Frank Hurley was a pioneering Australian photographer and filmmaker who is best known for his work as the official photographer on Sir Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-1917) and the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. His images of these expeditions and conflicts have become iconic and have helped to shape our understanding of these historic events.
Born in Sydney in 1885, Hurley began his career as a photographer at the age of 16, working as an apprentice to photographer Henry King. He quickly developed a passion for the medium and began to experiment with various techniques, including the use of panoramic cameras and time-lapse photography.
Hurley's work first gained widespread attention in 1911, when he was commissioned to photograph the Mawson Antarctic Expedition. His striking images of the harsh and unforgiving landscape of Antarctica helped to establish him as a leading photographer of the time.
In 1914, Hurley was recruited as the official photographer for Sir Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, which aimed to make the first crossing of the Antarctic continent. The expedition was beset by challenges, including the loss of the expedition ship, the Endurance, which was trapped and eventually crushed by ice. Despite these challenges, Hurley managed to capture some of the most iconic images of the expedition, including his famous photograph of the Endurance being crushed by the ice.
During World War I, Hurley served as an official war photographer for the Australian Imperial Force, documenting the experiences of Australian soldiers on the Western Front. His images of the war, including his iconic photograph of the charge at Beersheba, have become some of the most enduring images of the conflict.
Hurley's work has had a lasting impact on the way that we understand and remember these historic events. His images are a testament to his skill as a photographer and his ability to capture the beauty and the horror of these expeditions and conflicts. Today, his work continues to inspire photographers and filmmakers around the world.