Monday 10 August 2020
As creative people, we love to celebrate the successes and milestones of our peers. Today, we celebrate someone very special to the AIPP; someone most worthy of this tribute story.
Wishing a very happy 90th birthday to one of the stalwarts of the AIPP and Australian professional photography, Peter Foeden APPLM HonFAIPP FAIPP MPhotog.

How it All Began
According to Sue Lewis, former AIPP Awards Event Manager for some 20 years, it was 1970 when Peter first proposed an awards merit system be established in the Institute of Australian Photography (IAP) – the AIPP’s original name, not changed until 1986.

Peter’s suggestion came after he and a number of fellow IAP members returned from attending professional photography awards overseas.
The idea of an Institute awards system was initially met with disinterest given some members’ concern the IAP was not ‘a glorified camera club.’ Regardless, Peter persisted with the idea despite resistance and years of debate.
The Federal Council (akin to what we now refer to as The Board) appointed a dedicated committee to investigate an Australian photography awards system. It included Peter, John Cato, Max Townsend and Max Williams.

Together, the Federal Council – and Peter and Max Townsend especially – fought to keep the awards idea on the agenda and met regularly to create a workable program aimed to encourage consistently high quality photography among members and the industry at large.
National Merit Awards Born 1977
It wasn’t until 1977 – several years after Peter floated his idea for an awards merit system, and a decade after joining the IAP – that the first official Merit Awards print judging ran in the Gold Coast.
Peter, fittingly, was the first Awards Chairman.

There were 268 entires from 71 members in the inaugural Merit Awards and 30 received a merit.
With the American system as our guide, we have developed a system to suit the Australian temperament.
– Peter Foeden (Source: A History of Professional Photography in Australia)
Peter formally maintained his commitment to the National Print Awards until 1983 when he passed the Awards Committee Chairmanship baton to Geelong photographer, Ian Hawthorne.
Had APPA gone ahead in Melbourne, 2020 as planned pre-COVID, it would’ve been the AIPP’s 44th national awards event.
Not a bad legacy, Peter. Thank you (and your IAP colleagues) for your foresight and tenacity.

The combination of the critiques and the competition fuelled creativity and innovation in Australian photography. By the mid-1990s the Awards were attracting 2000 entries and had an operational budget of $100,000.
– Paul Curtis, author A History of Professional Photography in Australia
A Look Back
Peter was born 10 August 1930 in Holland and his first job was as a physical education teacher. It wasn’t until 1960, age 30, that Peter ventured into professional photography.
He joined the IAP in 1967 and became president in 1982, holding the role until the end of 1983.

Ian Howell was Executive Director at the time but when he took on new work in New Zealand (managing Andris Apse studio), Peter needed to adapt as president and leant on friend and mentor Val Foreman for support in his role.
Federal Treasurer at the time, Kevin O’Daly, instigated a successful meeting between his brother, Tim, and Peter, recommending Tim as a good fit for the Federal Secretary role and so it came to be. From that point, Kevin noted, Peter took the proverbial bull by the horns.
He was always a gentleman and a good guide of the ship, a quiet pleasant personality but a man who commanded respect and was always respectful himself.
– Kevin O’Daly, IAP Federal Council Treasurer 1982-1983
“The standing joke amongst us all at Federal Council when looking for anything was ‘it must be in Foeden’s Garage'” Kevin said. Apparently Peter undertook to store all of the AIPP material there after Ian Howell moved to New Zealand.
“So anything that we couldn’t find was always look ‘in Foeden’s Garage,'” said Kevin. And, rumour has it, invariably Peter always found it.
Peter had two children – Peter Jr. and Mryke – with wife, Marcia and later remarried to Janiene Rider.
I worked for Peter Foeden during the 70s. He was the greatest wedding portrait photographer – Peter changed social photography in Australia.
– Michael Silver, Magnet Galleries
Written History

The following is taken directly from Paul Curtis’ book A History of Professional Photography in Australia under the section titled:
The Institute’s Honours:
A Who’s Who of the Profession’s Achievers
Peter Foeden, M.Photog, Hon.FAIPP, FAIPP
“During the 1970’s and 1980’s, whenever photographers came together to discuss portrait photography technique, the most frequently mentioned name was Peter Foeden. Peter was a Melbourne photographer born in Holland in 1930.
After arriving in Australia and first starting a career in physical education, Peter turned to photography in 1960. He rapidly built a reputation as an outstanding photographer.
He was a Member of State and Federal Council for several years and served as both State and Federal president. His most lasting legacy was the introduction of the Awards.
Quietly spoken but extremely articulate, a tall trim figure immaculately dressed in grey, Peter influenced a whole generation of photographers.
– Paul Curtis, author A History of Professional Photography in Australia

He was the chair of the committee to design the Awards system, worked as a judge for many years and spent five years as chair of the jurors.
He was the Wedding Photographer of the Year in 1982 and has presented dozens of one and two-day seminars as well as filling many speaking engagements at professional photography conventions in Australia and New Zealand.


