Darren Stones

Darren Stones – Interviewer:

Having stared down the barrel of a gun, Australian travel photographer Joe Mortelliti has dodged a life-threatening bullet. Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in March 2007, Joe’s health journey is one of beating the odds. How did he survive chemotherapy and a life-threatening bone marrow transplant? What inspired Joe to want to live? Quite simply, Joe was not expected to survive.

Joe Mortelliti is on the way back. With his mind getting sharper, it’s just a matter of time before we see a new collection of Australian landscape scenes. His works will soon be published in the BestShot! Great Ocean Road travel guide.

In introducing Joe Mortelliti, I’d like to reflect on something which sticks in my mind. It’s a matter which exemplifies selflessness. During 2008, Joe summonsed the strength to partake in an initiative to raise money for Australian farmers doing it tough. As an integral part of the Australian Photographers Alliance with Mark Ingram, David Haviland and yours truly, Joe provided works which saw monies raised for the Australian charity, Aussie Helpers. Here was a man, virtually out for the count, willing to help those whose state of health was far better than his. It’s testimony to the man, and testimony to his willingness to assist fellow Australians.

Joe, a very warm welcome.

How’s your current state of health, and how’s your wife Marion and the family? I understand it’s been a tough period for all, so give us an insight to the support you’ve been given by those closest to you.

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Joe Mortelliti – Interviewee:

Darren, thanks for the interview mate.

Current health is looking good and it’s now 12 months since my bone marrow transplant.
My brother was the marrow donor and now I have his DNA. I have to get all my shots starting in a few weeks, for the likes of mumps, measles, etc, as I have a new immune system establishing.

I turned one year old yesterday receiving balloons and cards from family and friends, with Happy 1st Birthday!

The first 12 months after a bone marrow transplant is the high risk relapse period, so I’m through that. Another 12 months, and they might say I’m cured. So, I do live with some risk but it’s looking good.

I’m thinking a lot clearer now and can concentrate better as the effects of chemotherapy fog and medication are wearing off. There is a lot of side effects that are being rectified with small procedures, and physically I have a fair way to go to regain strength. I hope to start driving and photographing again soon.

Marion has been wonderful and the family has all pulled together. During Easter 2008, I went into a seven day coma and Marion and our three children were all told to say goodbye as I would die that evening. So, the journey for them has been pretty dramatic. The next day, the doctors called me “Miracle Man”.

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Darren Stones:

When I visited Marion and yourself last year whilst you were staying in North Melbourne, near the Royal Melbourne Hospital, I saw a bloke who remained passionate about photography. You proudly showed me your landscape prints and outback slideshow on your notebook computer. At that point, I knew you were determined to beat the odds, and suspected you would. There was a strong determination coming from you which impressed.

Remember we couldn’t share a quiet beer because you were under doctor’s orders? So, we had to share Rice Bubbles instead. Not sure if people will believe us, but it’s true. The sound of snap, crackle and pop replaced the taste of booze.

Joe, where do you intend to travel when you’re up and about again. Outback journey possibly down the track, or maybe a coastal trip in the planning?

I’d like you to show us two of your favourite photographs and tell us the background behind making them.

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Joe Mortelliti:

Chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant has a dramatic effect on your taste buds, as well as what you can handle in your stomach. So, sharing Rice Bubbles was being pretty adventurous at that stage.

We are in the middle of setting up our new four wheel drive for future travel, but I’m not sure when that will be, but it will happen. The rig set-up will be able to ensure self sufficiency over long remote stays. I just love being on location camping, and shooting with early morning and evening light where possible.

As my immune system is not up to scratch yet, I have to be careful and stay in range of hospitals, so outback travel is a year away I guess. I do want to go back to Broken Hill as my last visit there was too short and I saw a number of photo opportunities as I left town.

As to a couple of favourites.

My Lorne Pier photograph was taken after a few rounds of chemotherapy, and I was in remission. Marion and I headed for some relaxing time down the coast. We got up early, and Marion had to carry my camera gear for me as I was still pretty weak. I climbed onto a wooden picnic table and set up the tripod waiting for the sunrise, and was treated to some great colour.

Lorne Pier by Joe Mortelliti

My Passing Storm, Burra Ruins photograph was taken before any health problems surfaced.
We stopped and took a couple of shots here earlier at this ruin as we approached Burra in South Australia. The light was ordinary but we were on our way back home after our 12,000km outback trip, so that was as good as we could get. We went into Burra and had some lunch, so over an hour passed and it became stormy with rain. I said to Marion we need to double back out of town as the light and storm was now going to look great on that old ruin – it was so worth the effort. The colours compliment so effectively.


Passing Storm, Burra Ruins by Joe Mortelliti

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Darren Stones:

Lorne Pier and Passing Storm, Burra Ruins are standout photographs in your collection, Joe. Not surprised you chose those. Marion seems a handy sidekick – a real team effort from the sound of things.

Richard Everist of BestShot!, former publisher with Lonely Planet, has published your photographs. What BestShot! publications do your images appear in? And, post a couple of those published photos here and tell us about them.

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Joe Mortelliti:

BestShot! has been a bulk buyer of images for a number of their projects over the last five years, with those images adding up in the hundreds.

Coffee table books: Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula, Bendigo and Central Victoria.
The Gold Trail book aimed at tourists.
About five art calendars on Geelong.
A BestShot! press competition in the Geelong Advertiser.
Three CD style desk calendars.
A CD style desk calendar featuring just my work.
A few Ccalendars for the Daylesford/Bendigo region.
Some postcards.
And, now a new publication on The Great Ocean Road – due out shortly.

However, I have not been able to submit as many images as I wanted to for this due to my health issues.
I did suggest a book on the outback and Simpson Desert, but population numbers for those markets are small and the potential yet unclear.

Spray Farm Lane featured as a front cover shot of BestShot! art calendar, and was then used in the press to promote BestShot! publications. This is a spot that everybody drives past, but unless you venture off onto the track and over the hill you miss this first-class view. In the press, people had to write in to the paper and establish the location to win a prize.

Spray Farm Lane by Joe Mortelliti

Autumn Fog, Lake Daylesford was used one year as the feature image for the BestShot! calendar for that region. Daylesford has been a spot we have enjoyed repeatedly with our family well before it became popular.

Autumn Fog, Lake Daylesford by Joe Mortelliti

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Darren Stones:

Seems like a healthy business relationship with BestShot! A win for both parties.

Inspiration. I’ve noticed you encourage your peers, and good on you for doing so. In photographic circles, who inspires you? Do you have any favourite photographers?

And do you see up-and-comers within the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group? Let’s say people who you think have skill, determination and hunger for success.

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Joe Mortelliti:

To your question who stands out from the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group, I would say that there is probably more than one, but I have read a number of EarthGipsy’s travel writings and found them very good. She introduces images into her writing in an effective way. Seeing her efforts, I have felt that I may write a piece along with supporting images myself soon.

From purely a photographic skills point of view, the group has a lot of talent.

As to inspiration, I have always admired Hans Kawitzki – a fellow RedBubble member and member of the Geelong Camera Club.

Overall I look at other photographers work with interest, but it was Hans’s work I got to see regularly at the camera club in my younger days and I came to recognize a higher standard of image.

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Darren Stones:

Have to admit, you have a good eye for talent, and quality photographic work, Joe.

I see you’ve taken the step and delved into some travel writing and submitted it to the Australian Travel Writing and Photography group. Good for you – I’m pleased you’ve done that. I suspect you’d have some beaut stories to tell.

Being a keen traveller, do you read and gain inspiration from any Australian travel-style magazines or newspapers, and if so which are your favourites and why?

Interested to know about the photographic equipment you’re using. What type of camera, lenses and filters are you using out in the field? Do you use a portable storage device for your photographs on longer journeys?

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Joe Mortelliti:

Thanks to your work and ideas in the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group, you motivated me to write, and I had a go at writing that travel piece, and enjoyed doing it. I do have a few more travel stories to tell about the Simpson Desert and Oodnadatta Track. So, I will have another go soon.

Marion and I have subscribed to Australian Traveller magazine for a few years. I enjoy its content, quality pictures and travel stories. The magazine grew in size very quickly from its beginnings and is a high quality product. A bit of a read of AT in a quiet moment and I’m ready to head off again.

