagery without digital manipulation. After months of researching locations on Google Earth, she discovered Western Australia’s vibrant coastline, where nature’s colors, lines, and geometry formed the perfect compositions.
“You have this canvas below your feet, looking down through the barrel of a lens, with the wind blowing at 50 miles an hour. Unlike a planned celebrity shoot, aerial photography is full of surprises,” she shares.
For Hulia, drones lack the range and quality of helicopter photography, which allows her to be fully immersed in her art. Through her lens, she showcases Australia’s breathtaking beauty, from coral reefs to bustling beaches.
Her series, Postcard From Australia, offers a rare perspective, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether strapped into a Cessna or a helicopter, this is where Hulia truly finds her artistic high.
In this interview, Hulia Boz shares insights into her artistic journey, inspirations, and creative process. We explore her love for natural light, admiration for artists like John Olsen, Cy Twombly, and Basquiat, and the challenges she’s faced along the way. With an exciting Americana exhibition on the horizon, she reflects on what success means to her and offers valuable advice for emerging artists.
Let’s dive into her world of art, light, and perspective.
Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? How did it all begin?
I found my true passion thanks to my Year 7 art teacher, Mrs. Bailey. She opened my eyes to the world of art, teaching me not just techniques but also the freedom to express myself creatively. In her classroom, I learned that it was okay to “colour outside the lines”—a lesson that sparked my lifelong love for art.
What materials or techniques do you most enjoy working with and why?
As a photographer, I most enjoy working with natural light and minimal equipment, as it allows me to capture authentic moments and create a sense of intimacy in my images. I love the challenge of using available light, whether it’s the soft glow of early morning or the dramatic shadows at sunset—it brings a sense of mood and texture that artificial lighting just can’t replicate.
I also enjoy experimenting with film photography. The process of shooting on film is slower, more deliberate, and allows me to connect with the moment in a way that digital photography sometimes doesn’t. There’s a certain magic in the unpredictability of film—the grain, the color shifts, and the imperfections that develop are all part of what makes the final image feel so unique.
In terms of techniques, I find myself drawn to aerial photography. Capturing everyday life from above is fascinating…
Who or what inspires you the most as an artist?
I have a few artists who have inspired me. If I had to pick, it would be John Olsen, Cy Twombly, and Basquiat.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your artistic journey so far?
Artist block! It’s real, and it’s frustrating. As an artist, you hate it!
Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’re excited about?
I am looking forward for my Americana exhibition with lots of line colour and street culture. Very different to my previous projects.
What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to establish their careers?
Be ready for criticism, keep producing, don’t stop, and share your work on every platform for others to enjoy.
What does success look like for you as an artist?
When you have a room full of people you don’t know admiring your work.