His photographs have been accepted by the Professional Photographers of America Loan Collection and exhibited at the Kodak Pavilion at Photokina.
He sold his studio in 1985 and five years later sold his shares in Nulab. Peter also started the key wedding album supply company Albums Australia, which he sold in 2002.”
Best Wishes
From all of us here at the AIPP – those who know you directly and those who continue to enjoy all the benefits of the awards system you helped set in place – we’d like to wish you a very happy 90th birthday Peter.
The AIPP Awards program is considered one of the best in the world, and has been built on the dedication and hard work of people like Peter. His passion, commitment and love for the photographic industry, and the AIPP community is infectious, and his legacy continues to echo through the continuously evolving AIPP we see today. Peter continues to inspire both seasoned members, and newcomers as they make their own creative journeys in the world of photography. Thank you Peter for being you, and Happy 90th Birthday mate!
– Tony Hewitt, 2020 AIPP Awards Chair

I met Peter in 1974 when I joined the AIPP. He had a studio in Caulfield…[and] he was an excellent wedding portrait photographer. He was one of the founding directors of Nulab, which was formed, I believe, in 1980.
– Michael Warshall

I worked for Peter for over a decade and can say that he has been a great mentor to me as much I believe as he has been a mentor to a lot of photographers over the years. One of his favourite sayings is, “Preparation meeting opportunity equals success.” This advice has served me very well till now. His continuing friendship is something I cherish.
– Robert Chomaniuk, Newlook Print & Frame

I’ll never forget you for your dedication to the AIPP, professional photography education and commitment to the industry in general. The last time we met was at the AIPP’s milestone birthday in Melbourne and I am sorry I cannot be with you for this milestone birthday. Your legend lives on. All the best.
– Paul Curtis, author A History of Professional Photography in Australia
Richard Bennett, Peter Foeden, AIPP John Swainston, Peter Foeden, AIPP
Peter, congratulations on this amazing milestone. I am so glad to have had the pleasure of getting to know you over the last few years. I hope your birthday is filled with laughter, love and happiness ❤️.
– Sue Lewis, AIPP Awards Event Team Manager 2008-2019
Peter Foeden, Jacqui Dean, AIPP
Contributors
Many thanks to those who contributed to this celebratory piece for Peter.
Historical information was gathered from the AIPP book: ‘A History of Professional Photography in Australia’ provided by Paul Curtis, and the Nov/Dec 2016 issue of the AIPP Journal, edited by Peter Eastway.
Contributions were also made by Richard Bennett, James Flaagan, John Swainston, Kevin O’Daly, Sue Lewis, Michael Warshall, Ian van der Wolde, Tony Hewitt, Rob Chomaniuk, Andrew Kopp, and AIPP admin team member, Marie-Elizabeth Pyke Le Brun.
A Gift for a Great
A gift on behalf of the AIPP community was delivered to Peter on his 90th birthday. The hand-written card read:
“Dear Peter,
It is with immense joy that we are able to acknowledge a significant milestone in reaching your 90th birthday. We hope you will enjoy this gift not only as a celebration of your special day, but also as a mark of our respect and gratitude for your many years of dedication and devotion to the AIPP and also to the photography profession and broader industry. You are highly regarded by many. On behalf of the entire membership of the AIPP, myself and the Board send you our best wishes for a very Happy Birthday.
Louise Bagger
AIPP National President“

Virtual Gallery for Peter
President of Magnet Galleries Melbourne, Michael Silver, has curated a freely available virtual 3D exhibition of Peter’s photos in honour of his 90th birthday.
The collection of images spans what Michael – who worked for Peter in the early 1970s – describes as a remarkable career as a photographer.
He was revolutionising social photography in Australia.
– Michael Silver, President Magnet Galleries Melbourne

