Australian entertainment industry mourns photography legend John Grainger’s death at 64
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The Australian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of a beloved figure who has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
Known for his significant contributions to television, this legend's passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes and fond memories from fans and colleagues alike.
His enduring legacy continues to inspire and resonate within the community, reminding us all of the profound impact he had on the world of entertainment.
John Grainger, a legendary figure in news photography, has been found dead after being reported missing.
At 64 years old, Grainger's sudden disappearance and subsequent death have left a void in the hearts of colleagues, friends, and admirers of his work.
His body was discovered in Elanora Heights on Sydney's northern beaches on the morning of Wednesday, October 2.
The previous day, at around 2:30 PM, concerns were raised when he went missing in Ingleside, prompting an immediate search by loved ones and authorities.
The NSW Police Force has since stated that his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Grainger's journey in photography spanned more than three decades and began in the mid-1980s, capturing the pulse of news events and steadily building a portfolio that would cement his status as a full-time, respected photojournalist.
His keen eye and ability to encapsulate the essence of a moment led to numerous accolades, including the prestigious Walkley Award in 2018.
This was awarded for his impactful photograph for The Daily Telegraph, which revealed Vikki Campion's pregnancy with then Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce's child.
His talent was further recognised with two Kennedy Awards, the latest for a candid shot of newly-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The image, taken the morning after the 2022 election victory, depicted Albanese in a casual, unguarded moment on his front porch, clad in a Newtown Jets footy jersey, with dishevelled hair, collecting the morning newspaper.
Peers, including longtime rival and fellow photographer Nicholas Moir, acknowledged Grainger's reputation as a formidable force in the field.
Reflecting on their years of professional camaraderie and competition, Moir said, ‘He is hands down, one of the most difficult photographers I’ve ever had to compete against as his knowledge of Sydney, breaking news, the people involved and how the story will evolve is exceptional.’
‘His skill forced me to always be thinking about the next move, the next image.’
‘We have spent thousands of hours having to watch each other's backs from fires, floods, murders and brutal thugs,’ he added.
In June 2021, Grainger departed from The Daily Telegraph, but not before covering another significant event—the Hunter Valley bus crash that claimed the lives of ten wedding guests.
His dedication to storytelling through photography was unwavering, even in the face of danger.
‘I was assaulted many times. I had to have [the] police track people down. I was strangled once. Some people just see red, and that’s it—if you are in their way, you’re it,’ he recounted.
Beyond the adrenaline of breaking news, Grainger had a profound appreciation for the natural world.
In his later years, he turned his lens toward the serene beauty of birds and landscapes, particularly in Narrabeen, which he regarded as ‘one of the best photographic locations in Sydney’.
The loss of John Grainger is felt deeply within the journalistic community and beyond.
His contributions to the craft of photography and the stories he told through his images will continue to resonate.
As we remember his legacy, we are reminded of the power of visual storytelling and the indelible mark it leaves on our collective memory.
To our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, we extend an invitation to share your thoughts and memories of John Grainger's work. Have his photographs touched your life or captured moments of Australian history that resonate with you? Let us know in the comments below, as we pay tribute to a man who dedicated his life to capturing the stories of our time.
Known for his significant contributions to television, this legend's passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes and fond memories from fans and colleagues alike.
His enduring legacy continues to inspire and resonate within the community, reminding us all of the profound impact he had on the world of entertainment.
John Grainger, a legendary figure in news photography, has been found dead after being reported missing.
At 64 years old, Grainger's sudden disappearance and subsequent death have left a void in the hearts of colleagues, friends, and admirers of his work.
Award-winning Australian photographer John Grainger, 64, was found dead on Sydney's northern beaches. Credit: Facebook / Ingleside Rural Fire Brigade
His body was discovered in Elanora Heights on Sydney's northern beaches on the morning of Wednesday, October 2.
The previous day, at around 2:30 PM, concerns were raised when he went missing in Ingleside, prompting an immediate search by loved ones and authorities.
The NSW Police Force has since stated that his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Grainger's journey in photography spanned more than three decades and began in the mid-1980s, capturing the pulse of news events and steadily building a portfolio that would cement his status as a full-time, respected photojournalist.
His keen eye and ability to encapsulate the essence of a moment led to numerous accolades, including the prestigious Walkley Award in 2018.
This was awarded for his impactful photograph for The Daily Telegraph, which revealed Vikki Campion's pregnancy with then Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce's child.
His talent was further recognised with two Kennedy Awards, the latest for a candid shot of newly-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The image, taken the morning after the 2022 election victory, depicted Albanese in a casual, unguarded moment on his front porch, clad in a Newtown Jets footy jersey, with dishevelled hair, collecting the morning newspaper.
Peers, including longtime rival and fellow photographer Nicholas Moir, acknowledged Grainger's reputation as a formidable force in the field.
Reflecting on their years of professional camaraderie and competition, Moir said, ‘He is hands down, one of the most difficult photographers I’ve ever had to compete against as his knowledge of Sydney, breaking news, the people involved and how the story will evolve is exceptional.’
‘His skill forced me to always be thinking about the next move, the next image.’
‘We have spent thousands of hours having to watch each other's backs from fires, floods, murders and brutal thugs,’ he added.
In June 2021, Grainger departed from The Daily Telegraph, but not before covering another significant event—the Hunter Valley bus crash that claimed the lives of ten wedding guests.
His dedication to storytelling through photography was unwavering, even in the face of danger.
‘I was assaulted many times. I had to have [the] police track people down. I was strangled once. Some people just see red, and that’s it—if you are in their way, you’re it,’ he recounted.
Beyond the adrenaline of breaking news, Grainger had a profound appreciation for the natural world.
In his later years, he turned his lens toward the serene beauty of birds and landscapes, particularly in Narrabeen, which he regarded as ‘one of the best photographic locations in Sydney’.
The loss of John Grainger is felt deeply within the journalistic community and beyond.
His contributions to the craft of photography and the stories he told through his images will continue to resonate.
As we remember his legacy, we are reminded of the power of visual storytelling and the indelible mark it leaves on our collective memory.
