Photography Up-dates – John McRae Photography & Studio

November 20, 2024November 20, 2024

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 Conner 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 who is a notable filmmaker, writer, producer, was head of the indigenous branch of Screen Australia, then Head of the Indigenous Deparment at ABC, during which time she executive produced Mabo and Redfern Now….then in 2015 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

It was a great night, lots of good energy, with the red carpet photography going non-stop as the award winners and guests took advantage of getting photographed in front of the media wall. Lastly, congratulations to all the award winners…well done!

November 11, 2024November 11, 2024

Sod-Turning at Minto

The team at Charter Hall and Prime Construcitons came together to mark the commencement of a new development at Minto. A short ceremony was organised where speeches were made and refreshments were consumed, as well as the symbolic turning of the first sod of ground.

The “sod-turning” is a symbolic re-enactment of the first bit of dirt that is dug up when work on the site is commenced. Three very shiny shovels were prepared for this construction ritual and then the appropriate individuals dig into the ground and dislodge the first bit of dirt (see photo).

A delicious spread was provided for breakfast on the day

Photo: commencement of construction on the site at Minto

August 15, 2024August 15, 2024

Prinnie Stevens in studio

1st look….where we started.

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.

June 20, 2024June 24, 2024

United For Care – new independent living facility opens in Merrylands

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.

June 19, 2024June 24, 2024

New fragrances – ESNC opens new store in Bankstown

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.

June 19, 2024June 25, 2024

Chérie Désirée returns to Kings Cross

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

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.

May 1, 2024May 2, 2024

“Ride The Cyclone” – new production at the Hayes Theatre heads into the studio

I have been working on lead photography for the upcoming Hayes Theatre production of the new musical Ride The Cyclone, directed by Richard Carroll. This will be the Australian premiere of this hilarious story about the lives of six Canadian teenagers from a chamber choir, who are involved in a freak accident aboard a rollercoaster. The Washington Post called it “ingeniously dark and funny”.

Before the actors and crew head into an intensive rehearsal period, they called into my Lilyfield studio to generate some fresh content for their marketing push. The Hayes Theatre is currently doing a lot of good work in the realm of musical theatre, spotlighting new ideas and young performers.

Here is a series of images that I captured as out-takes during the afternoon I spent together with the crew, make-up artists and actors (Natalie Abbott, Bailey Dunnage, Lincoln Elliott, Justin Gray, Ava Madon, Mel O’Brien, Karis Oka and Alec Steedman). More final imagery and production details to follow in a subsequent post.

May 1, 2024May 2, 2024

High fashion and jewellery, high-up in Melbourne

I recently flew to Melbourne to photograph an evening of fashion and jewellery at the Morgan Stanley offices in the lofty heights of the corporate central business district.

The event was generously hosted by Morgan Stanley in Collins Street and featured wonderful outfits from Perri Cutten styled with beautiful pieces from the Circa AD Jewels collection, with a goodie bag bursting with gifts from ISoM, Lindt, Perri Cutten, Morgan Stanley and Circa AD Jewels,

The evening was a fund raiser for the charity Giant Steps Melbourne, supporting children and adults on the autism spectrum. The evening raised more than $10,000 for this valuable organisation.

The offices are immaculate and a wonderful space for hosting such an event. Perri Cutten’s garments were enhanced by an array of fabulous jewellery from Adrian Dickens of Circa AD Jewels, Melbourne.

I captured some video footage of the parade. See below:

January 18, 2024January 19, 2024

Update your head shot for 2024

The start of the year is a great time to consider updating your professional headshot or creating a new image of yourself.

I invite you to come to my comfortable and relaxed studio in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Lilyfield, where we can create your new image together.

We can discuss what options are best. I am happy to tailor the shoot to your specific needs – this may be a corporate headshot, something more relaxed, or an actor’s headshot. You may want to use the images for your portfolio, your CV, your social media profiles such as linked-in, facebook and instagram … or you may have other intentions. We can create a number of different eye-catching looks. I am happy to advise you on what direction we could take.

Above all, we will make the process as fun and rewarding as can be.

Give me a call on 0419 619 161 or contact me via email: john@johnmcrae.com

January 18, 2024January 19, 2024

Let’s Be Frank – Skincare

I was approached for a new commission by Samantha Leith, who I have photographed several times before. Samantha is a powerhouse of creativity, known as a performer, business strategist and motivational speaker. She comes from a performance background and in the past, I had photographed Samantha in relation to shows/presentations that she was staging.

This occasion was a little different. In the studio, we would be photographing a series of women to produce imagery that will be used to promote the new skin care range Samantha is involved in launching. These women have agreed to become ambassadors for the brand, including her friends and colleagues Amanda, Angela, Monica, Sarah and Yvonne, as well as Samantha herself.

