Reynolds Mark “Rennie” Ellis was an Australian photographer who is best known for his iconic images capturing the cultural and social landscape of Australia during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in 1940 in Melbourne, Australia, Ellis began his career as a photographer in the 1960s and quickly established himself as one of the leading photographers in the country. His images were characterized by their candid and intimate style, capturing the raw energy and individuality of the subjects he photographed.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Ellis’s photographs captured the cultural and social changes that were taking place in Australia during this time. His images portrayed various subjects, including fashion, youth culture, and social and political events. He was known for his ability to capture the essence of Australia’s cultural and social life, showcasing its unique character and spirit.
One of Ellis’s most famous images is a portrait of a young couple at a beach in Melbourne, which has become an iconic representation of the relaxed, carefree lifestyle of the 1970s and 1980s. Other images from this period include portraits of fashion models, surfers, and young people enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs.
Throughout his career, Ellis was celebrated for his ability to capture the spirit of the times, and his photographs have become an essential record of Australian cultural and social history. In 2003, Ellis passed away at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of timeless images that continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.