LightVision

Smirk-O-Rama of Rennie Ellis favourites
One of our jobs at Wildlight is to make sure that our customers receive a regular dose of good cheer, as well as a burst of nostalgia for the Australia that existed before the tax reform summit. Our new collection of the late Rennie Ellis’s classic images is sure to bring on a smile and a knowing glow of remembrance of those good old days. Among them you’ll get a good laugh out of: Playboy Bunnies, Feral Brides, Sydney cityscapes in 1978, t&a, private parties, drunk men, christmas banquets, Australian flags, 1980’s retro street life, Melbourne live music scene, Mirka Mora art trams, table dancing, big events and many more miscellaneous moments. It’s the Australia you never wanted to forget, so ready the Kleenex and examine this trove of thoroughly esoteric subjects here.

Brummels Redux  -  Famous Photo Gallery Lives On at MGA Victoria
What better than a gallery within a gallery to relive the good old days of photography! It’s now more than a concept as you can mark the dates from now to 22 January 2012 in your diary for a visit to Monash Gallery of Art at Wheelers Hill in suburban Melbourne for a return season of the famous Brummels Gallery of Photography that was established in 1972 by Rennie Ellis. Brummels was the first gallery in Australia dedicated to exclusively showing photography. Over an eight-year period Brummels not only hosted a remarkable range of exhibitions by many artists, but was also the social scene and campaign headquarters for a generation of photographers lobbying for artistic recognition.
MGA’s exhibition will feature the work of 19 photographers who exhibited at Brummels between 1972 and 1979, including work  by those who went on to establish significant careers including, Rennie Ellis, Carol Jerrems, Ponch Hawkes, Sue Ford, David Moore and Wesley Stacey. It’s no surprise, given our part in Australian photographic history, that three Wildlight photographers are on this roster of exhibitors:  Jean-Marc Le Péchoux, David Moore and Rennie Ellis.

Background Story

A wooded headland scene by a photographer named Woodland has an inherently dreamy vibe about it and the photography of David Woodland, who shoots imagery for his post-production matte painting work encompassing all terrains from leafy glens to sandy littorals, is a great find in the recent uploads section of the Wildlight library this month. Find that perfect background for your story among David’s extensive collection — all starting with code WL37– on show front and centre here.

Ernst snaps to for Summer

Able photographer’s assistant Ernst has made his intentions known with that happy clatter of sidelined paraphernalia that spills out of his winter closet at this time of year signalling his readiness for the coming long months of outdoor (possibly fee-generating) activities. Ernie has his mobile charged and ready to take any calls for interesting assignments - give him a buzz!
Credits:
Main header image: David Woodland-WL37003189
Brummels image: © Rennie Ellis Photographic Archive
Ernst background image: David Woodland - WL370031679

Photographer Spotlight

Jason Busch - photographer

Editorial, commercial, hotels - Jason’s clean, elegant approach wins clients

Growing up next door to his father’s old b&w darkroom in New Zealand with the smell of chemicals and drying negatives hanging about the house, Sydney photographer Jason Busch reckoned it could have gone two ways. Fortunately he has never lost the fascination with photography whereby his approach to imagery is to create a graphic or emotive feel, a classic look to make the subject comfortable in its design and surrounding. But most of all its a genuine interest in something he loves doing. For great lifestyle and interiors visit Jason at jasonbusch.com or see his Wildlight collections here.

Colin Beard- photographer

Got going with Go-Set, ended up on Starlight’s Trail

Regarded as one of the most versatile and knowledgeable photographers in Australia, Queensland photographer Colin Beard is no stranger to the celebrity spotlight, having launched his career shooting rock groups including the Rolling Stones Australian tour in 1966 for Go-Set, Australia’s premier pop music magazine. He became one of the country’s most accomplished fashion photographers, producing numerous covers and fashion spreads for Vogue, Cleo, Dolly magazines as well as work for The Bulletin and Australian Geographic. The Sydney Morning Herald’s Robert McFarlane calls him a master of light. His photography in books such as The Mountain Men, The River People, Sacred Places and Starlight’s Trail, reflect his deep interest in landscape and social commentary.The same keen eye for an audience grabbing shot is still as evident today for Colin’s portraiture and studio work, Catch up with him on the Sunshine Coast or view his collection at Wildlight here.

Remembering Penny Tweedie
We learn with great sadness of the recent death of Penny Tweedie, a longtime Wildlight photographer and great friend of the peoples of Arnhem Land and East Timor.  Penny was an outstanding photojournalist and photographer, a kind friend and a much valued member of the Wildlight family. Our sincere condolences go out to her family. Penny’s empathy, compassion and dedication can be remembered through the hundreds of images of Aboriginal Australians in our archive here.

Magical Pan-Australian Collection from Jeff Drewitz
Wildlight Photo Agency is delighted to share this wide ranging collection of top quality images from every corner of Australia. Marvel as we did in the beautiful clear light of photographer Jeff Drewitz’ massive 1,000-strong pan-Australian visual feast that can be enjoyed as you reminisce over the summer holidays and for all your graphic needs this year and beyond. Pictures of enduring quality like these are the hallmark of Wildlight and add to a library of stunning material contributed by more than 50 photographers from the Top End to Tassie.

New Aerials of Sydney Harbour

Always in demand from our library, Wildlight’s collection of images of Sydney Harbour from the air was recently updated when Andrew took to the skies for some fresh bird’s-eye shots all around Port Jackson—the city, harbour and ocean beaches, inner west harbourside suburbs and lots of places in between. For Sydney at its best - see here for great high-res photographs that are ready to go.

Akubra is Australian for Hat

As Aussie as bush and barbie, koala and kangaroo, the Akubra hat has many other practical uses. Since 1912, Australians have lived, loved and died in their Akubra. Wildlight photographer Grenville Turner has travelled Australia and creatively combined words and pictures to tell the story of the people who wear the Akubra. All Grenville’s Akubra images are model released to boot! “Not only does it shade the eyes from the glare of the hard Australian sun – you can fan a fire with it, keep a snake at bay, water your horse, belt a sheep and swat away flies – or keep it on your head because you like wearing it.” Take a look here for a preview of Grenville’s slant on this most famous of Aussie outback icons or buy the latest (2009) edition of the 96 page picture book at your favourite bookseller or online at ABC Shop.

Photographer Spotlight
Jeff Drewitz Photography

200,000 kms in his new Land Cruiser to bring you the best of Australia
Landscape and scenic photographer, Jeff Drewitz travels the wilds of Australia three months of every year to bring you the breathtaking vistas you see in the Wildlight collection. Apart from adding countless miles to his LandCruiser, Jeff also produces fine quality prints of all his best landscapes. Check out his website or call him on 0412-160-358 to find out how to put Australia on your wall. By the way, Jeff’s collection travels farther afield than Oz, his archive spreads to New Zealand, Norway, USA and other places in Europe.

Photographer Spotlight
Pip Blackwood Photographer

Armed with a couple of Canons Pip will expertly photograph your high profile subjects before they can finish their first chai latté.
She is one of the best editorial photographers around. Based in Sydney, Pip has captured folio sheets full of high profile people in the public eye. Take a look at her extensive editorial, feature story and tearsheet portfolios. No stranger to a LandCrusier either, Pip has an affinity with the outback, and has covered extensive glossy mag feature stories such as the Deni Ute Muster, Camel Races and cattle musters that’ll bring a tear to Captain Starlight’s eye! Pip has the credentials and the know-how, call her on 0417-088-852 to see her folio in person.

Time to deck the halls again as another New Year approaches, an auspicious one for Wildlight Photo Agency, which will mark its 25th anniversary in 2010. With your support, we look forward to a great innings for our quarter century milestone…

Tips for Blissful Holiday Touring

Australians are used to spending a lot of time behind the wheel, travelling great distances for work or play. Doing this frequently means the charm of the scenery may wear off pretty fast, but there are blessed diversions.
We’ve gathered a few such images here for your enjoyment and as a mental oasis for instant recall following that inevitable moment of holiday motoring when a chorus of little voices chirps ‘are we there yet?’ which might just about push you over the edge. Steady on, pull over, lie back and think of Wildlight!

Laughing at letterboxes

No matter how far out your outback is in Australia, there is a constant — the national sense of humour — a wry reminder that it’s unwise to take oneself too seriously. Bill Bachman’s recent collection of quirky mailboxes and roadside driveway markers can bring smiles to the faces of even the most jaded of road warriors.

