Walkley Storyology …
The first week of December saw the Walkley Foundation’s biggest week of the year – the ‘Storyology’ four day media event and – showcasing the pinnacle of Australian journalism’s in 2014 – the annual ‘Walkley Awards‘ presentation night. I was very pleased to travel to Sydney to be a involved in both – as a speaker (twice) at ‘Storyology’ and as a guest of Nikon at the ‘Walkley’s’.
The ‘Storyology’ event at the Chauvel Cinema Paddington attracted a host of respected and exciting speakers from around the planet and Australia … and I was very humbled to see my name amongst the long list which included such stellar media luminaries as (to name just a few) Laurie Oakes, Quentin Dempster, Wendy Hamer et al.
My involvement at ‘Storyology’ was two fold. On the Wednesday I was tasked with giving a ‘powertalk’ in the ‘Listen Up: Getting Back To The Story’ segment where, at the Walkley Foundation request, I told the story and showed the images from the photographers involved in the ‘Genesis Project’ exhibition that I co-curated with Moshe Rosenzveig for the Head On Photo Festival earlier in 2014.
The real honour for me, however, was being a part of Thursday’s ‘Show and Tell’ panel talk on photojournalism alongside three fellow photographers that each have my utmost respect … John Donegan, David Dare Parker and Andrew Quilty. For an hour in front of a very interested and inquisitive audience we talked about our careers, our lives and our images … and answered some very well put questions from the floor.
Thursday evening saw this years ‘Walkley Awards’ unfold on the water at Darling Harbour. The Nikon crew were once again fine hosts and it was excellent to catch up with many many photographers and journalist friends whilst this years award winners were recognised. My colleague from the ‘Storyology’ panel talk – Andrew Quilty – deservedly added the “Nikon Walkley Press Photographer of the Year” prize (presented to him by our fellow panelist David Dare Parker) to his earlier announced “Press Photo of the Year” award. Nice to see … and I certainly enjoyed the evening more than last years (for me) stress filled event. (The ‘after party’ became a bit of a blur and I do believe I did get to bed before sun rise.) Congratulations to all this years winners … and a big ‘Thanks’ to the Walkley Foundation and Nikon for the invitations.
Below is a pic made (by Jenny from the Walkleys) during the ‘Storyology’ ‘Show and Tell’ panel talk with – left to right – John Donegan, myself, David Dare Parker and Andrew Quilty – whilst one of my Hong Kong cage home images is the subject of discussion (above). © Image
6th Time Lucky … Sydney & The Walkley Awards …
Sydney … got there … and so stoked I did !!
On five occasions since the Covid virus reared it’s ugly head two years ago, I’ve booked to travel to Sydney for photography (and social) events … each time to be thwarted by new outbreaks, lockdowns or border closures. Seemed like it would never happen …
Then, in November last year, I received the fabulous news that my “The Yarrick Family of Kunhanhaa” image was selected as the Winner of the Nikon Walkley Portrait Prize. Epic. Not only that … but the Walkley Foundation contacted me and asked if I would present a Walkley Masterclass on photojournalism and portraiture as a prelude to the awards presentation eve, by then delayed and re-scheduled for Tamworth NSW in the first weeks of February. Of course … what’s not to like 🙂
With flights booked to Tamworth nervously waited and monitored the news of the latest Covid Omicron march across Australia. In January the Tamworth Country Music Festival was cancelled and the Walkley’s had no choice but to move their awards away from Tamworth and reschedule in Sydney later in February.
So … last week I actually flew to Sydney … presented my “The Portrait & Photojournalism” Walkley Masterclass at Macleay College to the assembled enthusiastic twenty plus audience throng … AND … had an absolute belter of an evening (and somewhat later) at the Walkley Awards.
Thanks to the Walkley Foundation, the International Convention Centre Darling Harbour and the Nikon Australia crew, it really was a fabulous evening … with an amazing’ collection of Aus based photographers … umm … ‘celebrating’ … and a recognition of my win in the Nikon Portrait Prize.
Hope I don’t miss anyone … but here goes with the Aus based media photographers who were also there and why …
Alex Coppel won the ‘Sport Photography’ category and ‘Press Photographer of the Year’, Andrew Quilty won ‘Long Form Feature Writing’, Dean Sewell won ‘Feature/Photographic Essay’, Brooke Mitchell won ‘News Photography’ … Finalists Jake Nowakowski, Justin McManus, Scott Barbour, Jason Edwards, Chris Hopkins, Michael Dodge joined other prominent photo media figures Mark ‘Crusty’ Baker (AP), Dean Lewins (AAP), Jeremy Piper, Tracey Nearmy, Matt Abbott and James Brickwood. Many of us were graciously hosted on the two Nikon Australia tables (and at the ‘after parties’ – plural) by Nikon Marketing Manager Kylie Dredge and Professional Marketing Manager Julie Kimpton. (Huge Thanks Kylie and Julie ! … and couldn’t ask for a better bunch of colleagues to celebrate with.)
Below is a little vid of the announcement of my Nikon Portrait Prize win (my third win in this category in the last ten years) at the awards last Friday eve. It’s very short as I was too busy nattering to photographer mates, hampered by a large glass of Shiraz in my hand and missed the start of the announcement. Oh well … (the sound is the best bit).
Clip © Brian Cassey (iPhone)