John McRae Photography & Studio – Sydney Professional, Commercial & Corporate Photography

April 1, 2025April 1, 2025

Blanche d’Alpuget launches her latest novel, “The Bunny Club”.

Acclaimed author Blanche d’Alpuget recently stepped into my Sydney studio to create new imagery for promotion aligned to the release of her latest novel, “The Bunny Club”.

What an absolute joy it was to work with this gorgeous and intelligent lady. We were shooting a variety of portraits and basic head-shots, so we concentrated on changing what she was wearing, alternating the colours of her outfits.

Blanche arrived having had her hair already styled by Ivan Chircop, owner of “La Libertine Hair Salon” in the CBD. The next step was for David Cranson (MUA) to take care of her makeup.

Left to right: Ivan (Hair), Blanche and David (Makeup)

Before long we were ready to set about shooting under the lights. Blanche was a wonderful model … professional and willing to duplicate any suggestion I had in terms of pose and mood. Time passed quickly and soon we had a number of looks and configurations from which to choose.

Blanche’s literary repertoire is extensive. There have been biographies, novels, essays and numerous awards. Her best-selling 1982 book Robert J Hawke: A Biography, researched and written after they were no longer a couple, won the New South Wales Premier’s literary award and it remains the definitive work on the former Australian Prime Minister. Her novels Monkeys in the Dark, Turtle Beach, Winter in Jerusalem and White Eye have won the Pen Golden Jubilee award, the Age novel of the year award and the South Australian Premier’s award. She has also written historical novels about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The Bunny Club is something a bit different: a racy detective novel set in the harbourside glass castles of Sydney’s eastern suburbs and at the equestrian estates of the southern highlands. It opens when an ageing morning television host who is fighting to keep her job, Evelyn Sinclair, is found dead at an astoundingly grisly crime scene: hanging upside down from the ceiling, tied-up using shibari, the Japanese art of rope bondage.

I have almost finished reading my copy of Blanche’s book. The novel was launched at the Manly Writers Festival on the last weekend in March. It is available in most bookstores or can be ordered on-line at this link:

Review: The Guardian

Promotional image of Blanche d'Alpuget for the release of her new novel, The Bunny Club

March 31, 2025April 1, 2025

“Moulin Scrooge” returns to the Seymour Centre

The acclaimed performer, Trevor Ashley, has returned to Australia from London to re-stage the popular parody he wrote together with Phil Scott, the adults-only “Moulin Scrooge”.

Moulin Scrooge is a bawdy, raucous cabaret riot. Apart from being absolutely fabulous (the costumes are wonderful, created by Angela White), one of its draw cards is the appearance of Carlotta on stage. This legendary burlesque performer, now in her 80’s, still holds her own. As one of the original “Les Girls”, Carlotta proudly owns the title of “Queen of the Cross”.

Carlotta in her dressing room before the performance

I photographed the dress rehearsal last week and I am sharing a few images from the show here (playing late March-early April at the Seymour Centre in Sydney). I suggest you book tickets now to experience this entertaining extravaganza for yourself. Here’s a link: Moulin Scrooge Tickets

Creative Team:

Writers Trevor Ashley and Phil Scott
Director Trevor Ashley
Assistant Director Shannon Dooley

Producer Trevor Ashley
Cast Trevor Ashley, Carlotta
Choreography Rhys Bobridge
Costumes Angie White
Lighting Design Sam Wylie

March 13, 2025March 17, 2025

Y-Suites on Margaret – Opening

With the increase in the need for housing for both local and overseas students, Sydney is seeing the proliferation of dedicated developments for our academic youth. One such initiative is Y-Suites. This company has recently opened its third tower in Redfern, called Y-Suites on Margaret. Previously, they have opened Y-Suites on Gibbons and Y-Suites on Regent, in close proximity. They have also developed similar accommodation facilities in Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne.

