Photographic Inspiration – A Presentation by Club Members

In keeping with the Club’s aim to draw on the expertise of members of our own Club, six members were asked to give a brief 15 minute talk to explain who or what it was that enticed them into photography, or what continues to inspire their photography. The resulting talks were really engrossing and varied. Moreover all contributors obviously put a good deal of effort and passion into their presentations.
It was very regrettable that only twelve members, in all, attended.

Gina Stewart began the evening with an humorous & entertaining explanation of how she accidentally fell into photography through various serendipitous events. These events included being given two digital photo frames, for Christmas, by each of her sons – and not having a digital camera!

Bill Versteegh focused on the impact & power of the still image – beginning with his fascination for old family photographs and continuing with his interest in the work of photo-journalists. He spoke about some of the iconic photos that have altered the way we see world and changed the course of history.

Corliss Gustavson spoke about a famous avant-garde female photographer whom she had known personally: Ilse Bing.

Ilse was of German background and Corliss got to know her while living in New York. She described her distinctive work and is the proud owner of one of her beautiful images.

Aldo Trissi began by speaking about the impact of architecture on influencing his photography. He then continued to speak about Australian photographers whom he respected, especially Peter Dombrovskis who brought the magnificence of the Tasmanian Wilderness to Australians’ attention.

Ron Jackson drew on his background in Yorkshire. He told us about a fellow Yorkshireman who was a pioneer photographer in Britain, Francis Meadow Sutcliffe. Ron showed us images created by this artist depicting scenes of fishermen, village children playing and life by the sea, around the 1880s.

Finally Robert Dettman spoke about his love of architectural photography. He then moved on to the work of Max Dupain. He made the interesting connection between Dupain’s photographic work on a small PNG island where Robert’s own father was stationed during World War 2, and where he too had photographed and recorded life on the island.

A fascinating evening for those who were there to appreciate it.

Bill Versteegh
Program Coordinator