So wonderful to hear of @archieroachmusic being awarded Australian of the Year. I will never forget taking Archie’s portrait. @konniemac and I had sat in his kitchen while he told us of his life in the way only Archie can. It was heartbreaking, hilarious and the most wonderful thing all at the same time. The atmosphere was so heavy it felt like it could crush you. We took a break for a minute afterwards while I got my camera ready to take his photograph. As he’s not a well man, I said it was ok, I could just do it at his kitchen table with a black background. But when I went to take the picture, the energy was gone. Instead of Archie the story teller, deep in his mind, instead his face was almost stony, in what I guess is his PR face. I’ve seen Archie play enough times to know that when he performs, he usually closes his eyes, and goes some place else.. A showbiz face just wasn’t going to do in this situation. I don’t often direct people when I’m taking their portrait, but I suggested he goes back to where he was fifteen minutes ago when we were talking about Ruby, let it out.. I told him he didn’t even have to open his eyes if he didn’t want to. Just like that, as if being given permission to be himself, he started humming, closing his eyes, humming and rocking. The intensity of this man is something else, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like that while photographing someone. This is one of the resulting photos. I’ve not seen many other photos of Arch that get his eyes, for me it’s all about his eyes. I am so thankful I got to create these images of this incredible pillar of strength, wisdom and kindness. I’ll remember his words till the day I die. #archieroach #portrait #phaseonephoto #goodweekendmagazine https://www.instagram.com/p/B7udUrjpcaq/?igshid=1mtzcuyilzzkd
