jason ilagan

2011 Nikon-Walkley Press Photography Awards Entry: Police funeral for William Crews

I submitted my first ever entry for the Walkleys, Australian journalism’s most coveted awards, something I thought I’d never do (let alone covering a funeral).

The above photos were entered into the News Photography category, with the following supporting statement.

When you’re asked by the Content Director of a top forty FM radio station to photograph a funeral for what is, by and large, an entertainment-based website, you’d be forgiven if you gave the request a second thought.

However in this instance, it was the funeral of Detective Constable William Crews, accidentally shot by a comrade during a drug raid on 9 September, 2010. The tragedy struck a chord with the public, and the station felt that it was appropriate to reflect this event not only on-air, but visually on 2DayFM’s website.

What was clearly evident was the human interest in the event, with the general public turning out in large numbers to pay their respects.

Given the nature of the event, photographs were captured from afar in order to maintain a respectful distance for mourners to grieve without any distractions.

The selection of photographs hopes to demonstrate the above, as well as a glimpse of the bravest members of our society at their most fragile and vulnerable.

Whilst my entry wasn’t listed as a finalist, it was an amazing experience to have been part of the process.

The finalists are listed here, and if you get a chance to see their work, you’ll agree that their entries are truly exceptional, amazing and inspiring.