Harold Cazneaux – The Ghost of Australian Photography’s Past!

Harold Cazneaux originally from New Zealand moved with his family to Adelaide in the 1890’s before he moved away from his family to Sydney in1904. He began working in Freeman & Co. Ltd's studio, becoming manager and chief operator. On 1 September 1905 at Lewisham he married Mabel Winifred Hodge. In his spare time he began documenting Sydney life. He is credited with holding Australia’s first one man show.


He is celebrated for his use and embrace of natural light in his work. He saw this as a key element in developing photographs which were distinctively Australian in character. His extensive and versatile photographic work – from city views and landscapes to portraiture is a testament to his innovation, passion and drive to make photography and art. Cazneaux photographs broke from the 19th century values and were prophetic in their style.


Because of Cazeaux’s lack of money he was restricted to staying in Sydney and exploring it’s croked streets and alleyways on foot. Cazneaux considered the romantic, liquid glow of a hesitant sun during the wet, misty mornings of winter made it an extraordinary time for photography. Cazeaux found the subtle attraction of the huge city buildings irresistible, especially when enfolded by mist of washed by the rain. He loved photographing the reflection of the buildings in the pools of water left behind, with pedestrians hurrying to and fro causing ‘fantastic reflections of themselves to dance along their feet’ Cazeaux also loved the versatility of the Australian sun, in his work he experimented with the resplendence of full sunlight, as well as the filigreed patterns made by filtered sunlight. He confronted and challenged light sources, shadows and reflections and enticed the mysterious patterns he they created into his photographs.


Cazeaux captured the entire story that was the making of the Harbour Bridge, he felt that the Sydney skyline changed overnight, none the less some of his finest work was focused around the bridge. It also provided hum a perfect vantage points for his photographic shots.


Examples of his work: