Through my photography, I capture the landscapes, people, and stories that define Australia, blending documentary storytelling with fine art, travel, and stock imagery. Based in Ballarat, my work is driven by curiosity, creativity, and a passion for authentic visual storytelling — from remote landscapes and coastal scenes to candid human moments and community projects.
Alongside photography services and archival-quality prints, I also create unique visual experiences through exhibitions and collaborative ventures including creating jigsaws for Jigsaw Gallery, documenting people & places for Ten Bag Press books, and always aiming to produce imagery that connects people with place, memory, and emotion.
Who am I…
"I grew up in Ballarat, playing Aussie rules football through muddy winters and cricket in blazing summers, before graduating as a food scientist and working in that industry for ten years while taking various part-time courses in photography and printing techniques. Finally chucking in the lab coat I traveled through Europe, cycled through France before living in Provence for a year, then Scotland, all the while capturing the surrounds.
Then to New Zealand for seven years, running a luxury Lodge in Russell, Bay of Islands while documenting life and culture of the small village before plunging into digital photography full-time and opening the Bay of Islands Image Gallery and exhibited in several group shows.
Returning to Ballarat in 2007 I continued my commercial work, including freelance photojournalism for The Ballarat Courier.
Over the years I’ve been exploring the greater region for my ongoing Abandoned Places series.
A former board member of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale I've exhibited in the 2009, 2011, 2013 & 2017 editions - www.ballaratfoto.org
A 15 month odyssey around the country in a caravan during 2015 & 2016 has resulted in a wealth of experiences and huge library of new images,
On the trip I became a contributor to an all new Australian stock photo library www.austockphoto.com.au.
Road Trip featured in Ballarat International Foto Biennale 2017 at The Forge Pizzeria, 14 Armstrong St. Nth, Ballarat with the exhibition continuing there for another 2 years.
In 2018 I started the business Jigsaw Gallery which creates jigsaws from mine and other photographers/artists images
While building this business I’ve created a number of collages for jigsaws which are available at https://jigsawgallery.com.au/collections/craig-holloway
In 2023/24 I completed the ’Pieces of You’ Jigsaw Project with Hindmarsh Shire Libraries funded by State Libraries Victoria & Public Libraries Victoria
The culmination of over 18 months work resulting in 80 jigsaws & 16 framed artworks to be distributed to libraries in Dimboola, Nhill, Rainbow & Jeparit in the Hindmarsh Shire. Jigsaw clubs at each library help connect people in socially isolating communities.
The response to the exhibition and jigsaws from locals was overwhelmingly positive response, comment about the artworks as follows:
“I was truly amazed with your 'Pieces of You' exhibition and can’t help but admire the quality of photographs, your eye for content and the initiative you have shown in bringing this project to our small communities. All too often people go for quantity (eg cities such as Melbourne) and miss these opportunities.” - Wendy Werner
In 2024 I was asked to contribute images for The Western District book published by Ten Bag Press
Over the course of the next 18 months I followed the various used and disused railway lines through the Western District to document the region. The book was launched in Nov 25 at a packed Bessibelle Hall. The book is available at shops around the district and online at www.tenbagpress.com.au
Work has now begun on a new Goldfields Book which we plan to publish in mid 2027.
Curriculum Vitae
Book
2024/25 - The Western District - contributing photographer
Solo Exhibitions
2024 (9th - 17th May) ‘Pieces of You’ Jigsaw Project’ - exhibition at Old Shire Hall, Dimboola in conjunction with launch of Jigsaw project
2024 'Ballarat Rediscovered' - Kinderkin Distillery
2022 'Ballarat Rediscovered' - The Old Butchers Shop Gallery as part of Ballarat Heritage Festival program
2021 'Girt by Sea' - The Old Butchers Shop Gallery
2017 'Road Trip' - The Forge Pizzeria (Ballarat International Foto Biennale)
2014 'Abandoned Places' - Backspace Gallery, Ballarat
2013 'Abandoned Places' - Mitchell Harris Wine Bar (Ballarat International Foto Biennale)
2011 'Statues' - Ansonia on Lydiard (Ballarat International Foto Biennale)
2009 'Faded Icons' - Radmac Gallery (Ballarat International Foto Biennale)
Group Exhibitions
2018 Art to Art 'Pop-Up' Gallery
2017 'BIFB Collection' Eleven40 Gallery
2015 'BIFB Collection' Eleven40 Gallery
2005 - 2007 Bay of Islands Image Gallery (owned and operated in Russell, NZ)
Representative Online Galleries
Art to Art, 130 Bulleen Road, Balwyn North VIC 3104.
Bells Fine Art, 7 Rutland St, Newtown VIC 3220
Publications, Reviewed & Featured
2017 No Grey Creative (http://www.nogrey.com.au/ballarat-foto-biennale-2017-review)
2015 Ballarat Community Health Artwork Collection
2014 Beta Developments in Photography (https://issuu.com/betadevelopmentsinphotography/docs/beta_issue_07)