Rennie Ellis Photographic Archive

Rennie Ellis Photographic Archive Ellis' photography has concentrated on documenting both popular culture and the demi-monde and examining Australia as a hedonistic society.

The Rennie Ellis Photographic Archive was established in April, 2004, eight months after the sudden death of one of Australian's most prolific and gifted social documenters, Rennie Ellis. In his own intuitive way he was committed to capturing on film those moments in time that offer insights into the human condition.

The story behind the photo...“Sitting in Barollo Bistro, South Yarra. Attention taken by the exit of an unsubtle lady. I...
04/06/2026

The story behind the photo...

“Sitting in Barollo Bistro, South Yarra. Attention taken by the exit of an unsubtle lady. Intuition encourages me to follow her. She engages the Dino Ferrari. The wind blows. Snap!” - Rennie's re-telling of the iconic Dino Ferrari shot.

📷 Dino Ferrari, Toorak Road 1976 © Rennie Ellis

Concerts in the 70s. No phones, just presence.📷 Angus Young, Atlanta, Georgia 1978 © Rennie Ellis
02/06/2026

Concerts in the 70s. No phones, just presence.

📷 Angus Young, Atlanta, Georgia 1978 © Rennie Ellis

Describe this scene using only Aussie slang...📷 Yobbos, Sunbury Pop Festival 1974 © Rennie Ellis ***o
31/05/2026

Describe this scene using only Aussie slang...

📷 Yobbos, Sunbury Pop Festival 1974 © Rennie Ellis

***o

Melbourne Sharpies, 1970s. Before selfie sticks and ring lights, attitude was everything.Sharpies represented a uniquely...
26/05/2026

Melbourne Sharpies, 1970s. Before selfie sticks and ring lights, attitude was everything.

Sharpies represented a uniquely Australian youth subculture centred primarily in Melbourne's working-class suburbs. While the media often sensationalised Sharpie "gang warfare" and violence, the movement was deeply rooted in working-class mateship and community identity.

Here, a moment captured by Rennie where this crew paused and posed for the camera. One shot, one uncurated moment.

Were your parents Sharpies?

📷 Sharpies, Melbourne 1973 © Rennie Ellis

Happy Mother's Day to all the gorgeous Mum's of the world 🩷Celebrate next Sunday 10th April with lots of bubbles 🥂🥂🥂📷 Dr...
03/05/2026

Happy Mother's Day to all the gorgeous Mum's of the world 🩷
Celebrate next Sunday 10th April with lots of bubbles 🥂🥂🥂

📷 Drop Outs, Cairns 1973 © Rennie Ellis

View this image and more at the link in our bio.
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For anyone not wanting to let go of summer... Here's some colour to brighten your day!📷1. Rear View, Kerferd Rd Beach c....
13/03/2026

For anyone not wanting to let go of summer... Here's some colour to brighten your day!

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1. Rear View, Kerferd Rd Beach c.1981
2. Felix, Bondi NSW, 1997
3. Mr Muscleman, Albert Park c.1986

©Rennie Ellis

“Peter Pan with a Pentax” (to quote Phillip Adams in the late 70’s). We remember Rennie today with such love and gratitu...
11/11/2025

“Peter Pan with a Pentax” (to quote Phillip Adams in the late 70’s).
We remember Rennie today with such love and gratitude ###

📷 Rennie Ellis & Charles Gatewood, New York 1976 © Rennie Ellis

View this image and more at the link in our bio.
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Australian rock legends AC/DC will head home in November for the band's first Australian tour in a decade. Part of their...
25/06/2025

Australian rock legends AC/DC will head home in November for the band's first Australian tour in a decade.
Part of their Power Up world tour, the band will be in the country between November 12 and December 14.
Rock on!

📷 AC/DC, Atlanta, Georgia 1978 © Rennie Ellis

View this image and more at the link in our bio.
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Last chance to see Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis!This amazing exhibition must close this Sun...
22/05/2025

Last chance to see Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis!
This amazing exhibition must close this Sunday, 25 May.
Thousands of people have enjoyed Rennie’s unique and memorable portrait of Melbourne over the last 15 months, don’t be the one to miss out!

State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne,
Daily, 10am-6pm, free entry.
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Remember when you could have a smoke at the hairdressers?📷 Men at the hairdressers, Toorak Rd c.1970 © Rennie EllisFrom ...
13/05/2025

Remember when you could have a smoke at the hairdressers?

📷 Men at the hairdressers, Toorak Rd c.1970 © Rennie Ellis

From the Decade 1970 - 1980 Book. Limited copies available.

View this image and more at the link in our bio.
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Address

Melbourne, VIC
3182

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Tuesday 11am - 3pm
Wednesday 11am - 3pm
Thursday 11am - 3pm

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