final photography discussion with Rod

On Thursday 18th September 2025, we visited Rod McNicol in his wonderful loft studio in Fitzroy. His studio was a place to behold.

As usual, it was a fun visit with lots of discussions about photography, exhibitions and his work. All the time we knew what was to happen very soon.

Rod died there in his studio on 8th October — with close family and friends.

As we said good bye on that day in September, Rod insisted that we stay happy about this being the last time we would see him and that he had accepted that it was time to leave this world.

Losing him is something we still struggle with as we loved visiting him, enjoyed his company, loved swapping emails with him about stuff, always loved seeing his photography and found the discussions over a cup of tea to be joyous occasions.

To keep things happy — we are sharing the photos of our last visit.

The door on Smith Street — the entrance to his building.

 

Sitting at his table was a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Sadly parking restrictions often determined how long we could visit. Plus by then a couple of hours was Rod’s limit on his energy — he became tired very easily.

 

One of the last intense discussions was about the Heide exhibition of Man Ray and Max Dupain photographs. Rod could not make it out to Heide (Museum of Modern Art), but loved the opportunity to browse and discuss the photos in the catalogue.

 

 

We also spent time looking at his photographs that he has selected for someone else.

 

 

 

what a room!

 

All the time we were being watched…

 

Rod’s history was laid along those walls including ancestors,  childhood pics of his family  himself and brothers

 

As we stepped out from his studio, we looked back at his front door — tried to be happy — but it did not work.

If you are out there Rod — we miss you, the conversations, your company and the chance to discuss photography and the many other life matters.

We are so glad to have purchased one of his ‘still life’ images.

For more on Rod — click here

And about the Heide Man Ray — Max Dupain exhibition — click here