Author: John McRae

Some people may dismiss them as big, rectangular boxes built as part of the landscape of a city’s outskirts, not so interesting nor engaging. However, I am often commissioned to photograph the best designs for newly built warehouses in Sydney and beyond. They are essential structures which are rapidly demarcating the fringes of our urban sprawl in Smithfield, Minto and Kemps Creek.

Like many people, I tend to live in my inner-city bubble. Specialist food shops, cafes and “take-away for days” line my suburb. It’s easy to forget how important the infrastructure to support this life-style is. I am reminded when I venture out to photograph the massive, multi-purpose “boxes” that make this lifestyle possible. The best are examples of innovation in landscaped settings with native vegetation. 

I particularly like the abstract nature and repetition of some of the construction details. The following is a visual display of features which have taken my eye while photographing these warehouses in Casula, Eastern Creek, Minchinbury, Moorebank and Yennora, produced as documentation for the construction companies that are building them.

Exterior Geometry

Exterior Features

I have developed a great respect for the sharp lines and primary colours used in the design of a simple, functional, hi-tech warehouse. I continue to expand in this genre of photography. 

Portals to another world

Interior Abstraction

Interior Geometry

If you have any enquires please feel free to send me an email on john@johnmcrae.com

I shot the new linen collection for So French So Chic on a timber-decked yacht in Rushcutters Bay on Sydney harbour. The shoot was relaxed and breezy, to reflect the clothes.

See the product description below:

Good style is effortless.

Our beautiful linen and easy-to-wear designs are created with an attitude of casual chic, inspired by the breezy ports of the Mediterranean. Designed in France from linen sourced in Bandol near St Tropez, and tailor-made in Italy, our range breathes with stylish simplicity.

Dress up or dress it down. Feel free and relaxed.

We present our unique blend of A-line silhouettes and soft, falling fabric. Summer is colourful. Bright tones of watermelon, azure, turquoise and tangerine, are mixed with gentle pastels, or such neutrals as anthracite, pale mint and charcoal, or crisp, maritime white. Be part of our own French identity, but adapted to the Australian climate and outdoor lifestyle. Welcome aboard.

Getting ready for winter, I shot the latest collection of boots and shoes from Booty Shoes, available online from their store in Potts Point

We are all grappling with the new Covid-19 threat and changes to our life-styles and livelihoods. The construction industry continues under new guidelines. With restrictions, building and documenting can continue.

Here are a few of the warehouse projects in western Sydney I have worked on during the past few weeks.

After the Australian Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham announced he was engaged to his partner, Luke Rutherford, the couple married in a public ceremony in Belgium in late February, followed by a honeymoon in Amsterdam.

As an old friend of Matt’s I was invited as the “Official Photographer”.

Matt and Luke married at Chateau de Halloy on the out-skirts of Ciney in the South of Belgium. Chateau de Halloy is a majestic castle which was once a residence used by the Bishop Princes of Liege….rather grand indeed.

I wish Matt and Luke all the very best in their future life together.

Because I had been booked to shoot a wedding in Belgium late February, I decided to stay on for another 10 days in Europe to work and catch up with friends I hadn’t seen for quite some time.

Of course the trip was overshadowed by the pandemic that was quickly gaining momentum around the globe. Given the situation, I was relieved to be able to arrive back in Sydney by early March

Here are a few shots, taken during my time away…….

Munich, Germany

After Paris I spent a few days visiting a friend in Munich. It was the first time I had been here. I was impressed. Impeccably ordered and clean and so, so European. I was completely enthralled by the Pinakothek der Moderne. I’ve never seen so many paintings by Max Beckmann in one place. I spent the entire afternoon in this magnificent building and lost myself completely.

The French Countryside

Next stop was the French countryside in Burgundy (La Bourgogne). A friend recently moved back to France after 19 years living in Australia where he has purchased a delightful, picture-card-perfect farm house near a small village called, La Clayette.

