Today marks Palli Gajree's 90th birthday and we are thrilled to be awarding Palli with the first President and Council Commendation (a new award instituted by the RPS) for his continued support and commitment to the RPS.
Palli joined the RPS in 1954, and has been active in many areas of the RPS during these 67 years. He gained his ARPS in Portraiture in 1956 and his FRPS in 1974 with black and white prints of African wildlife. In 1989, Palli was awarded an Honorary FRPS for promoting photography over many years, particularly in Kenya and Australia, as an exhibitor, judge and teacher.
Photography has played a momentous part in Palli's life. Born and raised in Kenya, Palli was given his first camera aged 15. His love of portraiture developed when he moved to Manchester (UK) to study, which was followed by several years working closely with the late master of portrait photography, Walter Bird FRPS.
In 1958, Palli returned to Nairobi (Kenya) to set up his own portrait and commercial studio. He went on to work as a senior cameraman and in 1963 was made Head of the Photographic Section with the Kenya Government Information Services. The following year, Palli received a Hasselblad 500C which was the inspiration to capture wildlife in black and white.
Palli moved to Melbourne, Australia in 1972 where he still resides. Today, Palli is an inspiring member of the Digital Imaging, Creative Eye and Landscape groups, contributing on a regular basis to exhibitions, competitions, magazines and newsletters. He also sits on the Committee for the Australian Chapter. He enjoys working with new photographic techniques, experimenting with digital photography and is currently working with infrared imaging.
On awarding Palli with this Commendation, RPS President, Simon Hill HonFRPS said "It is my enormous privilege to present this award to Palli in recognition of his dedicated work and loyal support of nearly seventy years. The RPS is a worldwide community of photographers, supporting each other in so many ways to share photography. I am greatly inspired by Palli's story, and I am sure I speak for all Members of the RPS in wishing him a very happy birthday!"
Read more about Palli's fascinating photography journey here →
Photo: Simon Hill HonFRPS, President's Commendation; Palli Gajree OAM HonFRPS, Foliage and reflected clouds.