16/05/2024
The Eternal Lens:
Celebrating Barry Mackenzie and the year he turns “Eighty.”
In the heart of New South Wales, where the sun casts a golden hue over the serene waters of Lake Inverell and Copeton Dam, my old friend Barry Mackenzie, approaches his 80th birthday. Despite the passage of time, Barry’s spirit remains as vibrant as ever, and his passion for wildlife photography continues to burn brightly.
Barry and I have shared more than four decades of friendship, a journey that began with capturing life's most cherished moments at weddings, schools, and graduations. Our early days were filled with the hustle and bustle of setting up equipment, arranging group photos, and ensuring that each shot captured the essence of the occasion. Those were formative years, where we honed our skills and learned to see the world through the lens of our cameras.
Our friendship, however, found its true calling in the wild. Barry's love for bird photography became a natural extension of his appreciation for life's fleeting moments. Birds, with their intricate beauty and ephemeral presence, became his muse. It was on the tranquil waters of Lake Inverell and Copeton Dam that Barry truly came alive.
Even now, as we glide across the water in our kayaks, Barry’s eyes remain sharp, ever-watchful for the slightest flutter of wings or the distant call of a bird. His camera, an extension of his soul, is always ready. I have witnessed countless moments where Barry, with a patience that only comes from decades of practice, captures the perfect shot— a kingfisher diving into the water, a sea eagle soaring high, or a pelican gliding gracefully.
Barry's dedication to his craft is inspiring. At 80, an age when many would prefer the comfort of their homes, Barry is still drawn to the wild. His adventures are not merely about photography; they are a testament to his enduring curiosity and his unwavering connection to nature. Each trip is a reminder that life, in all its forms, is worth capturing and celebrating.
Our outings are filled with stories and laughter, reminiscing about our early days and marveling at the changes time has wrought. Yet, amidst the nostalgia, there is always a sense of anticipation, a shared excitement for what the day might bring. Barry’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his joy in discovering new sights keeps us both young at heart.
One of my favourite memories with Barry happened just last spring. We were paddling along the Macintyre River when we spotted a sea eagle's nest high atop a tree. The light was perfect, casting a soft glow over the landscape. With his characteristic focus, Barry quietly positioned his kayak, raised his camera, and waited. The sea eagle, seemingly aware of its audience, spread its wings and took flight, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. The resulting photograph was nothing short of magical, a testament to Barry’s skill and his profound connection to the natural world.
Barry Mackenzie is more than a wildlife photographer; he is a storyteller, a chronicler of nature’s wonders. His photographs capture not just images but emotions, moments that speak to the beauty and fragility of life. As he turns 80, I find myself filled with gratitude for the years we have shared, the adventures we have embarked upon, and the countless memories we have created. Something that will live forever.
In celebrating Barry, we celebrate a life dedicated to capturing the essence of the wild, a life that continues to inspire and remind us of the extraordinary world we live in. Here’s to Barry Mackenzie, my old friend, a true artist whose lens has always found the heart of the moment and whose spirit remains ever-youthful in his embrace of nature.
