Michael "Mick" Jones

After leaving the Navy in 2001, he was drawn to photography.

During a trip to England he bought a DLSR camera and began to immerse himself more seriously in the craft.

+

He started a small semi-professional practice, based in the Lockyer Valley west of Brisbane. As his skills grew, he became fascinated by the complexities and expressive possibilities of photography, and his interests shifted toward single-person and character portraiture.

i +

After a friend told him about the Napier Waller Art Prize, he immediately thought of “Once a Perfect Fitting Jacket”, and was compelled to share it.

“I met Doug Simonds, a 99-year-old Second World War RAAF veteran, through the RSL, who helped connect me with his family. Doug was living on his own at the time, almost completely blind, but still incredibly sharp and full of stories.

“When we first got together, Doug talked a lot about his time in the war and was happy to let me take his portrait in his living room.  After we wrapped up the official photos, Doug offered to make me a cup of tea. As he stood in his kitchen, I noticed how his jacket seemed way too big for him, making him look even more frail.

“That one shot said more about his life and service than any of the formal shots. The over-sized jacket against his small frame, and his gaze away from the camera, told his story.”

One of 16 works highly commended by the judging panel, “Once a Perfect Fitting Jacket” was displayed at Australian Parliament House from May to October 2024. It was part of an exhibition highlighting the transformative power of creativity, and the experiences and talent of current and former service personnel in the Australian Defence Force.

“Once a Perfect Fitting Jacket” is part of the Reluctant Heroes Portrait Project, which emerged from Jones’ desire to give back to his community.