I photograph with a Nikon built Fuji S2 and S3 Pro. I have a good range of lenses, but my favourite focal length is by far the 24mm, then followed by the 85mm. I use graduadted filters to darken bright skies and occasionally a polariser.

With the 24mm lens, I shoot using the hyperfocal technique and visualise the end result. I’m constantly looking at where I can apply it to create an image.

When on the road I have my laptop which I hook up to an electrical pure sine inverter. I download to the laptop and burn to CD before deleting and formatting cards.

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Darren Stones:

That’s great to learn you’ve gained inspiration from the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group. Appreciate your positive feedback on that score. I suppose given your field of expertise and knowledge, it’s a perfect niche for you to delve into.

What are your thoughts about the group’s new association with Greg Barton and Australian Traveller magazine? Do you see this as a potential benefit to the magazine, Australian Travel Photography and Writing group members, and RedBubble? Do you feel the door has opened for you to have work published in the magazine?

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Joe Mortelliti:

Gaining the interest and support of Greg Barton of Australian Traveller magazine is a huge win.
I can see that with your input, and the talent within Australian Travel Photography and Writing group, it could be a single large source for travel stories covering a very wide range of Australian travel destinations across the country.

I would think that an editor would like the idea of having access to a volume of stock when it’s quality is monitored and edited by someone such as yourself – if that was a role you wanted. In return, members of Australian Travel and Writing group get the opportunity of having their work placed and published if accepted.

RedBubble has expressed plans to promote our images along the lines of a stock photo library, so aligning with editors and magazines is good for all involved.

Has the door been opened for me? Well, I have only written one travel/photography piece and that got a good reception. I have hundreds of travel images which in some cases cover parts of our country that few have visited. I do feel that the door has opened in an very postive way.

I look forward to seeing where your hard work and efforts continue to lead.
All the various parties mentioned can expect good outcomes to flow from being involved I think.

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Darren Stones:

Will be interesting see how things move ahead for the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group. To have your experience and knowledge as part of our group, I believe it can inspire others to strive for success.

Given you’ve encountered a few unexpected health bumps along the road in recent years, what objectives do you have in regard to future journeys which involve photography? Any trips closer to home which you’re considering?

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Joe Mortelliti:

I have spent the last three days with Marion stocking our new slide on camper. Food and all the necessary camping accessories coming together rather well. It’s been two years since I had my wings clipped and became grounded.

I have had to take a few naps in between loading up and fitting out the unit, but progress is slowly being made.
I’m certainly not up to any outback travel yet, but we are now booked into Anglesea for the long weekend in two weeks time. We are staying on the mouth of the river where it meets the surf beach.

Cameras are coming out of the cupboard for the first time in a year, so we will see if I can handle getting in some photography at this attractive location. But, I’m well aware my stamina level has limitations.
I’m off and running – well sort of – so this camping trip to Anglesea is the first step toward future travel and will be followed up with another trip as fast as I can handle it.

Our rig is similiar to this www.trayon.com
Hot and cold running water, fridge/freezer, shower, kitchen sink, and porta potty all in this compact setup – now that is roughing it.

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Darren Stones:

With time under your belt, your dogged determination, the love of your family and friends, and expert care from your doctors, I believe you and Marion will be going bush in 2010.

On a finishing note, what advice can you offer Australian travel photgraphers?

Joe Mortelliti, it’s been a pleasure to find out how you’re progressing. Happy travels.

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Joe Mortelliti:

The advice I would offer is to stay put in an area for a couple of days at least. You then get the opportunity to photograph morning and evening.

Scout around for the best compositions while the light is pretty ordinary, and then return with the aim of capturing the scene in the best light. Where it works, camping on site means you can be up early and in position to photograph with a minium of preparation time, and you get further opportunities late in the day.

Also, by staying a while the locals, they will give you their input to attractive local features that very often I find no one has ever photographed.

An example: I have a host of images that I have taken at Macedon that ended up getting published as a result of locals pointing me in the right direction.

I have seen many images that are well composed, and good records of an area, but the photographer has not waited or returned for the right light to make the shot stand out from the pack. I recall Ken Duncan talks about this in one of his books and refers to it as waiting for some “magic light”.

Thanks very much Darren for taking the time to interview me. Look forward to seeing you out on the road or tracks.

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