Amateur Photographer Jesse Pickett Shines at AFL All Stars Game
When the AFL Indigenous All Stars took on the Fremantle Dockers in a thrilling match last weekend, the spotlight shone on an unexpected star. Jesse Pickett, a self-taught photographer from Geraldton, captured a mesmerizing image that stole the show.
Jesse, a 31-year-old Indigenous man, discovered his passion for photography in 2021, inspired by his uncle, the renowned professional photographer Tamati Smith. Reflecting on his journey into photography, Jesse shared, “[My uncle] helped me, he gave me a camera and since I picked that camera up, I loved it. I got the first shot of Bobby Hill celebrating the first goal of the game. It was full of energy, and I just managed to capture it.”
Focus on Footy: A Rising Talent Emerges
Jesse’s talent came to the forefront when he participated in the Footy Focus competition last year, impressing the AFL’s photography producer Sarah Morton with his exceptional work. Sarah recalled, “I loved the work that Jesse has been doing in his community, so I invited him to take part in our first Footy Focus masterclass and match experience in Melbourne last October. To my surprise, he made the epic trek to Melbourne to participate. He impressed all our team with his lovely nature and ability to quickly adjust to the big stage.”
Following his success, Jesse was invited to apply for a photography competition aligned with the Indigenous All Stars match in Perth. Standing out among photographers from across WA, he secured a spot in the final 20, earning him a chance to capture the clash. Sarah commended Jesse, stating, “Jesse performed so well, capturing one of the best photos from the match.”
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Passion
Despite lacking formal training, Jesse’s dedication to his craft is evident as he honed his skills through online resources and tutorials. His commitment to capturing the essence of his community and culture shines through in his work. Whether photographing sports events in Geraldton or immersing himself in the tranquility of nature during the football off-season, Jesse’s lens captures the beauty and spirit of his surroundings.
Reflecting on his evolution as a photographer, Jesse shared, “I did my first job in Geraldton professionally, and ever since then… it’s just been going like crazy and ended up in the AFL. The wildlife was just my go-to when footy wasn’t on. I fell in love with bird photography and wildlife in general.”
For Jesse, photography is more than just a hobby—it’s a means of preserving memories, sparking conversations, and sharing the rich tapestry of his culture with the world. He expressed, “Our community and culture is beautiful, and I want to showcase that to the world. I love that a picture can tell a thousand words. It can create a whole range of emotions and can really get people talking. It’s an art form that creates memories for a lifetime.”
As Jesse Pickett continues to captivate audiences with his captivating imagery, his journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the transformative impact of art in all its forms. Through his lens, he invites us to see the world through a different perspective, one that celebrates diversity, beauty, and the universal language of photography.