When Harri Met Sally – A Photography Podcast

This weeks guest on the podcast is Tajette O’Halloran and we couldn’t be more delighted!

Tajette is an Australian photographic artist known for her evocative explorations of human connection within the suburban and rural landscapes of Australia. Blending conceptual and documentary practices, her work draws heavily on personal memory to construct cinematic, emotionally resonant scenes that reflect the universal complexities of adolescence, family, and place.

Her long-term series In Australia is a deeply personal reflection on growing up in small-town Australia. Through a lens shaped by her own experiences, Tajette captures the nuance of unconventional family dynamics, peer structures, friendship, and hardship—building a body of work that feels both intimately local and globally relatable.

The Quarry centers on an abandoned brickworks quarry in rural New South Wales that has transformed into a community swimming hole. Through traditional documentary photography, the series examines the shifting relationship between people, environment, and time, revealing the site as a living, evolving microcosm.

Tajette is currently undertaking a 12-month commission with the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, where she is documenting nightlife in the Northern Rivers, NSW. In July, she will present her first solo exhibition at Hillvale Gallery in Melbourne. Her work also features in In Suburbia – Recent Detours at the S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney and Agenda: The Lipstick Effect at the Sydney Opera House for International Women’s Day.

She is a finalist in the 2025 Galah Prize and has previously exhibited and curated as part of ACTS I–VII at Benalla Art Gallery for PHOTO 2022. Tajette is also a member of the Oculi Collective.

“If you can conjure some kind of community with what you are doing, it’s so important.”   

Web: www.tajetteohalloran.com/

Instagram: @tajette.ohalloran/

Thanks as always to our amazing sponsors Nikon Australia, Ted’s Cameras, Collarts and A&L Artistic Framers. We couldn't do this without your support so thank you so much once again.

On the podcast this week we have Erhan Tirli. An emerging photographer who shares his story of how he found his way into photography, and how he balances his personal photographic practice with starting a commercial one. 

Erhan centres his practice around long-term ethnography of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Melbourne, Australia. Utilising a background in social work and psychology Erhan employs a collaborative approach to creating culturally intimate images of CALD people and communities. Erhan’s work can be characterised as expanded documentary that delves into the themes of cross-cultural identity and belonging.

“What she taught me, knowing how to carry myself through this world, means inherently all of my images have an element of her in them, because I’m in them.”

Tune in to hear how important Erhan’s family and community are to him, and the ideas he’s exploring around being a part of multiple cultures simultaneously.  

@erhn.trl
www.erhntrl.com

Thanks as always to our amazing sponsors Nikon Australia, Ted’s Cameras, Collarts and A&L Artistic Framers. We couldn't do this without your support so thank you so much once again.

Today we have the captivating documentary photographer and educator, Christina Simons on the show. 

Icelandic-American Christina, is an acclaimed international documentary photographer with over 25 years of experience in the visual arts. Her work has been showcased in various countries, including the US, UK, UAE, Europe, Russia, and Mexico. Based in Australia, Christina's photography has been featured in prominent publications like The New York Times, BBC Online, Newsweek, and The Guardian UK. She has collaborated with humanitarian organisations such as Medicines Sans Frontiers, the UN, Marie Stopes, and UNICEF. Simons’ passion for social justice and compulsion to observe has resulted in striking bodies of work that offer unique visual commentary upon important social, environmental and cultural issues.

Recently Christina has started teaching at Collarts in Melbourne. She shares with us her stories of her travels through work and life, and also about her role in education and mentoring. 

• “I feel like I needed to do something and I didn’t know what that looked like. And then eventually I started being a photographer, and all of those things came together, things that I cared about and have passion for.”

Christina has a way of absorbing us into her stories and transporting us into that experience. Tune in to hear this fabulous conversation. 

Website - christinasimons.com

Instagram - @christinasimons

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinasimons

Thanks as always to our amazing sponsors Nikon Australia, Ted’s Cameras, Collarts and A&L Artistic Framers. We couldn't do this without your support so thank you so much once again.

Today we warmly welcome John Platt into the pod suite, who made it all the way from Sydney! 

