Episode 490: Steve Hart - Ace Photographer Calls It A Day

Steve Hart was just 23 years old when he joined the ranks of Sydney’s race photographers in 1983. It didn’t take him long to showcase the flair, the creativity and the energy needed to chase the right shots through a long day at the races. Most importantly he made a million friends along the way. We got Steve to sit still long enough to record a special interview about his life and the career he chose above all others.  He begins by looking back on his final day at the races. The inevitable emotion was put aside until he’d “fired off” his final shot.  Steve says he’s been a stickler throughout his career for an early arrival at the track. He talks of the miles he’d cover getting from point to point on race day. Randwick was the toughest venue. Steve talks of the amazing advances in camera technology. The 64 year old takes us back to his English childhood and the long sea voyage to Australia with his parents and two brothers. He recalls his father John securing a job in the building trade just two days after arriving in Sydney. Steve talks about his time at Manly High School and his burgeoning interest in photography. He talks of his first job in the trades.  The gun photographer remembers with clarity his first trip to a racecourse- a day at Gosford with the family. The die was cast on that fateful day. Steve talks about his application to the AJC for a photographer’s role and the nerve wracking interview with the club’s CEO. He recalls his very first day of operation on a Sydney track and the established photographers he worked alongside. Steve looks back on a couple of casual jobs necessary to supplement his income. He looks back on a couple of dramatic changes to the landscape in the photographic ranks and talks of an enduring friendship with Mark Bradley.  Steve acknowledges the support of one particular journalist in those early days. Of the thousands of finishes he’s photographed over forty years he has a personal favourite. Steve never got to photograph Kingston Town but the champion remains his all time favourite.  The respected professional decided in 1984 to gain accreditation to work through the Victorian spring carnival. He got some unforgettable photos of the champions right through to the Covid pandemic. Steve says he always took three or four cameras to the races, and explained his technique in photographing race finishes. He explains the importance of monitoring camera settings from day to day. Photographers often walk backwards in search of the right shot. Steve has never “bitten the dust” but knows of one who did. The veteran photographer talks of his two children with wife Mary. He pays tribute to Adam and Rachel and gives his only grandchild a special mention. Steve talks of his two favourite achievements without the camera. He talks of his diversion from race day photography. From time to time Steve switches his camera to video mode, and goes on the road to interview some of racing’s best known names.  The Steve Hart story is an inspiring one. The young English lad who came to a new nation and followed his dream.