At Ammon Creative, we understand that photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about telling stories that resonate. Recently, we had the honour of photographing two stalwarts of Western Australian broadcasting—Terry Willesee and Michael Thomson—within the Channel 9 Perth newsroom.
This assignment was part of Channel 9 Perth’s 60th anniversary celebrations, a time to reflect on the station’s rich history and the individuals who have shaped it. The newsroom, with its vibrant energy and historical significance, served as the perfect setting for this portrait session.
A special thanks goes to Susie Palandri, Promo Production Graphic Designer at Nine Perth, whose work added a meaningful layer to the final image. She designed and inserted the Channel 9 60th anniversary promo graphic into the vintage TV unit that Terry Willesee and Michael Thomson stood with in the portrait — a subtle yet powerful nod to the station’s legacy. Susie also created all of the graphics featured in the 60th anniversary exhibition at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, helping to visually shape the entire campaign.
Terry Willesee photographed in front of a large mural of the iconic Willesee Unit camera at Channel 9 Perth — a tribute to his legacy in Australian broadcast journalism. Photography by Ryan Ammon | Ammon Creative
Terry Willesee proudly holds his Logie Award, a testament to his recognition as Western Australia’s Most Popular Male Television Personality in 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981. Photography by Ryan Ammon | Ammon Creative
Terry Willesee stands beside the iconic Willesee Unit camera, one of Channel 9 Perth’s original studio cameras from the 1960s, symbolising the station’s rich broadcasting history. Photography by Ryan Ammon | Ammon Creative
A particularly poignant element was the large-scale image of the Willesee camera displayed on one of the walls. This camera is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a symbol of the station’s pioneering days and Terry Willesee’s significant contributions to television journalism. Photographing Terry in front of this image created a powerful visual narrative, connecting the past with the present.
Our goal was to create portraits that were both respectful and evocative, highlighting the legacy of these media figures. The resulting images were well-received, with one being featured on the cover of the June 2025 issue of Have a Go News. This publication, known for its focus on the mature demographic in Western Australia, boasts a monthly readership of around 200,000, providing substantial exposure for the project.
This experience underscores the value of professional, thoughtful photography in commemorating significant milestones and honouring the individuals behind them. At Ammon Creative, we are proud to contribute to preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of Western Australia’s media history.
If you’re looking to document important moments or create compelling portraits that tell your story, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to create images that resonate and endure.