Leaving High School in the late 1970’s John worked as a still photographer’s assistant before discovering the film industry in the early 1980’s. Believing he’d left photography behind, he embraced the world of film and gravitated toward the camera department, becoming a Clapper-loader (2nd AC). In mid 1986 he was given the opportunity to pull focus on his first feature film, 'The Tale of Ruby Rose’. For the following twelve years John worked as a Focus Puller (1st AC). 

With the arrival of his first son in 1989, John rediscovered his love of photography and began what would eventually become a 40-year project. The recording of his crew mates on location. In 2014 after ten years as a Camera Operator, John moved into Unit Still Photography coming full circle and combining his two great passions, Still Photography and recording the crews he works with.

Today we talk with John about his career in moving image, his return to stills photography and his first book ‘Observations On Set 1983-2005’ which is available now and will be followed by volume two, ‘Observations On Set 2005-2024' in late 2025.

• “The key to longevity in the industry is keep relative, keep your work to a high standard and keep connected”

Unit Stills website: https://johnplatt.com.au

Book Website: https://observationsonset.com

Instagram: @johnplattphotos

Thanks as always to our amazing sponsors Nikon Australia, Ted’s Cameras, Collarts and A&L Artistic Framers. We couldn't do this without your support so thank you so much once again.

Profile image by Mike Steel

This week we warmly welcome Aldona Kmieć to the podcast. 

Aldona is a photographic artist based in Melbourne, originally from Poland. After studying photography in London, she migrated to Australia in 2009 establishing a studio in Ballarat, where she worked on site-specific installations and paste-up projects. Her practice blends conceptual and documentary photography, about memory and belonging.

Aldona has been recognised as a finalist in photography prizes, as well as being widely exhibited across Australia and internationally, including at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale (2023). 'Hills Hoist', her latest solo exhibition, will show at City Library Gallery in November 2025, supported by City of Melbourne Arts Grant. 

• “I think you learn to manage your life and prioritise what’s important and don’t focus on something that isn’t.” 

Tune in to listen to this fascinating and wonderful story that all started on a dairy farm in Poland. 

W: https://aldonakmiec.com 

IG: instagram.com/aldonakmiec   

Thanks as always to our amazing sponsors Nikon Australia, Ted’s Cameras, Collarts and A&L Artistic Framers. We couldn't do this without your support so thank you so much once again.

This week on the podcast we have an incredibly engaging conversation with the exceptional person that is Carly Earl. 

As the Picture Editor for The Guardian Australia, Carly works with the best photojournalists in the country. She is an award-winning photojournalist herself who has been working in the media for over twelve years. Carly's photography has accompanied some of The Guardian's biggest stories. Her passion is connecting an audience to the voiceless people of real news stories, while fostering a creative space for artists to showcase their best work to a global audience. 

“That was my mission when I started at The Guardian, I said I want this to be the place that photographers want to work with.” 

Tune in to this wonderful conversation to hear how Carly and her team advocate for not only the people whose stories they share, but for the photographers that work for The Guardian as well. 

@piceditor.theguardian.au/

The Guardian Australia 

Below are the links to some of the stories Carly mentions throughout the episode -

Droving story

Blacktown

Thanks as always to our amazing sponsors Nikon Australia, Ted’s Cameras, Collarts and A&L Artistic Framers. We couldn't do this without your support so thank you so much once again.

In this episode we have the honour of speaking with Sally McInerney, daughter of Olive Cotton. 

At the age of eight Sally was given an old Box Brownie camera by her great-aunt and learnt the elements of camera work from her mother. At aged 14, Sally bought a secondhand Yashicaflex and carried it around like a companion, observing beautiful, strange, sometimes quite unforeseen things. She has continued this practice of photography ever since, as a way of life.

“I think photography is a way of living in the here and now, living in the moment, there’s no other moment but the one you're in… and your camera can be like your companion, or doppelganger, who's always with you.” 