This village is dominated by the impressive chateau, Chateau de La Clayette, that was built in the 14th and 19th Century as a fortress, surrounded by a moat. It has had a long and illustrious history and it remains in private hands.

Meanwhile here are some shots of the farm……

These are a few images of my new Burgundy friends…..the Charolais cows. They are a local breed of cattle renowned for their meat (although I wouldn’t mention that to them). They are a creamy, milky white colour and have a amicable nature. They are part of the local landscape.

The French obsession with Protest

I returned to Paris from the south of France before returning to Australia. However, no trip to Paris would be complete without experiencing what the French call, “Manifestation”, or protest. The French are famous for going out on the streets to protest their displeasure with the powers that be. For many centuries, this has been a well known French past-time. The protest on World Woman’s Day was a healthy display of active feminism, accompanied by a rather heavy police presence.

The Sydney Coliseum Theatre is a multi-mode lyric theatre designed by award-winning architects, Cox Architecture, construction headed by Hansen Yuncken, and the first of its kind in the rapidly growing region of Greater Western Sydney.

Located within West HQ – Sydney’s leading landmark destination for entertainment, fitness, lifestyle, and accommodation – the Sydney Coliseum Theatre features a 2,000-seat auditorium and can accommodate theatrical performances, corporate events, conferences and more.

The theatre officially opened on 21 December 2019 with Grammy and ARIA award-winning artist Keith Urban performing, following a star line up of unique performances from David Campbell in collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Dame Edna Everage, award-winning performer Tina Arena, and talented musician John Butler.

You may remember that on a previous post I covered the mid-construction shots of this brilliant cultural addition to Western Sydney. I captured the construction progress around April, 2019. Here are some shots….

Now, over a year later, Western Sydney has it’s own, “state of the art”, international standard, performing arts centre. This facility is poised to attract the cream of the worlds talent and the pinnacle of the worlds top shows to Rooty Hill.

Having built a certain rapport with the physical structure of this building, inside and out, photographing it on several occasions, I am looking forward to visiting the theatre to see my first show there. I have heard that the acoustic performance of the auditorium is excellent and I am excited to experience this.

The interiors are particularly impressive with a large coloured chandelier in the main foyer, suspended from the ceiling. Stairs, white walls, vaulted vertical windows and wood panelling ascend the central atrium that leads to the various entrances of the auditorium.

Since 2008, every year I have taken an “official” annual portrait photograph of Matthew Mitcham, Australia’s gold-medal Olympic diver, award-winning cabaret performer and television entertainer, in my studio in Sydney.

Facing the camera with a direct, unflinching manner, each consecutive portrait is added to the growing series of similar portraits, which commenced when Matthew was only 20 years old, before his rise to Olympic fame.

Each portrait is taken under identical conditions, plotting the changes in his physical appearance and growing self-assurance. MMXIX marks the 12th portrait and the 12th year in this ongoing series.

I thank Matt for his support in continuing this series, in allowing a very public view of his “personal time-line”. Matt intends to marry this year in Europe, and I wish him and Luke all the very best.

The complete sequence can be seen at  

The series is printed by the artist in an edition of 9, with 2 artist proofs, and is available for purchase.

Contact: John McRae mb: 0419 619 161 e: john@johnmcrae.com

The year is almost over, Xmas looms in a couple of days and I have a bit of time on my hands.

Yesterday I made the annual Xmas pudding. I enlisted the help of my Tasmanian friend, Rob, who dropped in to pay his respects. We both set about creating the 2019 version of my mother’s Xmas pudding.

I thought it may be a nice idea to share the recipe on my blog page, together with a pictorial explanation of the necessary steps. Rob agreed to be photographed for the exercise.

