Worth A Thousand Words: The story behind that famous Schapelle Corby photo

The Worth A Thousand Words series celebrates The West Australian’s photography team, who reveal the drama, challenges, passion, and pressure to capture front page pictures.

We go behind the lens with current and past photographers who tell us about the back stories behind some of WA’s most iconic pictures.

For many West Aussies, the series will bring back memories of triumphant, harrowing, and joyful moments — all seen from a new perspective.

At the time Schapelle Corby was arrested in Bali, journalist Steve Pennells was also there covering another big media story.

The Queensland beauty student was being detained in holding cells, when they struck up a conversation.

As an afterthought, Pennells asked if he could take a quick photo, Schapelle agreed but insisted on one thing with a pinky promise.