Photography Year In Review (2023)
Welcome to our photographic review of 2023, highlighting the work of 22 talented Australian photographers. In this collection, these artists share reflections on their work, emphasising the significance of introspection as a means to learn from the past and enhance their craft for the future. Join us on this insightful journey into the diverse perspectives and evolving creativity of these exceptional photographers.
Emannuel Hernandez
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ehvalleyphotography/
Website: https://www.ehvalleyphotography.com/
Being an artist allows me to appreciate the unnoticed, like capturing the unique sound of a kookaburra during a hike in Brisbane, highlighting the joy of seeing what others might overlook.
Andy Braithwaite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrashthevampire/
Website: https://www.andrewbraithwaite.com.au/
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I've chosen a favourite photo that encapsulates the essence of my work – a blend of shapes and geometry. I rarely shoot in colour, but the tones felt just right . The image also stands out because, I preplanned this shot, capturing a moment with a looming figure that adds an ominous touch.
Jay Fei
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.regular/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayRegular/videos
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While waiting for the train in the rain, I noticed a girl with her head against the dripping window. The play of light inside the carriage beautifully illuminated half of her face, creating a magical moment that compelled me to capture it. I'm glad I did; the photo turned out exceptionally well.
Houman Katoozi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houmankatoozi/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@houmankatoozi
Website: https://www.houmankatoozi.com/
I love capturing candid moments of my kids with my black and white camera This photo is from our recent trip to New Zealand, taken on a cruise ship. While my little boy joyfully played in the shower, the fog on the glass and his infectious laughter created a memorable, abstract image. Candid shots of my kids hold a special place in my heart, evoking unique memories.
Wayne Buchner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wbuchner/
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Through thick morning fog a dedicated commuter walks towards his responsibilities.
Perry C
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethreeshot/
Website: https://www.thethreeshot.rocks/post-4
A standout moment was at a hip-hop show where, unlike the past, kids were actively moshing instead of just dancing. This change in energy fascinated me, and I managed to capture a this energy son film, emphasizing the intensity with everyone's eyes appearing red, even though shot in black and white.
Christian
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurikuriosity/
In the photograph, his head was tilted down, maybe after receiving bad news. The framing deliberately accentuated negative space above his head, conveying the message that he was deep in thought about something unknown. The image captures the ambiguity of his emotions, leaving the viewer to contemplate the undisclosed thoughts weighing on his mind.
John ST
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giant_evertonian/
Podcast: https://streetlife.buzzsprout.com/
My favorite shot of the year happened on a rainy day with friends. Amidst a sudden downpour, I happened to capture this image just as my friend from the other side used his flash, backlighting the image. This photo is significant because it reinforces the idea that extraordinary moments can arise from seemingly ordinary and gloomy days, highlighting the importance of persistently taking photos.
Mauricio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_larru_/
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Taken in Indonesia, this photo has a captivating story. The first two shots on a new roll had mistakenly unchanged settings at 1600 ISO turned out unexpectedly beautiful. It highlights my belief in capturing spontaneous moments through exploration and continuous shooting, emphasising the unique beauty found in genuine, unplanned experiences.
Mustafa Hüseyin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruemus_/
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The selected photo was captured in Rome during my trip this year in the Vatican. While traveling with my partner, I observed an elegant priests for an hour, captivated by their stylish attire. One holding keys, the other an umbrella.
Yolafi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yolafi/
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Taken during my recent return to China after four and a half years, the photo captures a man climbing a statue's base in the morning fog. As he bends down against the misty backdrop of fading buildings, the image symbolises a collective trauma in our community. Despite physical distance, the shared experience resonates deeply, depicting a universal inclination to seek safety on the ground before moving forward.
Taurus Han
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taurus504/
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Captured near the Town Hall area, the photo features an elderly man strolling across the street, seemingly carrying the weight of the entire building behind him.
Adri Ou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_adriou/
My favorite photo this year, taken in Luxor, Egypt, features a caretaker at the Luxor Temple seamlessly blending into the surroundings, marking a departure from my usual black and white style with its strong color contrast and representing a significant step forward in capturing the often overlooked yet integral individuals within society.
Jefferson Lopez
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvelja_/
Website: https://www.jeffersonlopez.com/
Taken on a ferry ride to Manly. The afternoon sun cast a beautiful backdrop, framing a lady on the boat with the harbor behind her. The wash of the ferry created an enticing pattern, and as she turned around with the sun on her face, making a subtle gesture, the resulting photograph holds a special place, evoking a sense of peace reminiscent of emotions stirred by past films.
Edison Chen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dos___sod/
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My favorite photo this year was taken at my friends Kevin and Maggie's wedding during their first dance. The atmosphere captured in the image brings back the memories of what I consider the best wedding I've attended. This photo is a reminder of the versatility of using a small camera to capture moments anytime, anywhere.
Ben Greenslade-Stanton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgsfunk/
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/bgsfunk/
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Shot on George Street in Sydney, this photo perfectly captures what I aim to achieve. Utilising reflections and advertising to frame a whimsical moment of someone standing on their heels. It brings back good memories, and I'm genuinely pleased with this shot.
Parr Azad
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrazad/
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This photo holds great significance for me because it signifies the moment when I realised I had acquired the necessary techniques to create analog photos, print in a darkroom, and produce a photo that genuinely satisfied me.
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Patrick Racklyeft
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdsphotog/
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Capturing a brief yet powerful moment at a set of traffic lights, this photo stands out for the genuine emotion conveyed by the intrigued child. It's one of my last cherished colour photos before transitioning to black and white, highlighting the ability to evoke emotion from a small street interaction.
Brandon Christian
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpg.bran/
This photo from Jakarta resonates with me, capturing the hands-on attitude of people. Taken during a brief visit mid-year, the portrait orientation emphasizes the guy's climbing posture. Despite initial hesitations about being on camera in public, the experience in Indonesia turned out to be wholesome and enjoyable.
Steve Dimitriadis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zonefocus/
Website: https://www.zonefocus.net/
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"I've chosen this photo because it combines some elements of what I consider to be my 'voice' with documenting a local Sydney morning activity - running the Sydney Harbour Bridge"
Chidu Mukesh
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spectralframes/
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/chidumukesh
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My favorite photo of the year holds special meaning for two reasons. Taken in a Tokyo café, it reminds me of meeting someone who changed my life. The image itself, with its leading lines and balanced composition, symbolises a great time this year and inspires me to capture more moments like it in the next year.
Daniel Varrica
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danthe_cameraman/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danthe_cameraman
This photo embodies the techniques and story I strive to capture within my photography. It also shows the use of technology in a positive light which is not typically how it is portrayed within street photography.