Life of exploring shipwrecks on show at Museum of Geraldton with talk from marine photographer Patrick Baker

A marine photographer’s life of work exploring shipwrecks will be showcased with an evening talk at the Museum of Geraldton on Friday.

Patrick Baker will be sharing his stories about his work photographing underwater discoveries during his long, fascinating career.

Baker took underwater photos of shipwrecks, marine life, and geological studies across the world in his 44 years as a marine photographer with the Western Australian Museum.

One of the highlights of Baker’s career was photographing the excavation of the Batavia during the 1970s, and the work he did as the remnants of the wreck were found remained some of his most cherished.

“I have to say my favourite photos of all, are the archaeological discoveries that sit hundreds of metres below the surface,” he said.

Aside from the Batavia, Baker also worked on Western Australian wrecks such as the James Matthews and SS Xantho, and wrecks from other parts of the world such as the HMS Pandora in Queensland, HMS Sirius near Norfolk Island, and 16th century Mary Rose in England.

“It’s really the study of the human connection with things, to me the thing about archaeology is getting insight into other people and the past, and shipwrecks are a true time capsule,” he said.

“Occasionally you really feel connected to these people, I’ve picked up things in the seabed and realised I’m the first person to touch this in nearly 3000 years.

“What you have is evidence of people from the past and that’s a very human connection I think.”

Many of the photos of the Batavia found in the Geraldton Museum were taken by Baker, and he said he has had a special relationship with the city the Batavia is so important to.

“I’ve had a long connection with Geraldton, almost 50 years. . . It’s been such an important part of my life, I’ve made some great friendships,” he said.

Fish & Ships: The photographic life of Patrick Baker will be held on Friday, October 28 at the Museum of Geraldton from 5pm - 6pm. Tickets can be found on the museum’s website.