Ingredients:

• 6 Table spoons of Butter
• 2 Small Cups of Brown Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 3 Cups of flour
• 1 Cup of Sultanas
• 1 Cup of Raisins
• 1 Cup of Mixed Peel
• 1/2 Cup of Currants
• 2 Oz Blanched Almonds
• 2 Tsp Bi-Carbonate of Soda
• 6 Tsp Mixed Spice
• 2 Tsp of Cinnamon
• 1 Tsp of Nutmeg
• 1 Tsp Ginger
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 Tablespoon of Treacle
• Vanilla Essence
• Essence of Brandy or in fact Brandy. You choose
• 4 Tablespoons of Apricot Jam
• 1/2 Cup of Orange Juice

Additional notes on ingredients: I don’t add the orange juice in my version of mums recipe….doesn’t make sense to me. I also add prunes to the mix. Cut up quite finely of course. I also put in 3 eggs, rather than 2….creative license. You can add and substitute different fruits, such as glazed cherries (I don’t like them), apricots, pears….etc.

Actually you can take quite a bit of creative license with a plum pudding…..it’s not like the delicate sponge, souffle or cream puff, where too much variation may result in tears. So feel free to add your own personal touch whatever that may be…..

Procedure:

Gather all the ingredients….

Prepare the fruit: Measure it out, chop where necessary and put it all into a large bowl

• Almonds need to be cut up into smaller pieces

• Sultanas don’t need to be cut…put them in the bowl directly
• Currants are already very small so no cutting required
• Raisins should be cut into thirds (in my opinion)

• put all the fruit together in a bowl and mix
• essence and or alcohol can be added at this stage to the fruit
• Some recipes advise soaking the fruit for a day or two in the alcohol/essence before preparing the rest of the pudding. But who has 2 days to spend on making a plum pudding?

Beat the butter and sugar in a bowl, either with your hand, wooden spoon or in a mix-master type beater. See pic below: The butter and sugar is beaten until the consistency becomes homogenous and creamy….in fact one says, “cream the butter and sugar”.

Next: Add the eggs Note…..the eggs should be added at room temperature. Take them out of the fridge well before (if you keep your eggs in the fridge). I put the eggs in a bowl and beat them a little first before I put them in the pudding mixture. I add half the quantity of eggs and stir them until they are blended into the mixture….I then add the rest of the eggs and beat them similarly.

At this point you can add the vanilla essence….a couple of tea spoons.

We’re up to the mid point of the process….the adding of the dry ingredients and the fruit.

Make sure you sift all the dry ingredients together before you add them to the mixture….see pic below.

Add the flour…..about half the quantity. Once that is well combined into the mixture you then add around half the quantity of fruit. When the fruit is mixed in you may add any alcohol or essence that you decide to put in for extra flavour. You repeat the process until all the dry ingredients and fruit are combined.

For this process you can shed the electric mixer and use your hands or a wooden spoon to hand mix the flour and the fruit. Some die-hards would never use the electric beater….they feel you get a better result if hands or a wooden spoon are enlisted. I’ll leave it up to you.

Lastly, once all the ingredients so far have been successfully stirred together, you add the final ingredients, being, the treacle and the apricot jam. A note: these two things are optional, in my opinion. I do add them but if you chose not to….it’s not like you going to ruin your pudding. It will still be a good pudding.

Finally, it’s time to pour your pudding mixture into the centre of a square piece of calico. The calico is pre-cut and also soaked in cold water. Wring out any excess water from the calico….pour out the mixture….then gather the rag and form a closure, a bit like a “money bag”. Make sure all the sides of the rag are gathered together and you haven’t missed a bit.

Then tie off the top of the rag with string . Make sure you tie it well….go around several times and tie it off several times. Don’t be stingy on the length of the string….hopefully there will be a good bit of it left after tying which can be used to hang the pudding.

Important….leave a bit of space at the top between the mixture and the level of the rag you tie off…..that is, allow a bit of space for the pudding to expand in the rag…it will.

Now you need to boil your pudding. Gently lower your pudding into a pot of boiling water. Make sure your water is boiling on the stove and that your pot is big enough to comfortably accommodate the size of your pudding.

