Russell McPhedran

Where have you worked and over what time period?

• 1952 – 62: I started at the Sydney Sun as a copy boy, graduating to cadet and then onto graded press photographer
• 1962 - 63: Hong Kong Standard
• 1963 – 68: London Daily Express
• 1968 – 85: Fairfax in Sydney
• 1985 – 2004: The Associated Press in Sydney

How did you get into press photography - what was your big break?

My hobby was photography, so on school holidays after intermediate exams I looked for a job at Kodak, only to be told that I should try newspapers. I got a job at the Sydney Sun and by a stroke of fate was sent to the photo department as a copy boy. The Davis Cup was being held at White City in Sydney and part of my duties was to go there and collect the film from the photographers to bring back to the office. I was sold, and my father came to see the photographer in chief to ask, could I stay in the job with the aim of one day being a photographer? My big break was the Buckingham's fire picture, which put my name on the map world wide.

What is your favourite photograph of all those you have taken and why?

Buckingham's Fire, because it put my name on the map worldwide.

What is the biggest change you've seen in press photography over your career?

Starting with 35 mm cameras then digital cameras.

What was the first camera you used and what camera do you use now?

A Graflex in the 50s but now I use a Canon digital camera.