I’m Angus. I’m 93 and I’ve lived in Melbourne all my life. I haven’t always been a photographer, I’ve done lots of things. But photography has always been there, I’ve always come back to it. It’s always been there waiting for me.
I first picked up a camera in 1936 at the age of 14. It was a 1907 Eastman Kodak box brownie. Then, in 1940 I enlisted in the airforce, and served in WWII. I went to Syria, and when I got there I was tasked as a war photographer, because I was one of the only soldiers who knew how to operate a camera. I toured around with my regimental commander, photographing objects of military importance, like bridges, tunnels, that sort of thing. I completed the assignment, but I never saw any of the photos.
After returning home to Melbourne, I worked as a teacher, although I always kept up my photography on the side. In my spare time, I took photos of the city of Melbourne on a Yashicaflex 635 medium format camera. I had one camera for colour film and one for black and white. I amassed quite an archive of photographs of Melbourne between 1968–1971.
I think nostalgia is part of the appeal of my photos. The photos I took in the 1960s and 70’s are quite popular now. I’ve had a few exhibitions. People seem to like them. It’s because the subject is familiar, but at the same time, it’s changed. Nothing remains the same.
ANGUS ON HIS PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE
I’m not a perfectionist. I’ve tried to take a perfect picture, but it’s not really my style. I want reality.
I’m pretty spontaneous. Sometimes I see a subject, and I might even walk away, but then something rings in my head and I go back to it. On second inspection, you find something. Something you missed. If you’re unsure, take a picture.
ON PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE
Lots of photographers make the mistake of leaving the people out of the shots, but then you get a beautiful picture but with no soul. That’s what I’ve found. A building without anything else is dry. It can be a bit boring.
My photos from the 1960s capture the people, they capture a mood. I like activity.
In these new photos I’ve taken, you see a tram, a bus, a man on a bicycle. There’s action going on. Something about that attracts your eye.
MELBOURNE TODAY vs THE 1960’S
The city was quiet back then. Less people, less cars. Less likely to get run over whilst taking a photograph!
The city to me now is sort of getting tired. Getting unkempt a bit. I do like some of the new things though. I like the National Gallery, that was a good acquisition.
Some people don’t like change. Some people like to live in the same house all their life. I’ve never really been like that. I’ve gotten used to living in lots of houses. I don’t get too attached.
ON DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
I got my first digital camera in around 2003. In a dreamland I’d love to shoot on film, but it’s not easy. Digital is easy. You’ve got to be practical. I have old cameras there which take beautiful pictures, but for me, digital is easier. It’s gives me freedom. It’s a confidence. I can snap away, no heavy lens or a tripod. A tripod drives me mad. You miss the moment.
On digital you take more photos. But you can take half a dozen photos, and it’s almost always the case that the first one is the best. If it’s a straightforward shot, I just take one picture.
ON PHOTOSHOP
A Photoshopped picture is beautiful, but it’s beyond reality. You might say ‘oh that’s beautiful’ but you don’t believe it. It never existed.
My argument is, if you’ve got the components of the picture right, the exposure, the aperture and all of that, you shouldn’t need Photoshop. If you have to edit a lot, there’s something wrong with your technique. You can’t make a bad picture a good picture just by editing.
HOW TO BE A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER
Doing it. Just doing it. Don’t leave it aside for months, keep at it.
Also, you should always carry a camera. You’re seeing all the time. If you haven’t got your camera you’ll think ‘what a fool, you should have brought your camera’. You’ll miss an opportunity.
ON FLYING UNDER THE RADAR
People are used to cameras nowadays. No one asks me what I’m doing when I’m taking pictures. I’m unobtrusive. They would have back in the 70’s, because back then it was unusual. Most people didn’t carry a camera, and besides, they were bulky back then.
I remember once, in the past, I was in this laneway, and I was walking around taking pictures. Suddenly there was a voice, ‘what are you doing!?’. He really thought I was there for ill intent! I just apologised and moved on.
No one asks me anything now. People are in their own worlds more now. I don’t want to say they’re less friendly, just wrapped up in the modern world. When you talk to them they’re ok, or if I smile at them, they’ll smile back. But overall they’re not really interested in what you’re doing. They don’t pay attention.
ON THE OLYMPUS PEN-F
This camera was very good. It reminded me of some of the older 35mm cameras. I used a fixed lens, a 17mm. The lens is very good for its size. Very sharp, no distortion.
It’s quite a small camera. It’s got a lot of thoughtful features. You can switch it over to black and white right on the front, which is handy. It’s reliable. The pictures speak for themselves.
THOUGHTS ON THIS ASSIGNMENT
It was very interesting to work on this assignment. I have had the idea of doing a sort of ‘now and then’ series for a while. I’m not sure if people are interested or not.
I’m like anyone. You feel your talent wants to be used. Whatever talent you’ve got.
A photo is a story, it should tell a story. It can be quite humble, but it should have a meaning in it.
For the true camera enthusiast. The Masterpiece : Olympus PEN F.
Love your work Angus.
Great interview Lucy!
Love this concept! Makes me miss Melbourne even more than I already did!
Thanks for sharing!
This is a wonderful assignment and interview. Angus’s art has obviously always been part of his life and thank you for sharing the way he sees the world with us!
My mum is 92 and still interested and involved in life. Angus at 93 is too. It’s good to read about creatives of varying ages.
Wow what an interesting story and beautiful images. We want more!! When’s the book being published? Congratulations Mr O’Callaghan – beautiful work!
What a refreshing story, very much enjoyed!
Inspirational!
My 11 year daughter keeps nagging me to buy her camera this story has inspired me to go and buy her one. Thank you for such a great story.
What a wonderful man you are Mr O’Callaghan. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself. Just the best read and the best photos.
I was inspired by his honesty and his humility comes through in his images.
Love your beautiful images and your story Angus. Thanks for sharing your process of simplicity and keeping it real. You are such an inspiration! Creativity is ageless and masters like you are living treasures. Thank you for a great interview Lucy, one of my all time favourites from TDF.
Wonderful piece Lucy. Our very own Bill Cunningham.
I loved this post guys!
Awesome story! Thanks for bringing us an inspiring tale about an older person with a huge zest for life! Loved it. Bring it on!!
What a legend! Fantastic work in its own right but how refreshing to hear the perspective of someone over 90! More stories about the oldies please!
Good on you Angus, your photos are really interesting. And I like your personal, warm approach
jen
What an honour it was to art direct, design and help publish his book last year!
Lovely interview, ta. Agree with some of the other comments, that hearing from creative oldies makes for lovely, rich stories.
what a LEGEND!
Great story, which I am going to share with my Dad. My Dad is 83 and belongs to a camera club here in Melbourne, he often attends field trips with his club and he loves to share with his family his latest photos.
Amazing photos Mr Angus O’Callaghan! What an amazing piece of Melbourne’s history!
lucy, lynne says it’s great!
Very cool. Hats off to Angus!
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I find myself unable to leave your blog! I can’t stop reading it! I must say you have a very unique voice in writing, which I personally appreciate. Thanks again Elle!