A striking juxtaposition of the photographic practice of award-winning photojournalist and conflict photographer, Rob Maccoll, with the fashion and celebrity work of his son, Andrew Maccoll.

Artist Statement

These images capture a significant period of my career as a photojournalist for News Limited from 2000 to 2012. During these years, I covered hard news stories across Australia and around the globe, often deploying to breaking news events at a moment’s notice. My equipment—cameras, laptops, satellite phones, medical supplies, and sometimes even body armour—was always packed and ready, allowing me to move swiftly into unpredictable situations.

Assignments could last anywhere from a few days to several months. I never knew exactly what I would encounter upon arrival, whether the chaos had already unfolded or was just beginning. My role wasn’t just to capture the scene, but to find and document the stories of those most affected. Through empathy and understanding, I aimed to illustrate the human impact behind the headlines.

In some instances, the camera was set aside to provide assistance where it was needed. These moments of connection underscored the responsibility that came with telling these stories.

The images presented here adhere to strict guidelines imposed by News Limited, allowing only minimal adjustments to light and colour balance. No alterations were made that could compromise the authenticity of the moment. These photos remain true to the integrity of the events as they unfolded, capturing raw moments of human experience in times of crisis.

These images were taken using various Canon Digital Cameras and lenses.

Rob Maccoll

Rob Maccoll – Australian Photojournalist

Rob Maccoll is a seasoned Australian photojournalist based in Noosa, with a career spanning decades of documenting pivotal moments in history. He began as a video cameraman and stills photographer for ABC TV before joining the Australian Information Service (AIS) in Sydney, where he captured iconic images of Australian life, events, and overseas humanitarian projects. During this time, he also served as an official photographer for visiting dignitaries, including world leaders and members of the Royal Family, such as Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana.

In 1988, Rob returned to Brisbane, joining News Limited as a features and fashion photographer. His career took a significant turn in 1999 when he was sent to cover the conflict in East Timor following the independence ballot. Over the next few months, Rob’s work revealed the devastation caused by pro-Indonesian militia groups. His images were published worldwide, and he returned to East Timor several times to document the nation’s ongoing struggles and recovery.

Inspired by the power of images to tell the real story and prompt action, Rob dedicated his career to documenting major global incidents, disasters, and conflicts. His work has taken him to war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the aftermath of terrorist bombings in Bali and Jakarta, and into the heart of the AIDS epidemic in Papua New Guinea. His photos have captured the destructive force of natural disasters like the tsunamis in Phuket, Aceh, and Gizo, as well as floods, bushfires and cyclones closer to home.

In 2014, Rob was invited to photograph world leaders, including Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping, at the G20 Summit.

His contributions to photojournalism have been widely recognised, earning him several prestigious awards. In 2000, he received the Walkley Award, Australia’s highest honour for photojournalism, for his work in East Timor. In 2004, he was awarded the United Nations Association Media Peace Award for his coverage of the HIV/AIDS crisis in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, Rob has won six Queensland Media/Clarion Awards and numerous other accolades throughout his career.

Artist Statement

My work is driven by a deep desire to capture the true essence of people. I aim to move beyond the façades we present to the world and seize moments where guards are lowered, revealing glimpses of a person’s soul. After mastering the technicalities of photography and lighting, I have reached a place where I no longer need to think about how to capture an image, but rather why I want to capture it and what the final result should evoke. Each image is carefully pre-planned and crafted, distinct from the spontaneous social documentary styles I was formally trained in.

In my portraiture, I strive to go beyond the typical camera smile, seeking something more profound. I often engage my subjects in laughter or conversation, waiting for a fraction of a second when something real or vulnerable shines through. My lighting often reflects a chiaroscuro style, using a single diffused light source that’s a stop or two brighter than the background, allowing the subject to emerge in soft luminance. Caravaggio’s mastery of light and shadow continues to inspire me.

In my fashion photography, I focus on the empowered feminine form, often shooting from low angles to convey strength and timeless elegance. Inspired by Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’, I seek haute couture that embodies uniqueness and grace. Location plays a crucial role in these shoots, which are meticulously researched and planned, often taking a month to prepare. Beauty alone is enough reason to press the shutter, and through my lens, I aim to create images that reflect both the subject’s essence and capture them in a timeless, enduring aesthetic.

Andrew Maccoll

Andrew Maccoll – Australian Commercial Photographer

Australian-born Andrew Maccoll has made a name for himself as a sought-after Director and Photographer. Having worked with some of the world’s biggest brands and celebrities, career highlights include working with iconic brands such as Apple, IBM, Dior, and NBC. Andrew now works as the founding Creative Director of Saturate- a creative consultancy, with clients including Rolls Royce & Lamborghini.

An expert in brand strategy and culture-changing creativity, his impressive skill set includes directing photography and film. Andrew earned a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts & Photography, majoring in Multimedia, before going on to study directing at the AFTRS. Andrew spent much of his childhood immersed in darkrooms and edit suites. His father, an honoured Press Photographer, and his mother, a Documentary Producer, undoubtedly influenced his love for the visual arts. Andrew worked for News Ltd and its stable of news and magazines for over a decade. He has since worked with major celebrities and Australian brands in both fashion and advertising, working with Bill Clinton, Robert De Niro, Matt Damon, P!NK, and many others.

Three of his portraits have earned a place in the Australian National Portrait Gallery. He has also been honoured as one of the top ten photographers in his field by the prestigious Hasselblad Masters and has been recognized as one of Australia’s top ten photographers in both fashion and advertising by Capture Magazine. Andrew’s recent projects include directing campaigns for Apple, Toms, and ING.

Exhibition Events

exhibition opening 8 nov