I was commissioned by the company, based in Singapore, to cover the opening activities at this latest downtown complex. Over the period of a day, I captured images of students arriving for the first time to check in to what will be their new homes for the duration of the scholastic year

While many of the students had recently arrived from overseas, there was also a collection of local students who had decided, for reasons of convenience, to move into accommodation close to the institution in which they had enrolled.

There was an air of excitement and expectation as these young people navigated their way with their suitcases from reception, where they checked in then collected their keys, to the first sight of their new homes after they opened the door to their apartment.

I photographed an enthusiastic young man from China who arrived with his colleague. His smile radiated the joy he felt as he entered the foyer and anticipated entering his apartment. I photographed him opening the door to his room for the first time. Some of the rooms had balloons tied to the door-handle so that the students could “cut” the string of the balloon in a ceremonious gesture when “coming home” for the first time.

I also photographed a young girl from out of town who spoke fluent French. Her father and mother had driven from rural NSW to accompany their daughter to help her settle into her new home. Her mother was in fact French and although they now lived in Australia, French was often spoken at home. I understood this once I realised that the girl’s Australian father had lived for many years in France and also spoke fluent French. They were all having such fun creating a new sense of community.

My day was filled with photographing these joyful comings and goings. I also managed to capture some of the communal spaces in the building for documentation purposes, as well as shooting the exterior of the building from various angles.

I wish all the students a wonderful time in their new home while they pursue their studies. I fondly remember my own time as a student in the halls of residence at Monash University in Melbourne. It was such fun and I made wonderful friendships and long-lasting bonds. It was also a time of great growth as I ventured out from my safe family environment to be totally independent for the first time.

Video footage was also required for this project. Y-Suites wanted a 60-second reel of the day’s events. I worked with Nick Jones from “Grip Shoot Boom”, an excellent videographer, pictured below.

The following is an overview of the day’s events at Y-Suites on Margaret, as filmed and edited by Nick.

March 13, 2025March 16, 2025

View from an apartment building in Parramatta

I was on a job the other day and I looked out from the balcony to what I discovered was an impressive and unusual view. It was an elevated impression of the city of Parramatta that I hadn’t previously seen. I am sharing this because I found it visually intriguing … and so I felt like including it in a blog post.

I was taken by the way the city skyline looked somehow “unreal” in the light, almost surreal as if some AI program had created it. I think it was merely a result of the soft afternoon light and the fact that I was using a telephoto lens, which has the tendency to compress imagery.

I also liked the tall residential building constructed directly opposite where I was positioned. I couldn’t help looking directly into the stack of neighbouring, domestic boxes and wonder about the inhabitants. It reminded me of when you used to fly into the old airport in Hong Kong, past all the high-rise apartment buildings, looking at the laundry hanging out to dry, with various other signs of inner city living.

It was also intriguing to look down to see that just below me was one of the old cemeteries of Parramatta, with gravestones covering a large area adjacent to the residential towers. This contrast and juxtaposition fascinated me.

March 6, 2025March 9, 2025

Head shots at the new airport in Badgerys Creek

As a photographer, one of the things I truly enjoy is taking corporate headshots. It’s not just about snapping a picture; it’s about trying to capture the essence of a person, which can be a tough task in the limited time one has available. What intrigues me is how every shoot tells a unique story, and I get to be part of each story, even if only for a brief moment.

Recently, I had the privilege of continuing work on a project with Multiplex, the company behind the construction of the first phase of the Badgerys Creek Airport, west of Sydney. The terminal is nearing completion, and it’s amazing to see how something so massive and complex comes together piece by piece. The airport is scheduled to open by the end of 2026. For now, it’s a symbol of both ambition and dedication, before it becomes a bustling transport hub.

What makes this job particularly exciting is the people I get to meet. When you’re photographing in the construction industry, you’re not just dealing with one type of profession. You’re working with a wide variety of individuals from all walks of life. Construction is, in many ways, a microcosm of diversity. There are people from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with different personalities and unique perspectives on the world.

