AIPP WW 11 Veterans Reflections Project

AIPP Accredited Professional Photographers and the AIPP membership, supported by the RSL and Australian War Memorial “Reflections” aims to photograph the remaining Veterans of WWII to create a significant archive for the nation that reflects a sensitive portrayal of their elderly state and provide a cognisant comparison to the wartime images of young active men and women.

It has been wonderful to be a part of this voluntary project, and the enjoyment of meeting and photographing these Veterans has been so worth the time and effort.  Each Veteran and their family members have been so wonderful inviting me into either their home, or at an RSL to take their photo.  Often there are so many stories and sometimes lots of laughter.

Over Australia so far there have been around 5000 portraits taken by various accredited members of the AIPP.  It is an amazing effort by all those involved, and much credit needs to go to those within the AIPP who have organised and orchestrated the project.

This is a photo of the gorgeous Margaret (Heggie) McFarlane aged 95.  Margaret served in the 58 AA Searchlight Battery in Western Australia.  Up until 2015 Margaret used to march in the Anzac Day March in Adelaide with the other ‘girls’ she served with.

It is with much sadness that I write,  Margaret passed away only one week after this photo was taken.  This also demonstrates the importance and urgency with which these photos needed to be completed, not only for history's sake, but for the Families and Veterans themselves. 

For Further information regarding this project please click on the link.  http://www.aipp.com.au/reflections