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Every so often I get together with a team of friends in my studio to stage a fun photoshoot. This is an opportunity to take photographs of our model with no real commercial intention other than to experiment with hair, make-up, lighting and photography.
This particular weekend we photographed the beautiful model, Anya Gorbunova (Insta: @anyagorbunova89), who was a delight to work with. Normally I shoot with a fellow photographer colleague, Rob Srjararian, who not only photographs, but works as a graphic designer and has a background in hair styling….hence he decides the hair. He also operates as the artistic designer and is responsible for the styling of the shoot.
So the shoot team was a follows:
Hair/Styling/artistic direction – Robert Srjararian
Photography and lighting – John McRae
Make-up – Kerry Jane-Bailey
Styling and accessories – Joyce Conte
Model – Anya Gorbunova
It was a great Sunday morning and a very creative activity. I feel it is important to make time to work on photography that is not necessarily related to commercial goals…after all that’s why most of us went into photography in the first place….and photographing a beautiful model is a good start.
On now at the Hayes Theatre, Sydney, Flat Earthers, a brand new musical that is not just a kaleidoscope of colour, but a wacky adventure into (cyber) space and time.
Production shots of the dress rehearsal are an important tool for promotional purposes for any show. They are also reproduced in the program that is sold on performance nights at the theatre, creating a valuable document of the cast, lighting and staging of any particular production. In the case of “Flat Earthers: The Musical”, due to difficulties with my scheduling for the dress rehearsal, I was actually photographing the first public performance. This meant I was limited in my movements, since I normally have the freedom to move throughout the auditorium when photographing a performance. As a photographer, you want to vary the angles and you constantly search for striking lighting effects. That said, you usually work more at the front/centre of the stage, because the show is constructed that way … you want to mirror the audience viewpoint.
Book & Lyrics Jean Tong & Lou Wall Songwriting Lou Wall & James Gales Music Production James Gales Director Declan Greene Musical Director Jude Perl Choreographer Fetu Taku Set & Lighting Designer Brockman Costume Designer Emma White Sound Designer, Associate Video Designer & Animator Daniel Herten AV Content Creator Xanthe Dobbie Stage Manager Anastasia Mowen Sound & AV Assistant TK Abioye Sound Operator Em-Jay Dwyer Intimacy Coordinator Chloë Dallimore Musical Dramaturg Clemence Williams Casting Director Rhys Velasquez Assistant Set Designer Lochie Odgers Assistant Stage Manager Grace Sackman With Michelle Brasier, Lena Cruz, Manali Datar, Milo Hartill, Manon Guderson-Briggs, Mel O’Brien, Shannen Alyce Quan, Zarif
Independently I was approached by three different contemporary sculptors to document their recent work. Since this happened almost simultaneously, I thought this synergy shown by Patrizia Biondi, Nuha Saad and Charlotte Van Ewyk merited a special blog post.
Nuha Saad
Nuha Saad
Shooting sculpture is very different to shooting two-dimensional artworks. In regards to photographing paintings, once the lighting is set up, it remains the same for consecutive works. However, for sculpture, each piece requires slightly different and adjusted lighting and shadowing. The other important feature when photographing sculptures is that you often need to document the sense of shifting perspective. Each angle and point of view is different. Therefore I take numerous images of the same piece, to make sure I have covered most of the various viewpoints. I then edit down the shots to create the narrative I wish to capture.
Back in July, I hosted a photographic session at my Lilyfield studio for the different actors appearing in forthcoming productions for the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. We were shooting imagery for the promotion of the 2025 season.
Together we worked on images for a new production called “Pharlap”, an end-of-year special Xmas performance by Nancye Hayes in “Merry and Bright”, and finally the lead imagery for the production of “Pirates of Penzance”, set for February 2025
These are the latest additions to the impressive list of musicals and stage-plays performed as part of the Hayes Theatre’s busy program. Once they have been fully rehearsed, I will write more about these productions in this blog.
For more information on each show, as well as performance dates and times, click here:
I went to the former White Bay Power Station at the weekend to take a series of installation images of my work, on display as part of the “Power Up Festival” in Rozelle. (See previous blog post for more info). There has been a really good response to my photographs in the exhibition, which were visible through specially constructed “peep-holes” to create a surreal, hidden, slightly subversive effect. My photographs themselves capture scenes shot in the former psychiatric ward and hospital in Rozelle.
This weekend, I will be exhibiting several of my photographs at the White Bay Power Station in Balmain (September 20, 21 & 22, 2024), as part of the Power Up Festival. Diverse Sydney artists are showing their recent work, along with a festival of music and food.