Boil your pudding for approximately 3 – 4 hours. It’s a bit of a process because you can’t really leave it during that time. You will need to keep an eye on the water level….continually topping up so your pudding doesn’t boil dry.

Note also….put a small saucer at the bottom of pot so that your pudding is not sitting directly on the bottom, but cushioned from direct contact with the heat.

At the end of 4 hrs take your pudding out of the hot water. It is now ready to eat…..un-peel the calico and serve with fresh cream or brandy sauce.

Or…..as it usual, you eat your pudding at a later date. Hanging the pudding for a period of time is suggested as it allows all the flavours and spices to penetrate the whole pudding. Some people hang theirs for months.

A “hung pudding” will require re-heating. Although the pudding is cooked when you go to re-heat it you will need to re-place it into a pot of boiling water, as before. In order to re-heat the pudding thoroughly you will need to leave it for at least 2 hours….for the heat to really penetrate the mass of the object. The water should already be boiling when you add the pudding.

You can cheat and take it out of the rag, cold and put cut pieces in the micro wave….this is not as dramatic and nowhere near a nice. But go ahead…..

So that’s it! That’s one version of a plum pudding recipe. Let me know how you go.

Lastly…….

I first visited Lebanon in 2005. In spite of the fact that I had a brilliant time it took me 14 years to get back to Beirut for another Lebanese experience. It did not disappoint.

Whether it’s the delicious Middle Eastern food, the beautiful and changing landscapes, the ancient monuments or the most hospitable and warm inhabitants, a good time is assured. Here a few frames from my latest trip to the Jewel of the Levant.

South Border Gallery – Exhibition at the Abroyan Factoy, Beirut

The Abroyan Factory was transformed into a huge art installation to coincide with the opening of the Beirut Art Fair. It was a great event and an amazing experience to wander through the rooms and corridors of the old factory, lined with art from different corners of the world.

Beirut Art Fair

I had the good fortune to be in Beirut during the Beirut Art Fair. I checked it out.

Baalbek, Beka Valley

Baalbek is an ancient Phoenician city located in what is now modern day Lebanon, north of Beirut, in the Beqaa Valley.  Inhabited as early as 9000 BCE, Baalbek grew into an important pilgrimage site in the ancient world for the worship of the Phoenician sky-god Baal and his consort Astarte, the Queen of Heaven (the name `Baalbek’ means Lord Baal of the Beqaa Valley). The center of the city was a grand temple dedicated to Astarte and Baal and the ruins of this early temple remain today beneath the later  Temple of Jupiter Baal. Baalbek is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

These structures are magnificent and mysterious. They are still the subject of much debate in the academic community, particularly questions concerning the origins and nature of many of the enormous foundation stones in the structures, some of which are the largest in the known world.

A megalith is a large stone that has been used to construct a structure or monument, either alone or together with other stones. The word megalithic describes structures made of such large stones without the use of mortar or concrete, representing periods of prehistory characterised by such constructions. For later periods, the word monolith, with an overlapping meaning, is more likely to be used.

The Beach in Beirut

The Streets…..

Bullet holes ect, remnants of and eery reminders of the civil war

Beit El Baraka

Beit El Baraka – Our Mission is to ensure a sense of dignity to hard-working citizens once they retire, by assisting them in their struggle with the increasing cost of living. In a spirit of respect and support, we aim to provide a tailor-made accurate and beneficial response to Lebanon’s economic and multi-dimensional challenges that are depriving many retired citizens of their most basic needs and rights. 

Coffee Culture in Beirut

Treasures of the Beirut Museum

I would have to say that portraiture is my favourite genre. Here are a few examples of recent portraits….some are commissions, some are for personal projects or simply people I wanted to shoot.

Spot the Arab Series

I have been working on an on-going series for exhibition called, Spot the Arab. For more information click here:

It’s always fun and colourful to shoot in the entertainment space. Here are a few examples of some shows that I worked on recently.

