Before the era of smartphones, Instagram, and strict privacy laws, professional street photographers positioned themselves throughout Sydney's bustling streets, creating an extraordinary visual archive of Australian urban life. This fascinating period in photography history was recently explored on ABC Radio National's "Late Night Live," highlighting how these dedicated photographers documented everyday moments that have become invaluable historical records.
The street photography industry in Sydney reached its peak between the 1930s and 1950s, a time when photographers could freely capture candid moments of passersby without the legal restrictions that exist today. These photographers worked with large, professional cameras, setting up at strategic locations throughout the city to photograph people going about their daily lives. The resulting collection represents one of the most comprehensive visual documentations of mid-20th century Australian urban culture.
Anna Cossu, Curator at the Museums of History NSW, served as the expert guest on the 20-minute and 49-second radio segment, providing detailed insights into this remarkable photographic legacy. Cossu explained how these street photographers operated during an era when personal cameras were rare and expensive, making professional photography services more accessible to ordinary citizens who wanted portraits of themselves and their families.
The radio program, presented by David Marr and produced by Ali Benton, was broadcast on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:30 PM as part of a longer episode that also covered contemporary political topics. The street photography segment was the third of three items in the full 54-minute and 33-second broadcast, which additionally featured discussions about FBI activities and Hurricane Katrina's 20-year anniversary, as well as Palestinian political leadership.
This historical photography archive offers viewers a unique glimpse into Sydney's past, showcasing fashion, architecture, street scenes, and social interactions from nearly a century ago. The photographs serve not only as artistic works but also as important historical documents that preserve the visual culture of Australia's largest city during a transformative period in its development. The legacy of these street photographers continues to influence contemporary photography and provides researchers with invaluable primary source material for understanding mid-20th century Australian urban life.