For this particular shoot, my assistant, Nick, and I set up in one of the temporary offices at the construction site. I arranged a three-light setup, which gives a soft, even look that flatters most faces, and we shot against a mid-grey neutral background. It’s a simple setup, but it always delivers clean, professional results.

While I focused on taking the portraits, Nick took charge of the computer and peripherals. We’d made a decision beforehand to streamline the process: after each shot, I’d hand the camera card to Nick, who would download the files and immediately take the sitter through the process of selecting their favorite images. It’s always a great feeling to see a subject react to the portraits, even if they’re only a few moments old. They’d go through the shots with Nick, narrowing it down to their two favorite images, while I would proceed to shoot with the next person.

Making the most of the short time we had with each individual, the session moved efficiently while still giving everyone a chance to review their photos on the spot.

What’s intriguing about corporate headshots in this context is that as a photographer, you have the opportunity to interact with so many different viewpoints in a relatively short space of time. Each headshot session becomes a tiny window into a succession of worlds, highlighting the many roles in the grand project.

Large scale construction projects bring people together from different corners of society. Whether it’s the engineers, the architects, the laborers, the logistics experts or project managers, everyone has their own story to tell. I am fortunate to be the one to capture the brief moment when they pause to have their photo taken. These small but meaningful interactions are what make this work so fulfilling.

It’s creating a new narrative. And in the construction industry, with its range of characters, backgrounds, and experiences, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to document these stories, one headshot at a time.

March 5, 2025March 9, 2025

Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, 2025

While photographing the parade entry for Positive Life NSW I managed to snap images of some of the other entrants. Here is a smiling selection of the other people marching and cheering, having a good time, sharing the love, dressing up, and adding extra “bling” to their lives for the night.

Mardi Gras is a well known celebration of “all shapes and sizes”, inclusion, diversity in all its flavours and simply a wonderful feeling of good will to your community. It was easy to feel that generous mood amongst the participants. It gave me a feeling of hope for the future.

March 4, 2025March 4, 2025

Positive Life NSW marches in the Sydney Mardi Gras 2025

I had the great pleasure (and absolute buzz) to photograph the Positive Life NSW marching entry for the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.

While I have regularly photographed the Mardi Gras over the years, the one and only previous time I photographed the parade from “the inside” was in 2009, when Matthew Mitcham was Chief of Parade after he won gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Now, it was a great experience to again have that same point of view, sixteen years later and with the same sense of excitement and celebration.

The events started at the offices of Positive Life NSW in Surry Hills where everyone taking part congregated, received a branded t-shirt and a travel pack of sandwiches and other snacks. Once the sun set and the parade began at Hyde Park, time flew by as we were cheered along by thousands of people lining Oxford Street and Taylor Square.

Students from the @academyofmakeupaus (Sydney campus) offered their services to participants in the parade to enhance the visual presentation with fabulous face painting.

Once the face painting was complete, t-shirts collected and people suitably nourished we all head towards Hyde Park and the marshalling area.

Everyone collected in College Street after locating their float. There was a short wait as people congregated. Then the parade began….excitement prevailed! The Positive Life float started quite early as we were early on in the line-up.

Then…..suddenly, after the waiting, we headed off to start the parade at Whitlam Square. That’s when time seemed to speed up….and in a flash we were almost at the end of the parade and it was all over.

February 24, 2025March 4, 2025

The Pirates of Penzance (Hayes Theatre Co)

In February 2025, I had the privilege of capturing two distinct photographic sessions for the Hayes Theatre Co’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance” (playing in Sydney through March 16). The first was a studio-based shoot designed to produce new promotional images for the marketing campaign for this reimagined classic. The second involved taking swash-buckling production shots during the dress rehearsal, providing a special glimpse into the performance’s dynamic energy.

