November 29th, 2011
Last week I was fortunate (and honoured) to be invited to be a part of the Walkley Media Conference – “What’s the Story? Inventing the Future” – in Brisbane. Felt rather humble to be part of a great list of speakers that included the ABC’s Mark Scott, Greg Hywood (CEO of Fairfax Media), well known humourist and journalist Wendy Harmer – and many distinguished others – all of whom, I’m sure, had more experience in this ‘speaking’ lark than I !
My session was scheduled for three and a half hours … (and went for four! – didn’t realise I could talk that long!) and touched on the changes in media photography over the last decades, the state of play today, how to handle the difficulties encountered and what we may expect in the future. A mix of about two dozen journalists, photographers and students patiently listened and asked a myriad of thoughtful questions over the session. I thank them for their attention ! (‘Thanks’ is also due to Nikon’s Quentin Visentin who demonstrated the new Nikon 1 kit to the audience.)
My congratulations and ‘Thanks’ also to the MEAA and the Walkley Foundation for a fantastic conference!
Of course … my highlight of the Brisbane visit was the 2011 Walkley Awards presentation at the Convention & Exhibition Centre on Sunday eve. A brilliant night to be a part of – very gratified to receive the recognition of the Nikon Walkley Best Portrait Award for my image ‘Carol – Burns Survivor’ – and to share the evening with talented press photographers Glenn Campbell, Craig Greenhill, Stuart McEvoy, Rob Maccoll, Nev Madsen, the Getty guys, 2011 Nikon Walkley Press Photographer of the Year Phil Hillyard … as well as many journalist and industry colleagues. Great Night!
Whilst searching for material for my conference session I came across one of the very first photographs I ever took … at the age of about ten or eleven … and my first ever camera that made that image – a bakelite VP Twin camera that was bought (begrudgingly by my parents) from Woolworths in the Isle of Wight for two shillings and six pence ! (about fifty cents). I’m NOT telling anybody how long ago that actually WAS … but below I’ve posted the image (of the Cunard liner “RMS Queen Elizabeth” in the Solent UK – I was a boy into ships and trains at that stage!) and a pic of the camera. I used both images at the commencement of the Walkley Conference session.
© Image by Brian Cassey (a little while ago!)
Nikon Walkley’s In Brisbane …
Thanks to Nikon Australia and the Walkley Foundation I last week again travelled to Brisbane to help launch the ‘2014 Nikon Walkley Press Photography Exhibition’ at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Great to catch up with colleagues and mates once again but first I had to do the ‘official bit’ on stage and wax (probably not so) lyrical – to an audience of about 70 guests – about the work of Australia’s press photographers and the wonderful images collected into this years exhibition displayed on the textured and colourful walls of the Powerhouse. I then joined forces on stage with Nikon Walkley News category finalist – Courier Mail staffer and mate – Peter Wallace … and we talked about how he worked to obtain his great image of now convicted murderer Gerard Baden-Clay.
A great evening that I hope everyone enjoyed … and ‘Thanks’ to the Walkley’s, Nikon and all at the Powerhouse.
If you get the chance to see the exhibition – either in Brisbane or in other touring venues – you will not be disappointed. The work is extraordinary (as is usual every year) and a testament to the talent of Australia’s press photographers.
Below a pic – courtesy of Nikon’s Chris Dalton – of yours truly hiding behind the microphone at the Nikon Walkley exhibition launch with the work of Sport finalist Brett Costello on the big screen . Image © Chris Dalton