The skincare range is called “Let’s Be Frank Skincare”. It is an Australian-made skincare range specifically formulated for women who are experiencing some of the skin concerns associated with peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause.

It was a great day. These women were such fun to work with and they all made sure that they were going to enjoy themselves during our photo-shoot. From the moment they walked into the studio to prepare for make-up and hair, got dressed in the glam attire they chose to wear and then took up their positions in front of the camera, until it was time to skip out the door, it was a magical experience to portray women full of confidence and joy.

It was a hive of activity – women in makeup

January 17, 2024February 21, 2024

Photographing an in-house conference at KPMG

I was asked to visit the offices of KPMG at their Sydney head office at Barangaroo to capture images of an in-house conference that was taking place with a number of their executives. I have featured a few of the images captured on the day as part of this blog.

I also managed to capture head shots of a number of the attendees. We set up a temporary studio in a section of the space to achieve these portraits.

It is always a great experience for me to work in these kinds of highly professional corporate environments.

January 13, 2024January 17, 2024

Annual Portrait shoot for NAPWHA in the streets Newtown

For several years I have photographed for the team working in the HIV space, NAPWHA (National Association of People Living with HIV Australia). NAPWHA is a peak body which spans advocacy, representation, policy & health and promotion for people living with HIV. Each year, for the annual report, I am asked to update their staff photos, individual portraits and group shots.

This year, as a point of difference, I decided to create an alternative representation of the individual images by creating composite portraits of three images of the same person … also as a way of showing the idea of diversity

As in previous years, we head into the back streets of Newtown, where the NAPWHA office is located, to find an interesting urban backdrop for the portraits. It is not hard to find a laneway or street lined with bold, colourful graffiti. A big thanks to the local street artists for helping us with the artistic direction of the shots

January 9, 2024January 9, 2024

Group portrait of the Prince of Wales Emergency Department staff

Prince of Wales Emergency Department, 2023

Just prior to the Christmas break, I was asked to photograph a large group portrait of the entire team who worked at the Prince of Wales Emergency Department at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick. This might well be the largest number of people I have photographed in one portrait.

However, it was not in one sitting, nor was it in a single frame. Understandably it would be almost impossible (nor ethically sound) to ask all the doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals to “tools down” at the same time and head outside for a photograph. I’m sure there would have been a few complaints from the patients, to say the least.

Therefore we decided to shoot various smaller groups at staggered times over the period of an afternoon. In the hospital carpark, I set up a make-shift studio. When people were available they could head outside to get their portrait taken.

As a solution to create one final image, I “composited” all the various groups together into one extended image of 120 people (example of separately captured groups, below) with the entrance to the hospital as the background (see background image of the Emergency Department entrance, below).

Image used as the background for the group portrait

January 9, 2024January 9, 2024

Re:form creates its 2024 Calendar

Re:Form Construction is one of my construction clients. As a highly skilled, boutique building company, they are a joy to work with.

Gerard Murphy, the director of the company, decided that each year Re:Form would produce a calendar featuring members of its team, as a give-away at Christmas time.

I had the pleasure of capturing individual and group shots of different members of the Re:Form Construction team while they worked on-site at their respective trade skills. I visited one of their sites in Castlecrag in Sydney, and then on another occasion, I traveled to the Megalong Valley where another team of workmen were engaged in the construction of a large tourist project.

The calendar is a fun and inclusive publication, and it was an enjoyable process to capture these outdoor and working portraits. The men also get a kick out of having their “15 minutes of fame”, plus the idea of appearing as a month on the calendar.

November 21, 2023December 1, 2023

Georgia & Luke’s urban wedding

I traveled to Victoria to photograph the wedding of Georgia and Luke in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick.

Many years ago I lived along Sydney Road in Brunswick, and I have very fond memories of this quintessential “Melburnian” urban landscape. The weather for Georgia and Luke’s wedding was perfect, so what more could you want for a successful and joyful event.

The wedding took place along Lygon Street. The ceremony was held at a great space called the Noisy Ritual Urban Winery. The reception was also held here, so there was no need to move great distances to find the reception … you just sat down. Actually it wasn’t too “noisy” at all. It was a lively space that was perfect for such a celebration, with attentive and generous staff on hand.

During the ceremony at the Noisy Ritual Urban Winery

We also made great location shots in the general area. We didn’t have to walk far to find colourful graffiti-covered laneways which provided the best backdrops and perspectives for location images. The bride grew up not far from this area. Georgia has a particular affinity for the Brunswick Bowling Club grounds, so we staged a couple of shots of the newly-weds at the entrance gate. The East Brunswick Hotel also holds a special place in her heart, so we included this iconic venue in the background of a few shots for good measure. I enjoyed the tour of the back streets as we made our way from one brightly coloured spot to the next.