My photographic portraits of a solitary figure in a post-industrial space are being featured in a new installation flanked by abandoned machinery. It will be a great event with more that 250 artists and a line-up of artisans, food vendors and craft brewers. Wander through the Pump House and Boiler House to see the Power Up Stage ignite with live music and captivating performances. It is a wonderful opportunity to visit this iconic building near the Anzac Bridge. Oh … the best bit, it’s free!
A new logistics facility opened for inspection in Prestons, a suburb south-west of the Sydney CBD. I was commissioned to photograph the completed stages of the building, which has been constructed by Hansen Yuncken. I also covered an event at the same site, hosted by the developer, 151 Properties.
What is particularly impressive about this structure is the huge awning which stretches over the loading bays, spanning both warehouses. This is one of the largest dual-purpose awnings I have recently seen.
151 Properties held a presentation for agents who work in this industry, to show them around and to publicize that a new, state-of-the-art logistics facility was available for rent. Obviously by demonstrating innovation and by fielding potential customers for 151 Properties, it shows how layered the construction industry can be when many stakeholders are involved … from the lofty levels of financing and investment, to the actual build, project management and deployment. At any step of the way, you can be sure there are a number of people and interests involved.
The early morning presentation proceeded well. There were several speeches and then visitors were taken on tours of the facility. However, alongside the impressive structure itself, the best part for me was the hamburger stand and the accompanying coffee stand … breakfast was a welcome treat.
Although I rarely post images of myself, a friend of mine, Connor, managed to snap this shot of me and my ballroom dancing partner, Janelle, at a recent grading event in Cronulla, Sydney. I thought the image was worthy of a post….so here it is. Me pictured on the dance floor during our foxtrot routine.
Margaret Brandman is an accomplished pianist, composer, accredited piano teacher, arranger and music educator who has performed and lectured in Australia and abroad. Margaret has composed music for voice and a variety of instrumental combinations. Her publications incorporate a complete range of music education materials including Accent on Music (High School text) and the Contemporary Piano Method.
Margaret came to my studio to update the imagery she requires for promotional purposes, including new headshots.
To remain current, these images need to be regularly re-photographed, so that public presence in the media remains credible. Margaret is a lovely, talented woman and we spent a great moment together.
By the way, check out her music…it’s on youtube at this link: Margaret’s Music
To listen to a recent interview with Margaret (9th October, 2024 on 89.7 FM)…..click on this link: She speaks about half an hour into the program
It is always a pleasure to photograph Australian singer and performer Prinnie Stevens and the recent shoot at my studio was no exception.
We captured three different looks over the space of one morning. Prinnie required some updated imagery for promotional purposes. As is always the case, Prinnie presented herself with total professionalism, which makes my job as a photographer far less complicated.
We started with a relaxed image, for a more casual feel. Prinnie chose to have her hair out, the makeup was natural and simple. We shot the image on a strong, peeled-back, black background.
The next shot was more colourful. Prinnie was wearing a lilac knit jumper and I chose to light her differently, using a more high-key, shadowless, front light, together with a purple gel on the background to mirror the colour of her jumper. I also added a warmer side light to give this image extra highlights in her hair.
For the final look, I changed the lighting again. This time I wanted to reflect a more sophisticated look. Prinnie slicked back her hair and applied a tad more makeup, including a different lip colour. I chose a “butterfly”-type lighting approach, with a couple of side lights added for effect. I gelled the side lights with a quarter blue gel to give a bluer tone on the sides of her face.
I enjoyed meeting up with Prinnie and working with her again to create a series of new imagery. I believe she was happy with the results and I look forward to our next session.
The zone around Eastern Creek and beyond has become the “home of the warehouse” … a broad stretch of land covered with severely functional, industrial buildings, reminding us of our need to supply, store and coordinate the comings and goings of products for the daily requirements of our urban populations.
I imagine that most people are unaware of the enormous scale of this area of infrastructure, perched on the out-skirts of Sydney. It’s not really a destination …”let’s take the kids to see the warehouses at Eastern Creek”. If you live in residential enclaves in the vicinity, you may only see the warehouses in passing. But most inner-city, latte-sipping urbanites have no idea of the alternate “cities of large boxes” that inhabit the periphery of our cities.
This warehouse complex was built by Prime Constructions for ISPT, the developer, by whom I was commissioned to make these images. I like this type of shoot, since it allows me time to walk around these enormous structures, completely alone in the industrial landscape, capturing the sharp angles of these dislocated icons as the sun starts setting. I usually keep shooting into the twilight, for about half an hour once the sun has gone down. I then pack up my equipment, hop in my car and drive 40kms back towards the inner city.