Directed by Richard Carroll, this adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta offers a fresh and inventive take on the original work. This production includes a standout performance by Brittanie Shipway in the twin roles of maid Ruth and love interest Mabel. Critics have praised the show for its modern twist and engaging performances. According to Broadway World, the production is “an inventive escapist expression of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera.”

The promotional images I created aim to capture the vibrant and contemporary essence of this adaptation, highlighting the performers’ madcap expressions and the show’s lively atmosphere. We follow the dreamy and not-particularly-bright young Frederic (played with amusing earnestness by Maxwell Simon), a piano-playing Major-General (Trevor Jones), a pirate/policeman/maiden who also plays the keys (Billie Palin) and a ukulele-playing, quick-changing Pirate King and Police Chief (Jay Laga’aia), who sometimes wears a ridiculous, over-scaled leather pirate’s hat. The heightened silliness, adventurousness and comic musical timing is aided by the onstage stage manager (Sheridan Simson) who rings the ship’s bell and keeps the action moving briskly. I think that my images help to convey this production’s modern sensibility.

During the dress rehearsal, I focused on capturing candid moments to showcase the performers’ interactions and the intricate staging, plus some of the hilarious costuming and prop gags. The intimate setting of the Hayes Theatre Co allowed for close-up shots to emphasize the comedic timing integral to the performances.

New adaption of the Guilbert & Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzance, at the Hayes Theatre, until March 16th

With witty lyrics and new jokes, this collaboration with the Hayes Theatre Co has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to be part of the visual storytelling of a production that reimagines a beloved classic for a new generation.

Recent Reviews of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ at Hayes Theatre Co

The Pirates of Penzance; or The Slave of Duty is playing at Hayes Theatre Co, Potts Point, until March 16.
For information and to book tickets go to: The Hayes Theatre Co

February 6, 2025February 11, 2025

Shooting for So French So Chic at Sydney Harbour

What a day! Our team spent an unforgettable day on the stunning Sydney Harbour, working together to bring the latest fashion catalogue for So French So Chic to life. The weather couldn’t have been better, with the sun shining brightly and the harbour’s sparkling waters providing the perfect backdrop for a summer-themed shoot.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and creativity as we began setting up for the shoot. David Cranson, our incredible make-up and hair artist, worked his magic to create the flawless looks for our models. From glamorous waves to sleek, sophisticated styles, David’s talent added that extra touch of elegance to each shot.

Louis, our hard-working assistant, was always at hand, keeping everything organized and ensuring that the photo-shoot ran smoothly. His attention to detail was invaluable, making sure the lighting, props and silhouettes looked good. And, of course, we couldn’t forget Valerie from So French So Chic, whose vision for the brand and her expert direction kept us all focused on creating the most beautiful shots possible. Her sharp eye for style and current trends was evident in every look we put together.

As the day went on, we transitioned between a variety of looks, from breezy summer dresses to more chic, polished ensembles. Each outfit perfectly captured the effortless elegance of the So French So Chic brand, and it was such a joy to collaborate with such a talented team to bring that vision to life.

By the end of the day, we had a collection of beautiful, sun-soaked images that were a true reflection of the brand’s signature style: fresh, timeless, and always effortlessly chic.

February 2, 2025February 3, 2025

Exhibition in Melbourne for the Lunar New Year

Yashian Schauble (Australia China Art Foundation, ACAF) and Christina Zhao (Melbourne Chinese Business Association, MCBA) have collaborated on staging a wonderful event in Melbourne that features several art exhibitions as part of the Chinese Lunar New Year Festival in Melbourne.

As stated on the press release:

This year, as we celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake, Melbourne Chinatown will come alive with the city’s premier cultural event. Highlights of the festival include the iconic Millennium Dragon Parade, spectacular lion and dragon dances, dazzling lantern displays, and a feast of live performances ranging from traditional music to contemporary art showcases.

Themed around wisdom, intuition, and transformation, A Round Square Banquet explores personal identity and cultural inclusion through a stunning collection of over 30 works by artists from around the globe.

