henry walter barnett, an australian photographer and filmmaker, was born on january 25, 1862, in st kilda, melbourne. he began his photographic career as a studio assistant at the age of 13. barnett's early work led him to establish a studio in hobart, tasmania, with his business partner harold riise.
rise to prominence
in 1885, barnett founded the falk studios in sydney, which quickly established him as one of australia's leading portrait photographers. his notable works include photographing stage stars and celebrities, such as sarah bernhardt, who sat for him while visiting australia in 1891. other prominent visitors to australia photographed by barnett were robert louis stevenson in 1893 and mark twain in 1896.
film production and collaboration with marius sestier
in 1896, barnett met french cinematographer marius sestier, leading to their collaboration on several films. together, they produced approximately 19 films in sydney and melbourne, including a series documenting the 1896 melbourne cup carnival. their film of the 1896 melbourne cup horse race is considered one of australia's first film productions.
later life and legacy
barnett sold his london studios in 1920 and moved to dieppe, france, where he maintained an interest in contemporary french art. he died on january 16, 1934, in nice, at the age of 71.
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