Barry Skipsey Photographer

He describes his education in photography as one of “ Life Experience”.

Born on King Island, Tasmania, Barry spent his formative years in Melbourne.
Then in 1977, his art led him eventually to Darwin where a 6-week working holiday freewheeled into a 10-year stint with the Northern Territory government,
firstly as the Chief Ministers official photographer and subsequently with the NT
Tourist Commission. For 6 six month of the year he was on the road, supplying his newly-acquired, distinctive interpretation of the Territory to their 7 worldwide offices.

Barry wrapped up the 1980’s with a brief but successful sojourn in Adelaide as a Press Photographer with the Advertiser.

But 1990 saw him back in the Territory, working ( as he still does ) as a stringer for the major dailies, including the The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, the Age and their associated weekend magazines. He continues to be sort by national weekly magazines, including Australian Country Style, the Women’s Weekly, Fresh and Who Magazine.

It was a special commissioned feature on the Western MacDonnell National Park
in 1993 for the prestigious Australian Geographic that sealed his fate. It not only led
to regular contributions but in 1995, Barry was voted “ Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year” and his 200 page best selling book “ The Australian Geographic Book of the Red Centre” was released.

Barry’s passion for his art is helped by his natural ability to relate to his subjects. Having personally worked as a roustabout in the shearing industry, as a deckhand on prawn trawlers and driven trucks on mine sites, Barry believes an insight into the unique Australian ethos was gained around the smoko tables in these predominately isolated locations.

His work now revolves around the clients and companies that need him, where he is most at home…. out bush. Government departments, Mining companies, Aboriginal artist co-operatives and adventure based tour operators are central to Barry’s client base. Barry manages an extensive photographic library fielding enquires from those seeking his inimitable version of the Australian outback.

Barry say’s, “ You can’t beat that quintessentially Australian last light falling on a pristine sand dune”.