The work of photographer Rod Hardinge will live on in the homes of thousands of Border people following his death, his family says.
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Hardinge passed away on Friday, less than three weeks after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer.
The 72-year-old shot thousands of weddings during a decades-long career covering news, fine art and real estate photography.
"He was working right up until the end and I think he still had jobs unfinished," daughter-in-law Briony said.
"He was planning on holding more exhibitions this year.
"He has left a legacy, his pictures can continue to live on.
"People have been saying he photographed their wedding, the photos are still on the wall, and they look at them all the time."
Hardinge grew up in Bendigo where he took his first newspaper job, followed by work at papers in Ararat, Launceston and Melbourne.
A move to Albury in 1970 proved permanent, and he spent 17 years at The Border Mail, including as chief photographer.
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He established a photography studio with his then wife Joan in 1978, which he retired from in 2004.
He continued to work in various roles including stints at the Albury Wodonga NewsWeekly, Wodonga TAFE, and in commercial work.
"He did a lot of fine art nudes and exhibited quite a lot when he was younger," Ms Hardinge said.
"He resurrected his love for fine art photography probably two years ago.
"He had an exhibition at the Gigs gallery on the Causeway last February."
Matthew Hardinge said his father was also passionate about cars and built hotrods when younger, politics, and volunteering with the Rotary Club of Albury West.
"He was creative, intelligent and opinionated," he said.
"He was also a big muso.
"As a kid he used to play folk songs on the guitar to us and then he was in a few different bands.
"He gigged around Albury a bit and in rock bands earlier in his life."
"With both passing so closely together, it's all pretty sad," Matthew said.
Hardinge will be farewelled at Hossack Funerals in Albury at 10am on Friday.
He is survived by sons Matthew and Aaron, and grandchildren Kai and Charlotte.
