Rod McNicol is one of Australia’s most celebrated photographers, recognised for his decades-long, singular dedication to photographing his friends, peers and in particular, the various vibrant subcultures from the streets of Fitzroy and Collingwood. 

In February of this year we invited Rod to speak about his creative practice of over forty years; and his book ' A Portrait', recently published by M.33. 

In this video of the event, Rod reveals his influences, inspiration and the thinking process behind his portraits, ranging from those of his first exhibition in 1978, his ‘time’ series and later his portraits of the locals from his ‘village’. Although each portrait shares a rigorous approach and a disciplined formality reminiscent of the mug shot, each is imbued with the sense of our common human condition.

Rod McNicol has exhibited his work extensively both here in Australia and internationally. His work is held in major collections including the National Gallery of Australia, the Bibliotheque Nationale, France and our very own City of Yarra Collection which can be viewed at: https://arts.yarracity.vic.gov.au/arts-programs/collection

View Rod's talk via our YouTube channel below: