Did you grow up in the typical as we say, Greek family, with all the traditions and smells from Greek cooking?
Yes I did. The Greek home cooking, the music my Father played on the record player, the Easter Orthodox celebrations, and we spoke as much Greek at home as we could. I was always proud to say that I was a Greek-Australian, and not just Australian.
And as I grew, Australians and Greeks were very much alike. Their love of love, food, celebration, and easy living were the same.
But Greeks were a little different through their wonderful emphasis on being a family unit. Respect and love for your elders. Working hard to give your children the best in life. It is these things I now carry on as a father and husband.
Where do your parents come from and what is your connection with your roots?
Dad’s side of the family were from Siros. Mum from Castellorizo. Although they hadn’t met as early teens, both sets of my Grandparents took their respective families to Egypt, then ultimately to Australia. Dad and Mum met as teenagers at a dance ball run by the Greeks From Egypt Association.
I am deeply connected with both islands, I have visited them. But the roots are further than those islands, I am more connected to being Greek.
Do you have any special memories from your childhood?
Being part of a loving family was my greatest memory. My father was a rock, he would work hard, he would fix all the problems, and through his stature as head of the family he taught us life lessons I still use today. He gave us anything we ever wanted.
Mum was the Rose. She was artistic and delicate. She was a great cook. She added feminity grace and style into our home.
At what age did you realize that you wanted to become a photographer?
It was very early on. At the age of 7, and for a Christmas present, Dad and Mum bought me my first camera. It wasn’t an expensive one. But after I loaded it with Black and White film, I was hooked forever. It was like magic to me.
I did not think much of it early on, but now after 20 years of photography I know it is part of my life, my heart and my soul. It is something that has come into my life, but which has now defined me and shaped the person who I have become. I live each minute of the day seeing the beauty of things around me, and I continually watch light and shadows and how they play with each other. Photography and light mean quite a lot to me, it is in my blood.
You studied economics if I am not mistaken… How does photography link to economics?
I laugh. They have nothing in common.
My parents came to Australia as migrants. They worked hard and long to setup a wonderful family life here. Australia at that time was a wonderful land of opportunity.
They worked many jobs to build our first home.
They didn’t want my sister and I to struggle either. They made sure we got the best educations, to study hard, and go to university to study for a respectable career. And that we both did, and I scored great results to go to University to study Economics and Marketing.
It was only after working in Economics for around 8-10years that I realised my creative brain was not being fed by the analytical world I was working in. My soul was empty.
How did your career start?
Quite by accident. As a teenager I wasn’t allowed to play sports in high school for a few years due to having teeth braces. Wanting to be with my rugby mates I conned the sports master to allow me to take action photographs of the rugby teams for the school newsletter so in order that I could be with them. My passion for sports photography was born. I continued on my study path and went into university, completed my Economics Degree, and worked in the corporate world. The company experienced a sales downturn, offered voluntary retrenchment packages, and I left with some money in my pocket and with my single-minded aim to become a fulltime sports photographer. That was 26 years ago, and I can say that I am now blessed in having my hobby as my work profession.
Yes there have been defining moments, but becoming a full-time photographer is not something that happened overnight. It took many years of knocking on doors, making calls, ethics and good business practices, producing quality work, making mistakes, proper budgeting, and most importantly, reaching for the stars and following the passion to be a full-time photographer. Never giving up.
You have gained many awards, which is more special for you?
The fencing picture from Sydney Olympic Games will always be special to me. It won an award for the Best Sports Action Photo of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. You could compare it to like winning the Academy Award of Sports Photography.
I’m afraid to say that not a lot of thought and time went into getting that image. I was on my way to catch the bus home after a long day shooting at the Sydney Olympic Games. As I walked past a sports hall I could hear a lot of cheering. I poked my head in and saw that they were staging a Gold Medal Team Fencing Final between China and France. And it was down to the last stages of the contest. I walked in, took my seat, unpacked my camera, and loaded it with my only roll of film. By then, it was down to the last point. Both China and France were at 41 hits, the next point for either would win the Gold Medal. They both suddenly lunged at each other and with milliseconds both scored a hit on each other. They both thought they had won the Gold Medal.