Circa AD, a personal jeweller based in Melbourne teamed up with Perri Cutten, the well-known, Melbourne-based fashion label to work together on creating a new campaign.
I flew down to Victoria to shoot Adrian Dickens’ fabulous jewellery for Circa AD, worn by the model Sharon, stylishly dressed in Perri Cutten outfits. On location in the inner Melbourne suburb of Windsor, we produced imagery with a warm intimacy and fashionable flair. More photographs from this shoot to follow in a later post.
I’m thrilled to share an exciting update from my studio, set to elevate your visual storytelling to new heights.
Introducing Drone Photography & Video Services
Together with the expertise provided by my “in-flight” technical colleagues, I’m taking to the skies to offer you the impact of breathtaking aerial shots and videos, adding a striking perspective to your marketing potential. Whether you’re looking to captivate your audience with aerial views as part of your company’s promotional content, bring a new dimension to customer stories, or add an unforgettable touch to your special events like weddings or performances, we’ve got you covered.
Why drone photography
– Unique perspectives: Capture angles and vistas which can’t be achieved through traditional photography.
– Engaging content: Elevate your social media and marketing clout with captivating aerial footage and stand-out imagery.
– Dynamic versatility: Perfect for real estate showcases, plotting construction progress, documenting event highlights, and scenic backdrops for many occasions.
Stay tuned for our portfolio update, where we’ll be showcasing some of our spectacular drone captures.
If you are interested in adding a sky-high perspective to your next project or event, let’s chat about how we can integrate drone photography and video into your vision.
It was a cold winter morning in Sydney but this didn’t stop the team from The Hayes Theatre from coming to my Lilyfield studio for a promotional shoot to capture images for their ever-expanding program of productions and shows. This included portraits of Nancye Hayes, Jay Laga’aia and Aaron Tsindos, ably assisted by Ashleigh Grace (hair and make-up), Brendan de la Hay (wardrobe/stylist), as well as producer, Rica Canillas, artistic directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer. The proceedings were documented by the content creator, Blythe Ashton.
This emotional event provides an opportunity for members of the community to come together to reflect on and remember all those who have passed away from HIV/AIDS.
It was a moving experience to be a part of this solemn moment where people together remember and mark the passing of friends, partners, family and colleagues, often from the ravages of the early years of the AIDS epidemic. It reminded me about the importance of such rituals in our fast-paced society, where we take a moment out of our busy lives to reflect on such matters
After people arrived at the Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst, everyone gathered in the main auditorium to hear speakers including Yvonne Weldon, Stephen Lunny and Lyle Chan. Community members read the names of people who had passed, from a long, sad list. The proceedings finished with a rousing song performed by Mary Kiani, before attendees reminisced with each other over refreshments at the front-of-house.
It was a festive morning at the grand opening of the newly completed Merrylands facility of United For Care, in partnership with Vertika to provide supported independent living (SIL).
United For Care is an organisation that provides many kinds of support and assistance within the disability sector. It has partnered with Vertika, a company specialised in the development of vertical integrated specialist accommodation within the same sector
Nick Jones (video) and I (still photographs) covered the event, and recorded many of the morning’s activities. We even managed to include a number of voice-to-camera interviews with selected participants.
We toured the newly created apartments, hearing from some of the executive team as well as listening to a speech from Jacob, the very first resident of the complex. DJ Dylan from Wollongong was spinning on the turn-table – not to mention the amazing coffee cart out the front of the building with a wonderful array of cup-cakes. There was also a heart-felt “welcome to country” performed on the upper terrace.
I’ve long had an interest in perfumes. I remember arriving in Paris after I first started traveling in my early 20’s and loving to try all the various fragrances at the large Parisian department stores. Through the years, I have sampled many … and subsequently I’ve spent heaps on purchasing these very expensive bottles of, essentially, scented water.
While my interest in perfume has continued, I look for new fragrances and in particular alternatives to the costly luxury brands. So I responded with great interest when I was approached to create imagery for ESNC, a new in-store boutique at the Bankstown Shopping Centre, for a brand which sells perfumes designed and manufactured in Turkey.
I set out to take images of the newly-built retail installation. The counter/shop has been built by Alishan Yucel from Feature Point Constructions. I have shot projects before for Ali in Melbourne (see previous post here). Ali completes beautiful work … his finishes in particular are amazing. Based in Melbourne, he created modular pieces of the ESNC counter at his workshop. He then transported the units to Sydney, to be assembled on site at Bankstown.
