Portrait power: photojournalist Lorrie Graham’s five

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-20T01:40:16.520Z • Permanent link

Lorrie Graham's groundbreaking exhibition at the State Library of NSW is a testament to her remarkable career as a photojournalist. Born in 1955, Graham began her journey in photography at the Sydney Morning Herald, where she became the first female photography cadet in 1977. Graham's trailblazing achievement paved the way for future generations of female photographers and cemented her status as a trailblazer in the industry.

Graham's illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which she captured some of the most pivotal moments in Australian history. Her work with the Sydney Morning Herald took her to the frontlines of major news events, including the 1988 Bicentennial celebrations and the 1990s recession. Graham's photographs were published in major newspapers and magazines, including the Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, and Newsweek. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Walkley Award for Best News Picture.

Graham's legacy extends beyond her impressive portfolio, as she has also been a vocal advocate for the importance of photography in storytelling. In a 2019 interview with the Australian, Graham emphasized the need for photographers to be "more than just documentarians." She argued that photographers should strive to be " storytellers, not just recorders of events." Graham's exhibition at the State Library of NSW serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the world of photography.

The Lorrie Graham exhibition at the State Library of NSW has significant implications for the data sources domain. Graham's work has been drawn from over 100,000 images and negatives, providing a unique insight into the evolution of photography and journalism. The exhibition's focus on Graham's personal archive raises questions about the ownership and control of photographic data. Who owns the rights to these images? How are they being used and repurposed?

The exhibition also highlights the importance of preserving photographic archives for future generations. Graham's work serves as a reminder of the significance of photography in documenting historical events and capturing the human experience. The exhibition's availability at the State Library of NSW provides a valuable resource for researchers, students, and the general public. Companies such as Getty Images and News Corp, which have large collections of photographic archives, would do well to follow Graham's example and make their holdings more accessible.

The Lorrie Graham exhibition is part of a larger trend towards the preservation and exhibition of photographic archives. In recent years, institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian National Maritime Museum have hosted exhibitions showcasing their extensive photographic collections. Graham's exhibition is also part of a broader conversation about the role of photography in journalism and storytelling. The rise of social media has transformed the way we consume and interact with visual content, and Graham's work serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional forms of storytelling.