Colin and Laurie Rouse: A Legacy of Photography in Wellington
For over two decades, Colin and Laurie Rouse have been an integral part of the Wellington community, captivating readers with their stunning photography. Their journey with Dubbo Photo News began over 20 years ago, and their passion for capturing local people, places, and events has left an indelible mark on the region.
However, the time has come for this dynamic duo to hang up their cameras and embrace retirement. As they bid farewell to their long-standing association with the region's only free newspaper, they reflect on their remarkable journey and the impact they've had on the Wellington community.
Colin, 70, and Laurie, 66, are ready to prioritize their health and spend more time with their beloved family. Their five adult children and 10 grandchildren, most of whom reside in the area, will be the recipients of their newfound free time. Photography has been Colin's lifelong passion, igniting his love for the craft at the tender age of 19.
The Rouse couple's photography and videography business in Dubbo was a resounding success for many years. Laurie, an integral part of their team, handled the behind-the-scenes business operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of their venture. Together, they supported a family of seven solely through their photography and videography work, a testament to their dedication and talent.
The turn of the millennium brought challenges, with the advancement of photographic technology and the digital age disrupting the industry. Despite their efforts to keep up, the couple faced financial strain due to the high cost of digital processing equipment. They invested in a $250,000 digital processing machine, becoming the first in the area to offer such capabilities. However, the rise of large chain stores offering super-cheap photo processing dealt a significant blow to their business, leading to its eventual closure.
Colin and Laurie's resilience led them to pivot into videography, focusing on eisteddfods and becoming the go-to providers for many events in the region. Laurie shared, "We loved it. We traveled extensively and worked in numerous places. During one eisteddfod, Colin took an astonishing 60,000 photos, capturing the performances of dancers, actors, and musicians."
In 2004, they moved into the Wingewarra St premises, marking the beginning of their long association with Dubbo Photo News. Colin's social photos became a regular feature, and their commercial arrangement with the newspaper continued until their retirement. Laurie recalled, "It was always thrilling if our photos made the front page."
The couple's move to Wellington in 2011 was initially drawn by the affordable housing, but they quickly fell in love with the community. They have since become beloved and respected members, providing photos from Wellington for Dubbo Photo News. Over time, they expanded their business, RSVP Rouse Studio of Video and Photography, offering their services alongside their photography and videography work.
However, the rapid technological advancements in the industry, coupled with their health challenges, influenced their decision to retire. Laurie noted, "Everyone has a camera in their hand, and photography and videography have evolved significantly."
As they put down their professional tools, Colin and Laurie will continue to enjoy social photography and may remain involved in eisteddfods. They will also continue to be avid readers of Dubbo Photo News, cherishing the memories their photographs have helped create. The Wellington community will undoubtedly miss their contributions, and Dubbo Photo News dedicates this week's front page to their remarkable legacy.
As Colin and Laurie embark on their retirement, they leave behind a rich tapestry of memories and images that will forever be cherished by the Wellington community and readers of Dubbo Photo News.