I am happy to say that a number of my photographs are represented in the exhibition at the Chinese Museum in Melbourne (through February 9). Information about three of my works is listed below.

***Ali & Osso Buco,*** 2012
Pigment inkjet on cotton rag, 60 x 90cm
Edition 1 of 9, (3AP)

Ali sits at the dinner table, an embodiment of indulgence fused with a certain effortless refinement. A glass of red wine rests beside him, its rich colour, a perfect match for the Italian speciality of Osso Buco before him. His presence radiates a raw, unapologetic masculinity, sensuality, and sexuality, infusing the vast dining hall with an almost palpable energy that contrasts sharply with conventional notions of fine dining. A single yellow tulip, vibrant and unpretentious, symbolizes his joy—an outward expression of his unrestrained pleasure as he savours each bite, completely immersed in the moment.

Winner of the critics choice award at the 2013 “Shoot the Chef” competition held by the Sydney Morning Herald

***Portrait of Margaret Olley in her Paddington Studio***, 2011
Pigment inkjet on cotton rag, 66cm x 154cm
Edition of 6 (1AP) (Signed lower right)

In mid-2011, had the great pleasure of photographing renowned Australian artist Margaret Olley in her Paddington studio, a place well known for its colourful clutter and referred to by some friends as ʻThe Dolls Houseʼ. In my portrait, Margaret is seated in her painting chair, confronting the lens with her particular sense of candour and an uncommon frailty. As far as I know, this may well be the last photo taken of her before her death the following
month in July. Christine France – art critic, author of Margaret Olley (1990), commented, “It is a wonderful photo in that it captures both the vulnerability and sense of enquiry which entered her face in the last months of her life”.

The Portrait was a selected finalist in the 2012 National Photographic Portrait Prize, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra. It won the inaugural People Choice Award at the National Photographic Portrait Prize.

The Tweed River Art Gallery purchased the work as part of their permanent collection with the intention of displaying the portrait as part of the Margaret Olley Art Centre, Murwillumbah.

***Amirah I***, Sydney 2017
Pigment inkjet on cotton rag 92cm x 63cm
Edition of 9 (AP)
(from the series “Spot the Arab”)

This striking portrait of Amirah forms part of the “Spot the Arab” series of photographs. The project engages with portraiture as a vehicle for exploring complex themes of identity, including religion, race, gender, orientation, nationality, and freedom.

Presented initially in a game-like format, Spot the Arab invites viewers to question whether the subject of each image self-identifies as Arab, thus prompting reflection on assumptions and societal constructs.

For the series, the artist imposes a Middle Eastern costume on each subject, using it as a tool to both veil and reveal aspects of cultural identity. Each subject is then asked to articulate their own sense of identity, a process that challenges preconceptions, stigma, and prejudice.

At the time of this photograph, Amirah was a social worker in Sydney’s western suburbs and identified as an Egyptian Arab woman.

Pictured from left: Yashian Schauble (ACAF) and Christina Zhao (MCBA)

January 9, 2025January 13, 2025

New EV Training Centre at TAFE, Wetherill Park

I recently visited TAFE in Wetherill Park to photograph for Richard Crookes Interiors. RCCI has just completed the refurbishment of an existing building on the college campus.

This project involves the development of a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) training centre on the TAFE campus. This initiative is significant as it now provides a dedicated training facility for students at Wetherill Park, as one of the latest additions in the nation. The centre will focus on all aspects of electric vehicle maintenance and repairs. As the number of electric vehicles on the road continues to rise, this specialized area of education and maintenance becomes increasingly important.

January 9, 2025January 13, 2025

UFC Redfern – Cope Street Opening

United for Care is an independent living provider, working in partnership with Vertika, to make appealing accommodation available for their clients

On the morning of October 30, 2024 (a date I particularly remember because it was also my birthday), people gathered at the newly completed Redfern facility to celebrate its grand opening.