Season’s Greetings and A Happy 2010

All of us at Wildlight Photo Agency wish you good cheer for the Yuletide Season and health and success in the New Year. We appreciate your business and look forward to working together again in 2010. Jean-Marc is in Europe freezing with family, and I’ll be roasting in country New South Wales. So, you can blow canon balls through the office over the holidays, feel free to use the website and hit the credit card. We’ll be back on deck around 11 January, unless it’s a beach day…

Photographer Central

Stand to Applaud!

A retrospective of the work of the late photo legend Rennie Ellis earlier this year staged by the National Gallery of Victoria was accompanied by the limited edition publication ‘No Standing Only Dancing‘ which won a Ruby award for book and slip case at the recent Victorian PICA judging in Melbourne reports Manuela Furci from the Rennie Ellis Archive, see details here for more info and orders.

16th Joop Swart Masterclass

Wildlight founder Philip Quirk informs us he is the local chair for this annual World Press Photo event held in the Netherlands. The Masterclass is a one-week session with a group of the best photographers, photo editors and agency directors from around the world. The award winners receive an all expenses paid trip to Amsterdam to participate in the Masterclass.
There are 12 places awarded to photographers from the nominations made by regional committees. The Australia/New Zealand committee will finalize its nominations by the end of January 2010. If you think you fit the criteria, contact Philip as soon as possible. You need to provide a current portfolio by CD or email, plus details of your web site. The committee in Australia comprises Philip Quirk, Michael Amendolia and Robert McFarlane. Check all the details as well as the criteria for Masterclass nomination at the home page for World Press Photo.

Sharing Stories online

Liz Thompson reports on a new cyber medium for children in remote locations and tells us, “We’ve just launched the new SharingStories Digital online site www.sharingstories.com.au and the young people would love to hear that you’ve looked at, listened to and enjoyed their work. Please take some time to check it out  and leave them some comments. For more information about this novel eCommunity you can contact Liz.

News from Hermit Park

Andrew Rankin who flies the flag for Wildlight in far north Queensland, tells us he’s just published a book from a bi-annual shoot that he does for Catholic Education in Townsville. It’s a 292-page hardcover tome covering images from 30 schools. See a preview here. More info from Andrew Rankin Photography.

Enduring vision

When we launched our LightVision ezine last year, we told you that its source inspiration was a bi-monthly magazine of the same name that had its origins in Melbourne in 1977 under the editorial stewardship of Wildlight director Jean-Marc Le Péchoux. Then as now the publication provided a snapshot of the history and techniques of photography with an emphasis on people in the business. Back then, well known photographers like Philip Quirk, founder of Wildlight Photo Agency and Rennie Ellis, later a contributing photographer to the agency, were typical authors of the articles. The modern day electronic version carries on this tradition — co-incidentally, with both these photographers still represented in the library—with the added benefit that in its blog format we can receive your feedback and ideas. Who better than Jean-Marc to note these 32 years on: plus ça change… as much as the times change things stay the same at Wildlight, the standard bearer of high-quality Australian photography for almost a quarter of a century. After such a tangent of self-congratulation, you must be wondering, where’s this all leading to? Look here at the scanned pages of LightVISION #1 Australia’s international photography magazine, dated Sep/Oct 1977 (captured as a pdf with searchable text) and you’ll be comforted by the knowledge that nothing has passed you by, corduroys are still the rage and real estate in South Yarra is just as likely to break the bank now as it did back then. Relive that seminal moment on a summer afternoon in the 1820s, when the first photographic image of a French garden taken by heliograph process, introduced what was to become an all-encompassing medium. And to cap the retrospective, this stanza of verse by Minor White, surely will leave us with little doubt that things are bound to be the same in 2041 (but don’t hold your breath!):
“Count inhalations
 Count exhalations
 Count nothing
 Be Breath”

New takes on Suburbia

Refresh your stock of home soil images, covering anything from cliff-top washing lines to ferry commuters to perambulating mums to period pubs, by paying a visit to our new features section where you’ll see that we’ve recently been out and about in the burbs capturing the latest esoterica from everyday life. Remember, Wildlight is pure Oz with an emphasis on ozone (there’s a lot of sea air in our picture library at wildlight.net). Let the spray lash your face and rejoice that you’re experiencing the GFC in a sun-filled place.

