A love of footy and photography helped former local Michael Willson carve out an accomplished career that combines both.
Now the AFL’s chief photographer, Willson is about to launch an exhibition of his work at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery.
His Beyond the Boundary series opens on August 5, along with another football exhibition, Home Ground.
When he was approached by gallery director Ian Tully to take part in the project he thought it was a great idea.
Beyond the Boundary is a photographic celebration of Australian football consisting of about 30 of Willson’s favourite images that he has taken over the years.
A mixture of action, inner sanctum, and candid emotion pictures that capture the essence of the game.
“I was always a bit of a creative student and studied a graphic design degree and worked as a graphic designer for a number of years before I transitioned to photography,” Mr Willson said.
“I guess I just found a calling for photography and AFL photography in particular.
“I loved growing up in Swan Hill, loved playing football and even in my adult years when I was living in Bendigo and Melbourne I still travelled back to play football at Lake Boga.
“Once my photography started to take off, I used that passion I had for photography and football now it has ended up being a full-time job for me which I feel very fortunate to have.”
He began photographing amateur games and VFL matches to build up a portfolio, get to know other photographers and learn the ropes of the business.
“A few doors opened at the right time, and you capitalise on the opportunities and in 2008 I was offered a full-time job at AFL Photos and the rest is history.
In 2003, he was a part of the Lake Boga premiership side, which he considers one of the highlights of his life.
Art Gallery Director Ian Tully said the exhibitions would provide an exciting opportunity for visitors to the gallery to witness the fusion of two beloved passions.
“Visitors will have an opportunity to immerse themselves in a unique experience that celebrates a football culture and creativity through photography, ceramics, painting, and prints,” Mr Tully said.
“We will showcase two exhibitions that focus on Australian Rules football – Home Ground featuring various artists, and Beyond the Boundary by Michael Willson.”
“Home Ground invites our “Home” players and supporters, as well as the broader public, to view the game of Australian Rules football through a lens quite different to the all-consuming high paced world of weekend footy.
“Through photography, ceramics, paintings and prints, Home Ground will take the viewer behind the scenes and in many cases beyond the glare of the bright lights to a more contemplative and nuanced interpretation of players and supporters.”
Mr Tully said the gallery was delighted to be hosting a special launch event with former AFL player Josh Jenkins, who also grew up in Swan Hill, opening the exhibitions on Friday, August 4 from 6-8pm.
