Vale Noel Holly: Legendary Perth photographer
Extremely sad news today with the passing over the weekend of Noel Holly, one of the true legends of Perth Advertising.
Holly had a highly decorated career in Western Australia, blazing the way and providing inspiration for many of Perth’s photographers. In the 80s and 90s no one came close to his talent and contribution to the photographic industry.
Holly had been unwell for some time. Condolences to his family, his Illustrations family, and all his close friends. A Facebook memoriam page has been set up which contains this dedication from former model Liz Carberry, amongst others:
“RIP dear Noel.
Hard to believe no more grumpiness, no more funny lines and sayings and mannerisms.
You were the king of the studio and for so many of us it was a home away from home. We were the lucky ones to have that time with you. You transformed us from ‘the girls’ into who ever you needed and we loved it.
Such excitement to climb those stairs and enter your world. You were my mentor in the beginning and always remained my strength.
If I said thank you a hundred times I wish I could tell you a hundred times again.”
8 Comments
Noel was the standout photographer in Perth when I was lucky enough to have worked with him in the late 80’s, so much so that I contracted him for a few shoots when I moved back to the East Coast. He was a true professional in my eyes and I loved working with him,, very sad to hear of his passing.
I first met Noel when I commissioned him to shoot pink diamonds for Argyle back in the 80s. He was still doing it until he became ill and is probably the global master photographer of pink diamonds.
Noel was a true pro who was always ahead of the curve with innovations like digital photography and large format graphics – he thought outside the box. We were collaborators on numerous shoots in Perth and overseas and a lot of long lunches. I remember some fabulous times with him. I loved his attitude. They don’t make them like him anymore.
Noel – you’re a legend.
Beautiful shot of Noel.
I just stumbled across this sad news about Noel! Only this week, after hearing sad news of our dearest Ruth Tarvydas, as if that was not shocking and sad enough.
Just now, I was just looking for the best photographer of food products for some one to view. I knew Noel was the best around and he was ‘always’ around. Working, working, working. To work with Noel was not only a professional privilege but knowing his crazy ways of being a perfectionist, you knew he was the one guy who could make ‘near on perfection’ happen.
Anyone who worked for him would be so grateful now, because they know he was the best. Then later years to meet your beautiful daughter, she was around 12 years old when we last saw each other,
Good memories dear ‘Uncle Noel’.
So sorry to hear about the passing away of Noel. When I first arrived in Perth in 1968 he took me under his wing and subsequently my daughters, Emma and Nikki, and provided many happy hours of photography, laughs and friendship. He was a unique person and paved the way for many of Perths top models. Although I haven’t seen him for a few years I have often thought of him and remembered his contribution to the Perth fashion scene and his amazing talent. RIP xxx
I was just going through some old photo’s and ads I did back in the 1980’s and 99% of them would have been done with Noel. As my mum said above, I worked with Noel many times a week from a baby up until my early teens on catalogues for Boans, Myers, Newspaper ads, TV spots…and more. I remember his studio and how he gave me confidence, poise and a drive that I still tap into all these years later. And best of all never forgot his nickname for me – Nikki Noodles due to my long skinny legs (still got them!!). Sending love and condolences to all his family. He was a special person that touched so many and will never be forgotten.
It’s taken me all this time (even taking into account that I went to Noel’s funeral), to fully accept that one of our ‘supreme beings’ is gone! I also went to Peter Whyte’s and John Whitfield-King’s funerals and had the same sense of despair and loss. I don’t really know what it is about photography, except that … it’s a very lonely business!
Just heard of Noel’s passing. Condolences to his family. Worked with Noel in early 70’s when I moved to Perth and approached him for work. Hired straight away and had a wonderful year working with him
At illustrations. Loved his work. Attitude and passion for perfection in his art. Learnt so much with him. RIP champion.
I got to know Noel when I worked at Parks Clemenger and later at Ogilvy. He was a great guy to work with. It’s a long time since I saw him when I flew from Sidney
(Where I had been shooting for Heineken and Novartis). Spent a lovely afternoon with him. A really great guy.