Frank Ockenfels 3

Frank Ockenfels

That rules do not have a place in photography is part of Frank Ockenfels’ working philosophy. Decades spent harnessing his feverish imagination as a photographer and director have resulted in a wealth of fantastic imagery that, by his own intention, defies any one style. Recognised as one of the world’s leading portrait photographers, Ockenfels’ work is regularly seen in magazines such as Time, New York Magazine and Rolling Stone. His work has crossed over into every category; he has photographed countless TV advertising campaigns, and has shot for shows such as Mad Men, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy and House of Cards. Ockenfels has also shot major movie posters for the likes of Harry Potter, Thor, 50 Shades of Grey and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Ockenfels’ unorthodox philosophy permeates his entire process, from his tactile experimentation in his journals, to his eclectic collection of lenses – often embracing their defects as points of difference in his work -- to the range of personalities he captures, including actors, musicians, politicians and athletes. Ockenfels unsettles the typical notion of the iconic portrait photographer whose style is instantly recognisable. His work exists on a spectrum that is entirely his own making, often bouncing from the eerie depths of surrealism to the hazy glow of Hollywood glamour in one sitting.

Frank Ockenfels
While Ockenfels’ oeuvre is diverse, his portraits are united by their creator’s audacity. Among his list of high profile subjects (Barack Obama, David Bowie, Hilary Clinton and George Clooney), Ockenfels’ style is both unexpected and provoking, he approaches each subject with the same respect, along with the intent to create images that are well crafted, sometimes beautiful, sometimes bizarre, but never boring. Combined with his belief in collaborating and his skills in adapting to difficult situations (something he takes relish in), Ockenfels’ exhibition transforms our perspective on faces and places we’ve all seen before.
Frank Ockenfels
  • Organised by: Black Eye Gallery
  • Contact name: Katherine Bennett

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August

Sydney: The photographs in Max Dupain: Student Life were taken at the University of Sydney in the early 1950s, a period of rapid change marked by the politics of the Cold War.

September

Canberra: This collection-in-focus display highlights William Yang’s photography of Sydney Mardi Gras festivals between 1981 and 2003.

Melbourne: The William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize 2024 features more than 70 images including digital and analogue photography, large-scale installations and daguerreotypes.

October

Brisbane: Mikaela spent time looking through Graham’s archive of negatives, though it was his social documentary images that she constantly returned to, especially as there were so many compelling photographs that had never been printed.

Brisbane: Until 13 July 2025. Amateur Brisbane photographer Alfred Henrie Elliott (1870-1954) extraordinary images lay dormant for decades until they were discovered only recently. This exhibition is curated by seven Brisbane photographers.

November

Sydney: Chrissie Hall specialises in advertising, fashion, portraiture and social documentary. Join Chrissie for her 2nd book launch and exhibition at Lunar Studios in Alexandria on Thursday, November 14th from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Sydney: 23–25 November. Three Edge Studio is very proud to present 21 outstanding emerging and experienced Australian photographers at the M2 Gallery in Surry Hills.

Perth: Until 18 May 2025. Henry Roy – Impossible Island draws on 40-years of recollections and observations as it brings together 113 photos taken from 1983 to 2023.

Brisbane: The Photo Fair #2 is a community event to sell, swap, and showcase photographic works on November 30 and December 1, 2024. 10am - 4pm