Sep 21, 2011

To complement SNAPSHOT 2011 teenage photographic exhibition the Gallery programmed a series of photography workshops for teens with industry professionals. This week one of Australia’s leading Indigenous photographic artists Wayne Quilliam facilitated a portraiture workshop. Arriving from Melbourne for the first time to the Gallery Wayne was met with a dozen eager teenagers armed with cameras.

Wayne provided a comprehensive, hands-on workshop that was both inspiring and honest about the reality of life as a photographer. One of the workshop participants Yulara from Shalvey states Mr Quilliam has inspired me to look at photography as a possible career in the future. Students learnt technical skills such as lighting and composition, and also people skills such as relaxing and engaging your subject. Wayne’s passion for his profession and photography was infectious, the students responded to him in a positive and enthusiastic way.

Madeleine who had travelled from Campsie for the workshop stated The photography course was fun, I enjoyed being able to go wild with my camera, the scenery around the gallery is very pretty and different to anything I’ve taken photos of in the city. I learnt a lot about lighting and cameras. I have wanted to take photos professionally for a long time and I think this will help me to reach my goal. My favorite photo that I took today was the rose bud with the leaves in the background.

The workshop was successful on many levels with the sharing of knowledge, positive role modeling, validation of students existing skills and self-confidence and belief to photograph people. The students arrived as individuals from far and wide including Werrington, Blacktown, Glenmore Park, Campsie and Melbourne, and they departed with new friendships and polished photographic skills.

Wayne affirms I would like to thank the Penrith Regional Gallery and its visionary staff for creating a program that brings together professional artists like myself and young people who are dedicated to making a difference through the use of visual arts.  Let me also thank the students that attended this workshop, not only dedicated and talented they were instrumental in helping me better understand the impact photography can have on both Indigenous and Non-indigenous people.

Adjunct Professor Wayne Quilliam is an Aboriginal photographer/artist and cultural advisor. His work has been published in over 1000 books and magazines and curated and exhibited over 100 solo exhibitions in Europe, Asia, USA, South America and Australia. He states that one of his ambitions is to encourage people to utilse photography as an art form.

Wayne was the official photographer for the Australian Governments apology and developed the ‘Ngarpin’ or ‘Sorry-more than a word’ exhibition that opened at Parliament House in Canberra and has toured throughout Australia and overseas. His work in Indigenous Affairs in Australia and Overseas has been recognised by dozens of International organisations with numerous awards including the 2009 NAIDOC Indigenous Artist of the Year, AIMSC Business supplier of the Year and many art accolades.