The Australian Cinematographers Society opened its photographic exhibit for world-renowned cinematographer Peter James ACS ASC last Friday.
James is better known as the cinematographer behind critically-acclaimed and popular films such as as Driving Miss Daisy, Black Robe, Meet the Parents and Mao's Last Dancer. However, he is also a passionate stills photographer: his works have previously been exhibited in Sydney, Toronto and Los Angeles.
The current ACS exhibit, titled Man in the Landscape, includes images from his Lifesaver book, which was published in Australia and the USA, as well as black and white shots from a series also called Man in the Landscape.
"This represents 20 years – this black and white series," James said. "The lifesavers was five years work, so you've got to persevere in this business and squeeze it in when you can amongst your film."
He thanked the cinematographers who have gone before him and who laid the foundation for the recently-opened ACS headquarters. James also cited several peers among his influences including John Leake OAM ACS, Patrick Russell, Andre Fleuren ACS, Bruce Dowad, Jeremia Checheck and Bruce Beresford.
ACS national president Ron Johanson ACS said James was an iconic figure. “Peter is an inspiration for many of us in this room and many of us in society – he knows how I feel about him,” he said while opening the exhibit.
The ACS’s first exhibit was held in April: Raeburn Trindall's Memories of a Cinematographer on Assignment.
The Peter James ACS ASC exhibit, Man in the Landscape, will run until September 30 at the ACS national headquarters located at L2, 26 Ridge Street, North Sydney.
Peter James ACS ASC opening his exhibition at ACS headquarters.