The image was the very first frame I took of the match. And I had never photographed fencing before that either. So that’s what makes this image so special. They both celebrated the joy of winning Gold. Usually it is just the one. And they both took off their masks allowing us to see that joy. Normally they would shout unnoticed and underneath that mask. I finished the roll of 36 photographing the French team celebrating, packed my bags and left. I had only spent a maximum 5-10minutes shooting fencing. But I walked away knowing that I had some very special images on that one roll of film. I spent many evenings attending and photographing quite a few fencing finals four years later at the Athens Olympics, and just recently in Beijing. I tried in vain to get another award winning image, but that same magic never happened again.
I am still introduced to people by people as ‘the guy who won the best action pic of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games’.
“Snap Crackle PopCulture”… Tell us about this project of yours
I recently unveiled a secret side of me earlier in 2013. 10 years ago I lost my father to cancer. I was also feeling confused about my relationship with sports photography after the Athens Olympics. I then began a project to document PopCulture which was a passion of mine at the time. I wanted to prove to myself that my love for Photography was true. To help cope with the grief of the death of my parent, I also wanted to go back on a path to revisit happier times, as a child, a life of movies, comic book heroes and pop icons. So with no agenda, no pressure, no client or brief to work to, I photographed Australian Popculture documenting many genres and people in those 10 years. For 10 years I attempted to deconstruct the world of fairy tales and comic book tales that are so part of our childhood and adult culture. The result was my recent exhibition ‘Snap Crackle Popculture’ gaining rave reviews and media, and exhibited at festivals such as Vivid and the Australian BOFA Film Festival. It has travelled the country over the past 12 months, and still is. It was a funny feeling to have been applauded for my work outside of Sport, but so heart warming at the same time.
What are your plans for the future?
I may or may not return to it again. So photography now is all about heartwarming comfort food for the soul. Things that will fulfill my vocation as a photographer. I will photograph people places and things that interest and stimulate my brain and my eyes. There is a long list.
The craft of Japanese Shironuri. Old Boxing gyms. Fireknife. The list goes on.
Photography for me has evolved into a personal desire I need to tame.
Have you ever been in Greece? Do you have a favorite place?
I have been to Greece many many times. And each time I head for the islands. The philosophy and tranquility of the islands and their people is a true path to enlightenment wellness and peace. Life and nature is celebrated and respected. The colors and the light. The celebration and respect for the Arts.
Do I have a favorite place? Probably Hydra. It has an artistic feel and energy I can’t describe, but I can feel. And when all the daytrippers have come and gone, peace and love reigns over the island.
Do you follow the news concerning Greece and the economic crisis?
I do as I have many young friends in Greece. It saddens me sometimes. Yet these friends talk of a new dawn. A new day. And it is almost there. The light has begun to push the clouds.
Who or what was at fault I don’t really know. I purposely do not follow current affairs as I prefer to stay happy and ignorant. But maybe that is the Greek way? I prefer life, I prefer dance, I prefer good food and wine, I prefer good company. That’s how I feel when I land on the islands.
What does Greece mean for you?
Greece means and represents family & heritage. It shapes the way I live. I am privileged to have this duality in my life.
If you could address a question to all Greeks, what would you like to ask them?
When will the Greeks invent a new plane that can travel from Australia to the Greek Islands in less than an hour? J
Australia’s top freelance Sports photographer
Delly Carr is a Greek – Australian sports photographer, who has officially ranked as Australia’s top freelance Sports photographer. He is a founding Member of the World Photography Academy, also the Sport Photographic Ambassador for Nikon Oceania, Creative Ambassador for Subaru Australia, Apres Velo Ambassador and the Senior Director of the Sports Photography Academy.
His father was born in Syros and his mother comes from Castelorizo.
«My Dad’s side of the family were from Siros. Mum from Catellorizo. Although they hadn’t met as early teens, both sets of my Grandparents took their respective families to Egypt, then ultimately to Australia. Dad and Mum met as teenagers at a dance ball run by the Greeks From Egypt Association. I am deeply connected with both islands, I have visited them. But the roots are further than those islands, I am more connected to being Greek» said to ellines.com
He found out his interest for photography at a very young age. He was only 7 years old when his parents bought him his first camera.
«At the age of 7, and for a Christmas present, Dad and Mum bought me my first camera. It wasn’t an expensive one. But after I loaded it with Black and White film, I was hooked forever. It was like magic to me» he added.