A diverse group of attendees came together to listen to speeches, participate in a traditional smoking ceremony, mingle, and enjoy the refreshments offered, which included a much-appreciated coffee barista service

The traditional smoking ceremony is part of an ancient Indigenous practice that involves the burning of native plants to create smoke. This smoke is believed to have cleansing properties and is used to purify the space and those people present. During the ceremony, participants often share stories, songs and rituals, fostering a sense of community and connection to the land and ancestors. The specific plants used can vary by region, but commonly they include eucalyptus, sage and other native herbs.

Guests in Sydney were warmly welcomed to the Cope Street inauguration and encouraged to explore the state-of-the-art accommodation facility, which is located within walking distance to the transport services and shops along Redfern’s main street.

January 9, 2025January 13, 2025

Roberts & Co – “topping out” at Wentworth Point

I am frequently asked to photograph “topping out” events for various stakeholders in the construction industry. On this occasion, I was invited to document the “topping out” of an educational facility at Wentworth Point in western Sydney, during mid-construction.

You might wonder, what is a “topping out”? According to Wikipedia, it is a practice which seems to have originated in ancient Scandinavia as a religious rite, where a tree was placed atop a new building to appease the tree-dwelling spirits displaced during construction. The tree also served a practical purpose: when the pine needles fell to the ground, it signaled to the builders that their timber frame had cured or dried.

Today, a “topping out” event is usually organized by the builder, who invites those partners and associates involved with the project to a ceremony to mark the completion of the final level in construction, signifying that the structure is finished.

At the event I covered for Roberts & Co., a large potted tree was hoisted by crane onto the roof of the building. Speeches were made and group photos were taken. I learned that the tree does not remain on the roof; after the event, it is taken back down by crane and planted somewhere nearby.

January 9, 2025January 13, 2025

Bob is Back!

It had been a while since Bob Downe graced my studio with his presence, but he has returned for an exhilarating update of his imagery. Thankfully, Mark Trevorrow was on hand to expertly navigate us through the nuances of a “Bob Shoot”.

Having had the privilege to photograph Bob for many years, it’s astonishing to realize that his career has spanned an impressive four decades. This year, 2025, marks Bob’s 40th anniversary in the entertainment industry. To countless fans and in my own eyes – being a visual person – Bob remains as ageless as ever. While the heavy “pancake” makeup and cheesy smile plays a role in his timeless appearance, I truly believe that his durability comes down to his commitment to clean living. And his crisp safari suits.

Working with Bob is a delight; he embodies professionalism. I can trust that I will capture a series of original shots without hassle, since Bob knows how to work a camera with ease. Beyond this talent, he’s genuinely a wonderful person to be around. His upbeat attitude, infectious laugh and zest for life will transform any photo shoot into a joyful experience.

The ever watchful Mark Trevorrow adds last minute touches to Bob’s wig

As we celebrate Bob’s remarkable journey, I wish him a cheerful and successful 2025. I encourage everyone to book tickets for one of the venues where he will be performing this year, from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Perth, Newcastle and Brunswick Heads. Don’t miss out on the entertainment extravaganza that awaits! Information on performances can be found at this link: BobDowne40thAnniversary

January 7, 2025January 7, 2025

December 12, 2024January 13, 2025

Creating a vibrant new look for Sharon Calabro

Sharon Calabro is one of Australia’s finest and most respected singers and cabaret performers. Moreover, she is a wonderful human being who is both professional and loads of fun to work with

Sharon decided it was time to update her portfolio and promotional imagery. So we organised a studio shoot before Christmas, before the start of Sharon’s busy summer schedule.

Joining us at our photo-shoot was Alex Divanis , the talented make-up and hair artist, who has extensive experience in the industry. He has recently returned to Australia after living overseas.

For our shoot, Alex decided to style Sharon’s hair in a new manner. Normally Sharon sports a fringe but for these images, Alex flicked the hair back from her forehead. It worked really well and Sharon was super happy with the result.

