20.1.11

Harold Cazneaux

Harold Cazneaux (1878-1953) was a founder of the Sydney Camera Circle and his work greatly influenced the development of Australian photography. One of the Sydney Camera Circle's key aims was to reframe Australian photography so that it embraced "our own Australia in terms of sunlight" rather than the grey shadows typical of European photography at the time.  Looking through his photographs, it's interesting to see how he slowly embraces this ideal in his own work.  I especially like the last two portraits of the 1920s women - the way he plays with the light in these photos is wonderful.

'Passing Storm'
 'Fresham School'
 'Doris Zinkeise'

10 comments:

k said...

The portraits are beautiful!

Anika said...

I agree, those are beautiful.

It's funny but I hadn't thought of how photographers play with light just like the painters of the impressionist era... Of course light was discussed in the history of photography but I hadn't ever heard of this Sydney circle and there ideas. Very interesting and intriguing to go in the past and see through their minds. It made me compare the impressionist painters to photographers for the first time! Thanks!

Clare B said...

@ Anika - I also thought about the impressionist when I was reading about Cazneaux. He set up a photography circle called something like 'the Sunshine Circle' (cute name, huh?). Very similar to what Monet and the Impressionist Circle were doing in Europe and a group of Australian artists called 'The Heidelberg School' were doing in Australia.

Justine said...

how wonderful, these are beautiful, I love those last two especially. the one of the school children has a picnic at hanging rock feel to it.

Silver Strands said...

Those are aboslutely gorgeous!

Carla said...

hI Claire, thanks for posting these stunning photos of Harold Cazneaux. I only discovered him on my last trip home and love this photos.. The girls at Frensham are so Australian and the portraits are heaven.. thanks cArla

mysterymoor said...

these photos are so wonderful! I'd never heard of him. Off to my weekend links you go :)

Cherisse said...

The portraits are so beautiful! I love the third photo!

Jamie said...

Wow - love these all. It is so fun to stop and think about how photography developed.

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful. Love them all so much, xx to you- Emily from EL Vintage