This is a truly special conversation. We hear not only about Sally’s journey through photography, but also some wonderful stories about growing up with her mother, Olive Cotton. 

sallymcinerneyphotogaraphy.com.au

@sallymcinerneyphotography

@tweedregionalgallery 

Profile picture credit - © Mohsen Soltani

Welcome back to When Harri met Sally! We’re so happy to be back in the pod suits again. 

In this episode the two of us have an open, honest, and lively chat as we share what we've learnt from starting the podcast last year. We discuss what has happened since season one, some thoughts on the photography industry on a whole and the exciting plans ahead for season two. This season we are asking all our guests one common question - What does the future of photography look like to you? In this episode we kick things off answering that question ourselves. 

Thanks for all the support you have shown us so far. We hope you love listening to Season 2 just just as much as we loved making it.

thebrownbilleffect.com/

photocollective.com.au/

Welcome back to Season Two of When Harri met Sally. We’re thrilled to bring you another twelve episodes of conversations with photographers working across Australia. New episodes every week.

Episode 12 wraps up our season with fresh perspectives from emerging photographers Gemma Raso, Lisa-Mary Abdulnour, and Matilda Baumann

Matilda is a student photographer specialising in portraiture, currently using photography as a tool for self-discovery. Through vibrant portraits and storytelling, her work explores identity, empowerment, and the beauty of stories often overlooked.

Lisa-Mary, creator behind Broke Stills, makes portfolios that intrigue her. From frying old photos to process grief, to seeking out abandoned chairs and connecting them to memories—who knows what she will create next?

Creating and sharing on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri-willam people of the Kulin Nation in Australia, Gemma prioritises connection and collaboration in her practice. Her work explores a range of different themes to do with belonging including spirituality and land, lineage, textiles, and particularly the experiences of d/Disabled peoples within these contexts. 

These talented students share their creative journeys, inspirations and hopes for the future of photography. Their unique voices remind us of the beauty in starting out.

https://www.instagram.com/technicoloursuper888/

https://www.instagram.com/brokestills/

https://www.instagram.com/gemrasophotography/

https://www.collarts.edu.au/.  

Episode 11 brings us into the newsroom with Danie Sprague!

Danie has been the Photographic Editor at The Age and The Sunday Age from 2018 to present. With a team of Photographers and Picture Editors they cover all aspects of daily news reporting, photojournalism and long form feature work for cross platform news media mastheads. Danie has worked in various photo editing roles at Fairfax Media/The Age (now Nine) such as Features and The Sunday Age for almost 20 years and has previously worked for independent publishers of bespoke print periodicals in Australia and Europe (2003-2021).

Today on the podcast Danie discusses the evolution of visual storytelling in journalism, from print to digital and how photography shapes how we see the world through news media.

https://www.theage.com.au/

In Episode 10 we chat with Vanessa Gerrans, CEO and Artistic Director of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale.

Vanessa is leading the 11th Festival (open from 23rd August to 19th October 2025) and simultaneously transforming Ballarat's former Union Bank into the National Centre for Photography. Previously Gerrans served as Director of the Warrnambool Art Gallery from 2015-2022 and holds a Masters in Art Curatorship from the University of Melbourne. 

In this episode Vanessa shares her mission to elevate Australian photography, from leading festivals to establishing the National Centre for Photography with her passion for the arts shining through every endeavour.

https://ballaratfoto.org

https://www.instagram.com/vanessagerrans/

Photo by Alice Miles

Episode 9 is here spotlighting the raw power of photojournalism with Darrian Traynor.

Darrian is an Australian based award-winning photojournalist working as a staff photographer with Getty Images based in Sydney Australia. His editorial work appears in newspapers, magazines and online for publications all around the world. Prior to joining Getty Images as a staff photographer in 2024, Darrian worked in a freelance role for the company for over 10 years as well as work for Nine Media including mastheads such as The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.

While having a strong background in sports photography Darrian’s reportage work has seen him cover global humanitarian issues particularly in the Middle East with an ongoing look at the issues surrounding refugees displaced by conflict.

