In today’s world of selfies, social media and smartphones – everyone has a camera in their pocket. But, 160 years ago, a picture told a thousand words! These were seen as living images, forming an incredible archive - created by artists – professional photographers, employed by railways across the world. And even here, in Queensland there was those travelling the vast landscapes and documenting what was happening on the ground in front of them... And just like Instagram - this was curated content!  

In today’s episode – ‘Picture Perfect’ – we’re going to change our focal length and zoom in on some of the Queensland Railway’s photographers over the past century and a half and hear about a profession, the artistry, the tourism, the marketing and why their work was so important - not just for the railway - but for regional towns, connecting so many communities through a captured frame…

Here's a collection of images discussed during the episode.

Also - a link to the painting referenced at 34:16.

For more episodes, please search for the 'Queensland Rail History Podcast' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or listen on our website.

Please email your 160th railway questions to our historian Greg: [email protected] 

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