Going for the Big Picture…

Ever wonder how a small tranny blows up for use in large format installations for offices, displays and so on? See for yourself: Eight massive scenics from large format Wildlight panoramas cover feature walls in the newly fitted out Hyundai Motors head office complex in Ryde, Sydney. The project was handled by George P Johnson, a specialist design firm that also causes big things to happen at trade shows and exhibitions.

Go overseas with Wildlight

Pictures from our library now grace two pages of the new ‘N’ Series Australian passport produced by Note Printing Australia. Colin Beard’s lively image (Page 10) of a stockman driving cattle in the Victorian highlands as well as yachts (Page 35) on the Huon River in Tasmania by Tom Keating are among images of Australia printed throughout the document making every visa page unique. This has resulted in a passport which is very difficult to falsify through page substitution or tampering, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who launched the new document at the end of May.

Wildlight standard bearer and Australian trade power broker, Ernst Graf von Schmeckle, was one of the first to be issued with the paw proof passports, he immediately headed to the ‘drome’ to attend the G8 conference.

Hail Virtualisation!

After editing 300,000 ‘trannies’ in December, I spent January denying that photography existed. We kept only 3% of the analogue library, the rest were sent, all 500 kilos, back to photographers. Moving the business to a smaller space couldn’t have come at a better time - significantly reduced overheads; getting back to core business - an online picture library, not a storage facility for analogue IP - hail virtualisation! We have thousands of premium images from our photographers around Australia in the production pipeline and outstanding new collections have recently been uploaded.

New Collection

Pilbara Paradox

It’s like having a great lawn and inviting a puppy over to play; almost certain physical carnage. That’s the paradox facing the Pilbara, one of Australia’s most pristine and remarkable landscapes and also the one with the most mining and developmental activity. We thought it would be a good idea to preserve the memory of the Pilbara before it becomes too full of holes.

Hugh Brown and David Bettini our intrepid photographers from way out west have done just that with this updated collection of some pretty amazing images. These two WA pros capture the region from different  angles. Hugh’s recent pictures shoot, for the mining giants, are now available online. Hugh has clocked many hours hanging out of choppers over Port Hedland, covered in dust in the open pit mines and lost himself in the boondocks looking for exploration rigs.

As he scans across the open plains, David has concentrated on the ancient beauty of the Pilbara, from the emerald green waters to the coast to the red ragged ranges of the interior. All his recent online images can be found in his latest hard cover landscape book, Pilbara, Western Australia.

Editor’s Choice

Hope Springs Eternal

As history repeats itself with a season of horrendous bushfires, we at Wildlight are reminded of the recurring scenes of hardship, courage and heroism. We also see the benevolent signs of hope as  communities face the daunting task of rebuilding, in some cases starting over almost from scratch. This striking image by the late  Rennie Ellis taken six weeks after the devastating Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 near the Great Ocean Road , Victoria, is a timeless reminder of nature’s powers—good and bad—and a symbol of renewal in the face of destruction. Just add your masthead and gutter!

Early Australian Female Photographer

This month we feature Muriel Mowbray Stephenson, an early Australian female commercial photographer. Her interest in photography began in her native Tasmania at the beginning of 20th century and continued in Sydney, where she moved at the start of the World War I. She worked first in the Darlinghurst studio of C.S. Beers, who published under the title Carlton Series. In the 1940s, she took over the business and published as the Mowbray Series. Her studio was located right in the centre of Kings Cross, Sydney, next to the historic Darlinghurst fire station. Her studio was demolished in the 1970’s to make way for the tunnel. From the balcony she captured the changing face of Kings Cross over the years, including historic events such as the Queen’s visit in 1954.

Muriel’s distinctive cursive handwriting appeared as title information on the face of thousands of photographs and postcards distributed in Australia for decades.

Click here for a preview of her iconic images, now presented as the Mowbray Collection by Wildlight. These include historic Australian subjects; building stages of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, city trams and views of the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. It is interesting to note that Muriel, who was my great-grand aunt, rarely took credit for her work in her own name; so I am pleased to now give her the recognition she so readily deserves.  Thousands more of her black & white images are still to be scanned. Enjoy a piece of Aussie history!