It was a great moment for us to work together to create something special. I will share more of the final, retouched images in a future post. For now I’ve included a few unedited proofs as a teaser.

November 25, 2024December 2, 2024

Kristina’s Christening

It was a perfect day for a Christening at the St George Serbian Orthodox Church in Cabramatta. The youngest daughter of Tania and Ray Duricic was about to be christened.

Many of Tania’s and Ray’s friends and family were present to witness this joyous and celebratory event. It is always at events such as these that you realise how important it is for people to come together and socialise and interact…no matter what the occasion.

Since I am not accustomed to witnessing an Orthodox Christian ceremony, I was fascinated to see the traditional proceedings and rituals. The interior of the church has many murals, paintings of religious figures, gilded objects and is rich with colour and gold.

At this christening, the role of the godparents is to attend to the person being christened, to present Kristina and to repeat the vows given by the priest. The parents stand in the background, supporting their child from a distance.

Once the service was completed, everyone moved to a nearby reception centre where the festivities continued, complete with musicians including a very enthusiastic piano accordionist and keyboard player, as well as a delicious feast.

It also happened to be Kristina’s first birthday. Obviously you can’t have a birthday without a cake and the obligatory blowing-out of the candles. It was a most fantastic day, not only for Kristina but also for all those who attended.

November 20, 2024January 13, 2025

Casting Guild Awards Night 2024

Janet Anderson on the red carpet for the CGA Awards Night, 2024

It was a Friday night at the ballroom of The Establishment and it was the awards night for the Casting Guild of Australia

What is the Casting Guild of Australia? Well in their own words….”The Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) was formed to bring recognition to Casting Directors across Australia who cast film, television, TV commercials, theatre, new media and reality. The CGA gives members a forum to share ideas and exchange information, provides unified standards for safe, inclusive and fair practices, engages in charitable activities, and highlights its members’ achievements.”

Each year, the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) holds an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding individuals in various categories, akin to the Oscars for casting agents. This event is unique in the southern hemisphere, as it celebrates and acknowledges casting achievements across all mediums, including film, television, advertising, theatre, and online content.

Group image of some of the 10 young, up-and-coming, new talent.

On Friday night, attendees gathered in the ballroom to mingle and socialize, celebrating the achievements within the casting community. During the event, several awards were presented, and ten promising young talents were recognized as future stars likely to achieve national and international fame. The evening featured speeches and was expertly hosted by the erudite duo, Christian and Connor Van Vuuren.

Christian and Connor Van Vuuren, hosts for the CGA Awards night, 2024, on the red carpet.

There was also a special appearance and presentation by Sally Riley, the notable filmmaker, writer, producer, who was head of the indigenous branch of Screen Australia and then Head of the Indigenous Department at ABC, during which time she executive produced Mabo and Redfern Now. In 2015 she was appointed Head of Scripted Production at ABC, which commissioned series like Stateless, Mystery Road, Total Control, After Taste, Rosehaven, Wakefield, The Newsreader and many more. Sally is now Creative Consultant at SBS and NITV.

Cathy Riley (filmmaker, writer, producer) during her presentation at the CGA Awards Night, 2024 — Sally Riley (filmmaker, writer, producer) during her presentation at the CGA Awards Night, 2024

It was a great night filled with good energy, and with the flash of the red carpet photography going non-stop as the award winners and guests were snapped in front of the media wall. Sending my congratulations to all the award winners.

November 12, 2024November 12, 2024

Exhibition of beautiful glass by Dagmar Ackerman

The talented glass artist, Dagmar Ackerman is staging an exhibition at her Balmain studio complex. I often photograph Dagmar’s works for catalogue entries and promotion, so I am familiar with her seductive and colourful art works.

So head down to the artist studio complex, One plus 2 Artist Studios, and browse through Dagmar’s glass exhibition. The exhibtion extends across the weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) of the 22nd – 24th November, 2024.