Darrian’s award-winning work captures breaking news, humanitarian issues and global events with heart and precision. Tune in to hear his insights on documenting truth in a fast-paced world.

https://www.darriantraynor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/darriantraynor/

Episode 8 takes us on a personal journey with Rikki Bunder, an artist who transitioned from commercial advertising to fine art and education.

Rikki is a passionate photographer and educator. After many years working as a professional photographer, he made the move into higher education and has spent the last 12 years teaching and managing photography courses. He is currently the Program Leader - Photography at Collarts Australia.  

Through self-exploration and introspection, Rikki’s work is an extension of their thoughts and questions, offering a powerful look into the subconscious through photography.

www.rikkipaul.com

https://www.instagram.com/rpbunder/

Episode 7 explores the cinematic and surreal world of Samantha Everton. Known for her ‘magic realism,’ Samantha’s photography weaves vivid narratives that linger long after viewing. Join us as she shares how her award-winning art pushes the boundaries of reality and symbolism, creating a world that’s both uncanny and mesmerising.

https://samanthaeverton.com/

https://www.instagram.com/samantha.everton/ 

This week we speak to Isamu Sawa.

Isamu, born in Japan and raised in Australia, has had a life long passion for photography since being gifted a Yashika 35 rangefinder camera from his father at the age of nine. Isamu’s career has spanned the commercial industry from rock and roll to car photography, and later to a beautiful artistic practice which he says has redefined his approach to his work at every level. Isamu says “I believe an image should stand the test of time—delivered through Japanese-inspired discipline, creativity and technical craft.”

A wonderful conversation with a photographer balancing the world of commercial and art photography. 

https://www.isamusawa.com.au/

https://instagram.com/isamu_sawa_photography/

We are so thrilled to have Jesse Marlow on podcast today. 

Jesse is a Melbourne based photographer whose works are held in public and private collections across Australia, including the National Gallery of Victoria, Australian Parliament House Canberra, Monash Gallery of Art, City of Melbourne and State Library of Victoria.

Jesse is known for his street photography and has published multiple photobooks including being one of 45 street photographers from around the world profiled in the book Street Photography Now. He was awarded the International Street Photographer of the Year Award in 2011 and in 2012 won the Monash Gallery of Art’s Bowness Prize. He is a member of the international street photographers’ collective UP Photographers, a Leica ambassador and manages the Leica Academy in Melbourne. 

Jesse is a photographer that has diversified his business in so many different ways and it has been fascinating to hear how he has managed to stay so active in the photography industry. A wonderful conversation. 

https://www.jessemarlow.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jessemarlow

This week we speak to the one and only Andrew Chapman! 

Andrew started his photographic work in suburban newspapers and graduated to freelance work in the mid 1980s. His work has been widely published in newspapers, magazines and corporate periodicals both here in Australia and overseas. Andrew has exhibited across Australia as well as the US and France and his work can be found in National Institutions. He is the author of 10 photographic books. Fifty five years as a photographer has not blunted his enthusiasm.

Andrew's wealth of knowledge and engaging stories had us completely enthralled. A wonderful conversation with a truly inspiring gentleman. 

www.andrewchapmanphotography.com

https://www.instagram.com/bigcheezoz/

This week we speak to documentary family photographer Rowena Meadows.

Rowena is a photographer, relational therapist and crazy bird lady. She sees her work (photographic and therapeutic) with families as an opportunity to validate, reframe and shift the way people see themselves, both as a system and as individuals.

Rowena shares how her interest in psychology and photography go hand in hand through her process, and how this can be a therapy for both her and the sitters she works with. A truly heartwarming conversation. 

https://www.rowenameadows.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/rowenameadowsphoto/

Welcome to episode two of When Harri met Sally! In this episode we have a conversation with Aishah Kenton and Sean Davey. 

Aishah and Sean are innovative photographers, curators, and educators whose collaborative practices draw from a deep-rooted passion for documentary and observational photography. Their artistic visions centre on the intimacies of contemporary daily life and explores the nuanced intersection of personal experiences and broader social issues.

This is a wonderful insight into their collaborative process and a discovery in why they are passionate about photography and working together in this way. 

https://www.kentondavey.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/kenton.davey/