He has photographed most of the major sporting events and competitions in the country such as the past 5 Commonwealth Games and the Sydney 2000, 2004 2008 2010 and 2012 London Olympic Games. He is best known world wide for his work in the sport of Triathlon.
His current work has been featured prominently in promotional campaigns for companies as diverse as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Organising Committee, Oakley, Gatorade, Kelloggs, Asics, Nikon, Speedo, Foxsports, National Australia Bank, American Express, Red Bull, Vodafone, RM Williams, Sydney Olympic Park and the Bradman Foundation.
He has been commissioned as the Official Photographer to the ITU World Championship Triathlon Series, Swimming Australia, Sydney Thunder, the Kelloggs NutriGrain Surf Ironman, the NSW Mens and Womens Cricket Team, the Sydney Running Festival, the Rugby World Cup Organising Committee, the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour, Triathlon Australia Series, AIS, Surf Lifesaving Australia, Cycling Australia, Sydney FC Football Club, & Canoe Kayak Australia.
Delly Carr speaks to Ellines.com Team
Read below the full interview
INTERVIEW...
Did you grow up in the typical as we say, Greek family, with all the traditions and smells from Greek cooking?
Yes I did. The Greek home cooking, the music my Father played on the record player, the Easter Orthodox celebrations, and we spoke as much Greek at home as we could. I was always proud to say that I was a Greek-Australian, and not just Australian.
And as I grew, Australians and Greeks were very much alike. Their love of love, food, celebration, and easy living were the same.
But Greeks were a little different through their wonderful emphasis on being a family unit. Respect and love for your elders. Working hard to give your children the best in life. It is these things I now carry on as a father and husband.
Where do your parents come from and what is your connection with your roots?
Dad’s side of the family were from Siros. Mum from Castellorizo. Although they hadn’t met as early teens, both sets of my Grandparents took their respective families to Egypt, then ultimately to Australia. Dad and Mum met as teenagers at a dance ball run by the Greeks From Egypt Association.
I am deeply connected with both islands, I have visited them. But the roots are further than those islands, I am more connected to being Greek.
Do you have any special memories from your childhood?
Being part of a loving family was my greatest memory. My father was a rock, he would work hard, he would fix all the problems, and through his stature as head of the family he taught us life lessons I still use today. He gave us anything we ever wanted.
Mum was the Rose. She was artistic and delicate. She was a great cook. She added feminity grace and style into our home.
At what age did you realize that you wanted to become a photographer?
It was very early on. At the age of 7, and for a Christmas present, Dad and Mum bought me my first camera. It wasn’t an expensive one. But after I loaded it with Black and White film, I was hooked forever. It was like magic to me.
I did not think much of it early on, but now after 20 years of photography I know it is part of my life, my heart and my soul. It is something that has come into my life, but which has now defined me and shaped the person who I have become. I live each minute of the day seeing the beauty of things around me, and I continually watch light and shadows and how they play with each other. Photography and light mean quite a lot to me, it is in my blood.
You studied economics if I am not mistaken… How does photography link to economics?
I laugh. They have nothing in common.
My parents came to Australia as migrants. They worked hard and long to setup a wonderful family life here. Australia at that time was a wonderful land of opportunity.
They worked many jobs to build our first home.
They didn’t want my sister and I to struggle either. They made sure we got the best educations, to study hard, and go to university to study for a respectable career. And that we both did, and I scored great results to go to University to study Economics and Marketing.
It was only after working in Economics for around 8-10years that I realised my creative brain was not being fed by the analytical world I was working in. My soul was empty.
How did your career start?
Quite by accident. As a teenager I wasn’t allowed to play sports in high school for a few years due to having teeth braces. Wanting to be with my rugby mates I conned the sports master to allow me to take action photographs of the rugby teams for the school newsletter so in order that I could be with them. My passion for sports photography was born. I continued on my study path and went into university, completed my Economics Degree, and worked in the corporate world. The company experienced a sales downturn, offered voluntary retrenchment packages, and I left with some money in my pocket and with my single-minded aim to become a fulltime sports photographer. That was 26 years ago, and I can say that I am now blessed in having my hobby as my work profession.
