Terry Phelan

Where have you worked and over what time period?

I started at Women's Day as a mail boy and when I was given the choice to continue in one of the advertising, commercial or photographic departments, I chose photography. After completing National Service I moved to the Sun News Pictorial as a cadet photographer. I spent forty years as photographer with the last four as the Pictorial Editor. I retired from the paper in 1993 and then freelanced for another fourteen years part time, working for the Grand Prix Corporation, the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and as venue Picture Editor at Royal Park (Hockey and Netball). I was Picture Editor for the Sydney Olympic Games book, and I've also covered sport for The Sunday Age and Sunday Herald -Sun.

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

It was just a fluke that from the three choices I had been offered, I picked photography. I had no camera, I had taken no pictures.

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

I have lots of favourites, but the series of the fall at the Kilmore Trots was the most difficult to take because there was no autofocus in those days. The aftermath was special because it won Best Sequence in the World Press Photo Competition, which meant a trip to Amsterdam for my wife, Trich, and I. The trophy, The Golden Eye, was presented by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.

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

The biggest change was going from big format cameras. I started with a Speed Graphics that you had to load with single cut film into a steel holder, then load the 12 shots (the most you could load at one time) onto the back of the camera. You never had much film so you had make every shot count. With the advent of 35mm cameras and roll film you could put enough film in your pockets for any big assignment.

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

Speed Graphics was my first camera, but I use nothing now. I have given my cameras to one of my daughters. I used a digital camera one night at the trots because of time constraints.