The Lyin’ Queen

The lyin’ Queen – by Phil Scott and Trevor Ashley, an ecological disatser movie remake hits the stage.

Shauna Jensen performs at the Sydney Opera House

Club Posters of Sydney Drag Shows

Hair The Musical

A new production of Hair the Musical was produced by David Hawkins. It toured the country, including performances at the Sydney Opera House.

Just for Laughs at the Sydney Opera House

Each year I shoot stills for the live recording of “Just For Laughs”, recorded in the studio at the Sydney Opera House. It is always a pleasure to shoot this totally entertaining event….at times the camera is shaking as I hold back laughter.

The construction sector is still buoyant and active. Here are a few examples of the latest projects I was commissioned to work on…..

Before and After

Prime Constructions is about to work on this “artistic” office space. Left vacant and unfinished for many years, this graffiti canvas will now become a re-furbished and modern office complex. This is the “before” shot. Stay tuned for the “after” shot….sorry that one will take another 6 months to complete.

St Narsai

The Warehouse

Men at Work

Office Refurbishment – MSCI

Maisonnets

Short term rentals is a vibrant market as more and more people make their homes and properties available. I’ve been working with a company that manages these properties for owners, Maisonnets. Here are a few examples:

I have been on assignment at Screen Australia recently, shooting some vibrant, young creatives for various promotional initiatives.

Ryan O’Connell, writer and story editor (Will & Grace) has teamed up with Anna Dokoza, Australian director, the star of The Big Bang Theory and Netflix to create a new comedy, Special. Click here for more info

Pitcher Perfect – Screen Australia announced the finalists of the first ever “Pitcher Perfect” competition which was held at VidCon in Melbourne.

I shot some of the creatives who’s job it was to pitch their concepts to a panel of judges, for a duration of 5mins. It was their job to convince the panel to choose their concept as the recipient of the $30,000 on offer to the winners.

The winning pitch was “Return to Sender”, pitched by Amy and Pearl, two of the finalists that I photographed.

Crime queens Tilly Devine and Kate Leigh, who were bitter rivals during the 1920s when their gangs fought it out on the streets of East Sydney in the “razor gang wars”, are a fascinating pair of protagonists for a musical currently showing at the Hayes Theatre in Potts Point.

From the 1920s until the 1930s, two vice queens, Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine, ruled the Darlinghurst underworld. Their rivalry was infamous, leading to a litany of violent crimes enacted by their razor gangs as each struggled to gain dominance in a world of sly grog, narcotics and prostitution.

In 2019, Kate Leigh’s former sly grog shop is about to reopen as a trendy coffee spot. The shop is being gutted for renovation, but there are still ghosts in the walls who aren’t done settling old scores.

Razorhurst explores what it means to be a woman in a man’s world, forced into a life of crime by circumstance. At turns crass and hilarious, Razorhurst is a “compelling meditation on the explosive cocktail of gender, class, and power underlying an infamous period in the history of crime” (Newark Star-Ledger).

Book & Lyrics by Kate Mulley, Music by Andy Peterson

Presented by Hayes Theatre Co

Director Benita de Wit
Musical Director Lucy Bermingham

Starring Amelia Cormack & Debora Krizak

RAZORHURST
Was Commissioned by and received its World Premiere at
Luna Stage, West Orange, New Jersey
Cheryl Katz, Artistic Director

TICKETS*
Previews: Full $60 | Concession $55
Mon – Thurs: Full $65 | Concession $60
Sat Matinee: Full $65 | Concession $60
Fri & Sat Evening: Full $70 | Concession $65
Wed Matinee: Full $60 | Concession $55 | Fab Four Offer $45

Razorhurst is part of the 2011 Postcode offer. Residents of 2011 can obtain half price tickets 30 minutes prior to performances Mon-Thurs with proof of address. Subject to availability.

BOOK NOW BY CLICKING HERE

A brand new Australian production of the much-loved rock musical HAIR will come alive in the Concert Hall – Sydney Opera House from 3 – 6 October as part of a national tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the show’s Australian premiere.

