Prolific photographer Bob Binnell, 78, who is credited with pioneering commercial photography in the city, died at a Port Elizabeth hospital at the weekend.
Noted for his sense of humour and his extensive photographic skills, including his documentation of events in Port Elizabeth, the well-liked lensman was resident in the Munro Kirk Frail Care Facility in South End before his death.
He is survived by four adult children.
Described as a legend by Nelson Mandela Bay’s photographic fraternity, Binnell blazed the trail for commercial photography in the city.
He carved out a reputation as a leading photographer for the automotive industry, including associated industries such as component suppliers.
He served the profession for more than 50 years. In addition, Binnell – who occasionally plied his skills for The Herald and its sister publications on a freelance basis – also had one of the largest collections of historic photographs outside of the country ’s national museums.
As recently as March this year, Binnell exhibited a photographic collection of landmark pictures of the city, including his own taken since 1959, at the Alliance Francaise in Richmond Hill.
The collection dated back to 1864 – 48 years after the first camera was invented in 1816.
Binnell had run his own photographic studio in Port Elizabeth for many years, capturing historic events in the city and its industries.He also recorded landmark events at the Port Elizabeth Harbour and became an expert aerial photographer.
“He was an excellent commercial photographer and I think he had already started that in the ‘60s,” close friend and former Herald journalist Bob Kernohan said.
“He also enjoyed photographing ships and trains. He was a great guy and had a fantastic character. His passing is very sad.”
Former Herald photographer Mike Holmes credited Binnell for setting the standard for commercial photography in the Bay.
“He was a fantastic guy and he had an incredible sense of humour. He will be sorely missed in Port Elizabeth’s photography circles,” Holmes said.
Herald freelancer and professional commercial lensman Mark West said: “He was a top photographer and a good businessman.
“I was very sad to hear of his passing. He was a legend in Port Elizabeth. I extend my condolences to his family and friends.”
Bay photographer Salvelio Meyer also lamented Binnell’s death, saying he had built up a solid reputation as a leading commercial photographer, particularly during the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s.