Leave Peter a Message
Please feel free to leave a comment below for Peter and his family to share and enjoy!
August 10, 2020 -
Kaye Davis
Happy birthday Peter, from the NZIPP Honours Council (AIPP’s Awards Team equivalent). A remarkable legacy xx
Kaye Davis
NZIPP Honours Council Chair
August 10, 2020 -
Kevin O’Daly
Happy Birthday Luigi aka Peter, best wishes for a great day and many many more, KOD
August 10, 2020 -
David McCarthy
G’day Peter – hearty congrats on the fantastic big ’90’ – I believe that’s a GOLD!!
We always knew you’d strive for a Gold!
Now, Peter, for the Gold with a bar eh 🙂
I still have fond memories of being in those very early (’75, ’76, ’77etc ) Fed Council meetings when the “Merit Awards” were debated. You stuck to your guns and with a little help from Don Taylor it came to pass. A great success.
All the best – what a life in Professional Photography you are enjoying.
Thank you.
Regards,
David McCarthy.
August 10, 2020 -
Geoff Harrisson
A very Happy Birthday to you Peter, you have certainly earned this greetings page that I have enjoyed reading. Good memories.
And I remember another of your sayings: “Everyone is entitled to their own ridiculous opinion”.
Great to see this tribute to you for all your time and effort in establishing and making the Awards a success.
With best wishes,
Geoff Harrisson
Judge 1977-88
August 10, 2020 -
John Swainston
Happy Birthday, dear Peter. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all you have done, and continue to do, for photography in Australia. You keep on inspiring us. Possibly now, more than ever. All the very best.,
Regards,
John Swainston
August 10, 2020 -
Carla Mahony
Happiest of birthdays to you Peter! If only we could all have a dance with you at the Spice Market to celebrate! This is an incredible post celebrating all you have done for the AIPP – thank you for your dedicated service over so many years.
August 10, 2020 -
Melissa Hogan
Happy 90th birthday Peter Foeden Snr and thank you for popping in and meeting us all this year at our AIPP coffee catch up! We were very lucky to hear a few of your stories! Hope to hear quite a few more, one day soon!
Enjoy your special day 😁
August 10, 2020 -
David Paterson
Happy Birthday Peter and let’s hope there are more to come.. Thank You for all you have done for the AIPP and Phortography in general.
August 10, 2020 -
Trevor Foon
Happy Birthday 🎊🎁 Peter, our long association with your business leaves me with many wonderful memories 🍷🍷
August 10, 2020 -
Danielle Benson
Happy Birthday Peter,
although I have never met you personally, what a wonderful career, and legacy you created.
I have loved reading the above article about your life in photography, and what you have done for the profession in Australia.
Kind Regards,
Danielle
August 10, 2020 -
David A Williams
It’s appropriate to mention, on the occasion of this milestone birthday, a few truths….
Peter has always treated people with respect, young or old, smart or getting there. He has always given people his time and listened – regardless of whether they deserved it or not.
Unfailingly fair, it never takes long to see a twinkle of good humour behind his (sometimes perceived) stern outward appearance.
Peter has always been a terrific example to the Australian photographic community both as a businessman and a photographer – and thankfully, blessedly, remains so.
August 10, 2020 -
Christopher Ian
Long before the internet, we would all stop outside your studio to get ideas on how to improve our own photography. Go for the ton, Peter!!!
August 11, 2020 -
Bill Bachman
Congratulations on a wonderful milestone, Peter. From small beginnings the AIPP now has one of the best professional awards programs in the world. It’s all your fault, and we thank you for it!
August 11, 2020 -
Paul Briton
A big Happy 90th Birthday Peter. You have done wonders for the industry with many years of generous contribution for the benefit of so many. Your foresight in being one of the instigators in starting Nulab at the right time was yet another example of your good judgement. So many people have enjoyed enhanced careers as a result of the many examples you freely offered. And of course, the wonderful friendship the I and countless others have so greatly enjoyed over many years is a blessing.
August 12, 2020 -
Robyn
Happy birthday from a newbie. That blog is a great document.
August 12, 2020 -
Julie Ewing
Happy Birthday Peter, all of our very best wishes for your 90th Birthday. I remember meeting you when I first moved to Melbourne in 1993 and was delighted to see you again at APPA in 2018. Peter sends his best wishes also.
With love, julie & Peter xx
August 12, 2020 -
Phil kuruvita
Happy Birthday Peter!
Wishing you many more!
August 13, 2020 -
Wayne Rintoul
Happy 90th Birthday Peter, as a mentor you have enriched my endeavours like no other with such generosity. Photography in Australia advanced rapidly
with invitation and professional finesse from your enormous contribution. Our time together at the studio was gift I will cherish with gratitude always. Every day was learning experience and a chance to do better. Well done my friend enjoy theses years and see you soon.
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September 4, 2020 -
Kylie Lyons
Happiest of Birthday wishes to you Mr Foeden. I am honoured to have been able to meet and speak with you over the years. One of my greatest achievements was to have you along with all but one living Past National AIPP Presidents on stage at out 50th anniversary. Best wishes to you and thank you for all you have done!
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September 15, 2020 -
Beverly Hauff
The happiest of birthday wishes to you Peter. from the Pacific Northwest! Well done. Bev Hauff (Whitfield-King)