Leading the cast in this new production of HAIR is award-winning TV and theatre star Hugh Sheridan (Packed to the Rafters) in the role of Berger and powerhouse vocalist Paulini as Dionne. Sheridan’s one man show, Newly Discovered, sold out Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2009 and, in 2012, he starred alongside Geoffrey Rush and Magda Szubanski in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

I recently captured some promotional images of both Paulini and Hugh at the Sydney Opera House.

Paulini is one of 10 Australian female solo artists to have a #1 album in the ARIA Charts and her critically acclaimed performance as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard (2017) has cemented her as one of Australia’s most exciting rising stars.

With book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragini, and music by Galt McDermott, HAIR will be produced by David M. Hawkins and directed by Declan Greene. The show brings together a talented local creative team with Set Design by Michael-Scott Mitchell, Choreography by Amy Campbell, Musical Direction by Glenn Moorhouse and Costume Design by James Browne.

HAIR plays at the Sydney Opera House from 3 – 6 October 2019. For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

HAIR also plays His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth (22 August – 1 September); Geelong Performing Arts Centre (4 – 8 September); The Art House, Wyong (19 – 21 September); Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong (25 – 29 September); and Home of the Arts, Gold Coast (11 & 12 October). For more information, visit: www.hairthemusical.com.au for details.

I think this production will be fabulous and can’t wait to hear that rousing score….this is a must see. So Book and get yourself a ticket!

Construction has begun on a world-class performing arts centre and multi-use entertainment space in Rooty Hill. It is deemed the biggest cultural development to hit Western Sydney. The centre is set to become an icon for the West, with construction due for completion in late 2019.

The project has been designed by Cox Architecture and is currently under the construction expertise of Hansen Yuncken.

Hansen Yuncken commissioned me to capture some mid-construction images of the work in progress.

The complex which houses the Sydney Coliseum Theatre will offer some impressive facilities:

• Multi-modes theatre capable of hosting musical, dramatic theatre, live music and more.
• Nine metre Proscenium Arch offering the latest in front and back of house technical capabilities.
• World’s best practise technology including full immersive sound and acoustic design
• the latest in state of the art theatre technology and sustainable LED lighting
• 80 line fly system (important for international standard productions)
• Orchestra pit for 30
• Excellent sight-lines
• Rehearsal room and production office with stage access
• Comfortable and spacious production amenities including 11 dressing rooms
• Adjacent 4&1/2 star Novotel Hotel offering 164 rooms

The two leading ladies of Australian theatre and cabaret are at it again. Firstly, it was ABBA-SOLUTELY FABULOUS. You may remember……

It is always a pleasure to work with these talented woman of the entertainment world. There’s no stopping Rhonda and Lara’s comic wit and sense of good fun which they freely share with all. They have a new show called “Partners in Crime” and they will be touring nationally.

Doing the photography has given me a glimpse of what’s in store and I can tell you it will be hysterical. Thanks to talents of James Carroll for the design work on the poster.

Go to: www.rhondaburchmore.com to see the venues and dates and BOOK IN quickly for a fabulous night out.

How exciting….I been selected as a semi-finalist in the Head On Photo Awards 2019.

The image will be projected on screen with other semi-finalist’s images at the Paddington Town Hall between 4 May – 19 May, 2019.

Artist Statement:

As part of my investigation into stereotypes and identity I photographed Jaden, a young Aboriginal man of the Wiradjuri Nation, dressed in middle eastern clothing.  With Jaden’s consent, I then draped him in an Aboriginal flag as a symbol of how he identifies.  Afterwards when I showed this photograph to a group of white middle class Australians, I asked them if they thought this was a portrait of an Arab man.  Most thought it was.  I replied, “He’s not an Arab but can you tell me how he identifies?  There’s an obvious clue, it’s draped over his head”.  I am left puzzled that most people still don’t see it.