'Gentlemen in Disguise' is series a portraits that offers a closer look at the intimate spaces of long distance truck drivers in Australia. Shot as a typology, it seeks to eliminate as many variables as possible thus enabling the viewer to examine and discern the fine details and differences that make each portrait unique. Each portrait was taken with the camera mounted on the dash pointing backwards into the cabin.
Accompanying each portrait is text taken from conversations with the drivers. These anecdotes are significant as they offer insight into the challenges complexities inherent to the industry. Furthermore, it becomes apparent that the "lifestyle" has a significant effect on those close to the drivers and maintaining relationships—as well as forming new ones—became a recurring topic of discussion.
The ultimate aim of the series is to inform and to challenge the commonly held assumptions held by many towards drivers who hold a very significant and often under appreciated position in Australian society.
This series of portraits takes its name, 'Gentlemen in Disguise' from a bug shield label seen at a truck stop at Rockley, Queensland, Australia.
Dan and Angus, pictured at Chinderah New South Wales, Australia. 2014. Dan was one of the few drivers I met whom travelled with his family.
Bert and CJ pictured at Rocklea, Queensland, Australia. 2014.
Taken shortly after midnight upon arriving at a truck stop near Brisbane, Queensland.Bert often finds himself caring for his grandson as other family members are unable.This means taking him along regularly on overnight interstate trips between New South Wales and Queensland.
Tex, pictured at Chinderah New South Wales, Australia. 2014.
John and Sharmaine pictured at Rocklea, Queensland, Australia. 2014. They had been together for 8 months when this portrait was taken and one of the things we spoke about was the strain that the profession put on personal relationships.
Having divorced once already John assured me "there were plenty of fish in the sea" and that "shit happens".
When I spoke with John a few months later, him and Sharmaine were no longer travelling together.
Dave and Paige, Rocklea, Queensland, Australia. 2014. At the time this portrait was taken Dave and his family were looking for a new home and find a new school for Paige and her siblings after their southeastern Victoria property had been destroyed by a bushfire in February, 2014.
I caught up with Dave a few months later and he told me that him and his family had found a new home closer to the highway, which allowed him to be home more often.
Malcolm pictured at Rocklea Queensland, Australia. 2014. Malcom was one of the younger and more enthusiastic drivers I met and spoke to. He didn't hesitate in inviting me in to see his cabin which he took great pride in. He "loved the lifestyle" and freedom that came with the job and was looking forward to many more years behind the wheel.
Malcolm sent me a text a few months ago saying he had been in a serious accident. He fell asleep at the wheel and the truck he was driving (the one you see here) was written off. Luckily, he escaped with only minor injuries and was back on the road a week later.
Charlie, pictured at Rocklea Queensland, Australia. 2014. Time away from home and family was something that came up often in the numerous conversations I had with drivers.
Charlie , for example, mentioned that the routes he drives and his schedule make it difficult for him to spend time with his daughter in north Queensland.
When he does find himself passing through her neighbourhood they usually meet at the side of the highway for no more than an hour or two.
John, pictured at Rocklea Queensland, Australia. 2014.
Mark pictured at Rocklea Queensland, Australia. 2014. Originally a pastry chef, Mark had only been working in the industry for 12 months when I first met him.
His calm and gentle demeanour contrasted with the typical "truckie" persona that many of us hold as true.
Untitled. Chinderah, New South Wales, Australia. 2014.