Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) photographer Wayne Papps has died following a fall from a cliff on South Bruny Island.

AAD Director Dr Tony Press said that Mr Papps died doing what he loved most — taking pictures.

“Wayne’s death has come as a great shock to all of his colleagues at the Australian Antarctic Division.

“His deep affection for Antarctica was palpable. He knew he could have had a very successful photography career in private enterprise but he loved Antarctica and his work at the AAD. Wayne was bitten by the Antarctic bug and couldn’t get it out of his system. He treasured his trips south to Mawson and Casey and we had planned to send him south again next summer.

“Few people have captured the many moods or the spirit of Antarctica as Wayne has done. His photographs have been seen and appreciated by thousands of people not just in Australia but throughout the world in numerous publications. He has exhibited overseas, at Parliament House in Canberra and other Australian galleries, and his work adorns the walls of the Australian Antarctic Division,” said Dr Press.

Dr Press said that Wayne Papps was a master of 360 degree landscape photography and his skill and generosity in sharing his knowledge in all fields of photography came to the fore in the workshops he held from time to time.

“He was a consummate perfectionist and like a number of truly creative and sensitive artists, an unassuming and modest man. We at the AAD were very fortunate to have worked with Wayne and his death is a great loss to us all.

“We all have our own special memories of Wayne. Certainly the Division is all the richer for his time here and his talent will live on in the vast legacy of his memorable images.

“Our thoughts are with Wayne’s family and friends at this very sad time,” Dr Press said.

Wayne Papps’ photography is currently exhibited at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and at the prestigious Wilderness Photography Gallery at Cradle Mountain.

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