I spent time with Sam (owner of ESNC), his wife and the sales crew during one Saturday morning, and captured both stills and video of some of their interaction with the general public. I’ve posted some of the results as part of this post and the images speak for themselves…..dropping in to the ESNC store in Bankstown will definitely be a lot of fun.
The other week I made a trip into rural NSW to photograph the recent upgrade by Xenia Constructions to the entrance to the Stocklands Shopping Centre in Forster.
Originally coming from Victoria, having grown up on a dairy farm in the Wimmera Mallee region, I am not so aware of the life-style in country NSW. Hence I enjoyed the chance to be able to travel beyond Sydney and its urban perimeters.
For this project, I ventured to Forster on the NSW coast, approximately two hours drive north of Newcastle. I had rarely been to this part of the state, so it was a new working experience for me. It did not disappoint. You honestly can’t complain about the coastline of this beautiful country where we live.
I arrived early to capture the site with the softer light of the morning. Luckily I set up a bit earlier than originally planned, since the light quickly became harsh after the sun rose higher. Sydney had been experiencing an exceptionally wet and overcast week, putting a question mark over whether I should risk hitting bad weather in Forster. But I decided to trust the weather forecast for that area (not that you can always rely on the forecast) and to make the journey. I had a feeling that it would be OK … and it was.
I am certainly ready for more jaunts into the country, organising a new project or two to shoot … while I expand my familiarity with rural NSW.
Chérie Désirée is a truly glamorous woman who is one of the luminaries you may meet along the streets of Rozelle. She absolutely captures my attention to the point that I asked her one day if she would pose for me. I wanted to capture her wonderful silhouette on film.
I first brought Cherie to my studio in Lilyfield to complete a studio shoot and capture a series of portraits. During this session, while we chatted, I learned about Cherie’s remarkable dancing career and her life on the stage. She worked for many years touring in notable theatres around the country as a dancer and chorus performer. Originally from a small dairy farm in Queensland, this slender, good-looking woman left behind the rural life for a life under the spotlights. Once she told me that she had been a dancer, the rest made sense … the way Cherie held herself, those slender legs, her shimmering dress, her costume jewellery and her sense of style.
El Bongo, Darlinghurst Rd, King Cross, 1962
Darlinghurst Rd, King Cross, 1962
El Bongo, Darlinghurst Rd, King Cross, 1962
I also learnt that she fell in love with and married a handsome Italian singer called Filippo. Together they were the owners of several restaurant/nightclubs in Darlinghurst. One such club was called “El Bongo”, later known as “The Pink Pussycat”. This was situated on Darlinghurst Road in King Cross and was part of the infamous “Golden Mile” that people still talk so much about.
I thought it would be a good idea to take a couple of shots of Cherie in front of what was once one of her regular dancing venues. So we ventured to Kings Cross. I asked Cherie to pose in front of what was once El Bongo … sadly now just a vacant shop space, devoid of the dynamism and vibrancy it once had back in the day. This sad reality of a once vivid club-and-restaurant circuit now replaced by an empty and half-dead street, is extreme.
Cherie told me about how she would earn extra money to help pay for her sisters’ schooling, often dancing at three different clubs along the strip, all on the same night, moving from one stage to the next, covering up her costume with a coat as she hailed a cab or ran through the streets. I imagined her doing exactly that, her long legs running down the busy street as she made her way to the next venue. I also thought to myself what amazing stories this woman has in her kit bag, having spent so much time in a place which was notoriously “happening” during a period people still reminisce about.
The vacant space (now for lease) which was once the vibrant “El Bongo Restaurant”
Cherie added that she and her husband also owned another club in the area. They ran a restaurant/club on Oxford Street at the location which is now known as “Palms”. So I feel another shoot may happen soon not far from Taylors Square … maybe when the weather warms up.
It might be a tad cold at the moment in Sydney but on the positive side, I find that the light is fantastic. I do prefer the winter light as it seems to give a much crisper definition to my images. Also you don’t have to wait for quite as long for the end of the day to come, when the light becomes softer and more forgiving – although the days are shorter and the sunsets and sunrises happen very rapidly.
I am using this period of the year to get out and take a few shots of my greater environment … buildings, street scenes, things that interest me, whenever I find some free time, as happened the other evening on the way home from the swimming pool. I saw the western side of the city lit up with the last rays of the sun. Luckily I had my camera with me in the car, so I stopped and snapped a few frames.
I did marvel at the unusual, futuristic looking cylinders that border the park. They are the exhaust stacks emerging from the tunnels that extends beneath the Rozelle Parklands, newly excavated as part of the WestConnex interchange. In my mind, they look like they belong on the set of one of George Miller’s Mad Max movies.