Yes there have been defining moments, but becoming a full-time photographer is not something that happened overnight. It took many years of knocking on doors, making calls, ethics and good business practices, producing quality work, making mistakes, proper budgeting, and most importantly, reaching for the stars and following the passion to be a full-time photographer. Never giving up.
You have gained many awards, which is more special for you?
The fencing picture from Sydney Olympic Games will always be special to me. It won an award for the Best Sports Action Photo of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. You could compare it to like winning the Academy Award of Sports Photography.
I’m afraid to say that not a lot of thought and time went into getting that image. I was on my way to catch the bus home after a long day shooting at the Sydney Olympic Games. As I walked past a sports hall I could hear a lot of cheering. I poked my head in and saw that they were staging a Gold Medal Team Fencing Final between China and France. And it was down to the last stages of the contest. I walked in, took my seat, unpacked my camera, and loaded it with my only roll of film. By then, it was down to the last point. Both China and France were at 41 hits, the next point for either would win the Gold Medal. They both suddenly lunged at each other and with milliseconds both scored a hit on each other. They both thought they had won the Gold Medal.
The image was the very first frame I took of the match. And I had never photographed fencing before that either. So that’s what makes this image so special. They both celebrated the joy of winning Gold. Usually it is just the one. And they both took off their masks allowing us to see that joy. Normally they would shout unnoticed and underneath that mask. I finished the roll of 36 photographing the French team celebrating, packed my bags and left. I had only spent a maximum 5-10minutes shooting fencing. But I walked away knowing that I had some very special images on that one roll of film. I spent many evenings attending and photographing quite a few fencing finals four years later at the Athens Olympics, and just recently in Beijing. I tried in vain to get another award winning image, but that same magic never happened again.
I am still introduced to people by people as ‘the guy who won the best action pic of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games’.
“Snap Crackle PopCulture”… Tell us about this project of yours
I recently unveiled a secret side of me earlier in 2013. 10 years ago I lost my father to cancer. I was also feeling confused about my relationship with sports photography after the Athens Olympics. I then began a project to document PopCulture which was a passion of mine at the time. I wanted to prove to myself that my love for Photography was true. To help cope with the grief of the death of my parent, I also wanted to go back on a path to revisit happier times, as a child, a life of movies, comic book heroes and pop icons. So with no agenda, no pressure, no client or brief to work to, I photographed Australian Popculture documenting many genres and people in those 10 years. For 10 years I attempted to deconstruct the world of fairy tales and comic book tales that are so part of our childhood and adult culture. The result was my recent exhibition ‘Snap Crackle Popculture’ gaining rave reviews and media, and exhibited at festivals such as Vivid and the Australian BOFA Film Festival. It has travelled the country over the past 12 months, and still is. It was a funny feeling to have been applauded for my work outside of Sport, but so heart warming at the same time.
What are your plans for the future?
I may or may not return to it again. So photography now is all about heartwarming comfort food for the soul. Things that will fulfill my vocation as a photographer. I will photograph people places and things that interest and stimulate my brain and my eyes. There is a long list.
The craft of Japanese Shironuri. Old Boxing gyms. Fireknife. The list goes on.
Photography for me has evolved into a personal desire I need to tame.
Have you ever been in Greece? Do you have a favorite place?
I have been to Greece many many times. And each time I head for the islands. The philosophy and tranquility of the islands and their people is a true path to enlightenment wellness and peace. Life and nature is celebrated and respected. The colors and the light. The celebration and respect for the Arts.
Do I have a favorite place? Probably Hydra. It has an artistic feel and energy I can’t describe, but I can feel. And when all the daytrippers have come and gone, peace and love reigns over the island.
Do you follow the news concerning Greece and the economic crisis?
I do as I have many young friends in Greece. It saddens me sometimes. Yet these friends talk of a new dawn. A new day. And it is almost there. The light has begun to push the clouds.
Who or what was at fault I don’t really know. I purposely do not follow current affairs as I prefer to stay happy and ignorant. But maybe that is the Greek way? I prefer life, I prefer dance, I prefer good food and wine, I prefer good company. That’s how I feel when I land on the islands.
What does Greece mean for you?
Greece means and represents family & heritage. It shapes the way I live. I am privileged to have this duality in my life.
If you could address a question to all Greeks, what would you like to ask them?
When will the Greeks invent a new plane that can travel from Australia to the Greek Islands in less than an hour? J