October 11, 2023October 11, 2023

A man, a saw and a shed

I visited the Megalong Valley in the Blue Mountains near Sydney to capture mid-construction images of a large hospitality complex for a building company known as Re:Form Construction. Apart from documenting some of the recently constructed buildings, including a high-end restaurant, I also individually photographed several of the workmen.

Pictured above is Kurt, a talented carpenter with Re:Form. He asked to be shot in front of a refurbished shed that he had worked on. This barn was completely ruined, then after extensive rebuilding it was brought back to life (pictured below), with added character.

August 15, 2023August 24, 2023

Trevor Ashley sets sail on a new voyage

Trevor as one of his creations. Dress made and designed by Angie White. Wig by WigsbyVanity & Kellie Ritchie (wig stylist)

Watch this space!

There’s more new ideas and creations coming from Trevor Ashley as we approach the Australian spring, if the recent shoot at my studio is anything to go by.

Trevor is one of Australia’s most creative musical talents with a string of hits and accolades under his belt, including singing, acting, directing and writing. As well as performing in some of the countries biggest musicals such as Hairspray, Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and more recently as Pharaoh in Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat, he also creates his own, original brand of cabaret and musical performances (in his spare time), inventing characters larger than life.

Many of you will have seen his brilliant live singing productions as part of the recently televised “Queen of the Universe” where he slayed both the judges and the audiences.

Prior to leaving to Europe for work we organised a shoot at my studio to record some of his new characters. Angie White (costume designer) and Kellie Richie (hair/makeup/wigs) were there to lend a hand with WigsbyVanity. Angie is a talented costume designer who has created many of Trevor’s extraordinary looks over the years. Kellie is a wig expert and makeup artist, known for weaving magic with hair.

There’s no stopping Angie as she applies the finishing touches to one of Trevor’s costumes

As always, I really enjoy working with Trevor. He brings a great energy to every shoot as he unfolds each new character in front of the camera. From femme fatale to ditsy heroine, it’s a joy to watch and document each emerging look.

Keep an eye out for his next adventure when he returns from Europe.

Flick through the slideshow below for more out-takes of the preparation:

August 15, 2023August 16, 2023

Charles Cooper – Outdoor installations

A snap of Charles looking on, in the reflection of the window, as I set up for the shotA photo of Charles looking on, as seen in the reflection of the window, as I set up for the shot of his latest work

Charles Cooper, artist extraordinaire, has brought his talents out from his studio to create contemporary works of art in public spaces.

Based in Sydney, Charles is a well-known, mid-career artist with a long and impressive exhibition history. Click on this link to his website address. Another link is to the page of Charles Cooper at Annandale Galleries, where his works have been seen in different exhibitions for the past two decades. Charles is also a resident lecturer at the National Art School in Darlinghurst.

Charles’ drawing at Nurse’s Walk, the Rocks

It has been my pleasure to photograph the development of Charles’ paintings, drawings and installations over many years. This time it was a little different … recording his artworks on public display, as part of two outdoor installations. This situation brought its own technical hurdles in terms of light and reflections, particularly as his drawing at The Rocks was displayed behind a deep-set glass window, which was also unevenly lit (a challenge for any photographer)

Installation at 42 Botany Road, Alexandria

However we managed to get good results and Charles’ large-scale works have now been properly documented. If you are near either Botany Road in Alexandria or Nurse’s Walk at The Rocks, look out for his two installations.

August 14, 2023August 16, 2023

All about the boy – a new look for Michael Griffiths

On a recent trip to Sydney from his home city of Adelaide, prior to his departure on a working tour of Europe, performer Michael Griffiths came to my studio for a photoshoot. We worked on creating a new series of imagery for the promotion of upcoming shows on which he is currently working. .

His pedigree is recognized. For example, in 2016 Michael Griffiths won the Helpmann Award for best cabaret performer for his Cole Porter tribute. As a graduate of the well-known West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), he is a talented singer and musician who has been performing non-stop since his graduation in 1999.

It is always a joy to work with Michael. Not only is he a talented musician, piano player and performer but he’s got a great sense of humour. This helps to make any shoot good fun. He usually brings a quirky idea or two to the studio, and we go from there.

Michael has recently been performing at El Piano cabaret club in Sitges in Spain (see this link). If you happen to be in that part of Europe, check out his schedule. For the rest of us … we’ll have to wait until Michael returns to the land of Oz.

July 27, 2023July 27, 2023

Sydney International Piano Competition at the Opera House

Photographing at the Sydney Opera House is always a great pleasure. No matter what the occasion, the view is always amazing. One is always struck by the beauty and grandeur of this impressive structure.

Virginia Braden OAM (Chairman) & Gerard Willems at the media wall prior to the start of the concert.

I was commissioned by “Piano +” to photograph the media wall and VIP reception. Piano + is the entity that has been newly formed to organise and stage the long-standing Sydney International Piano Competition, a program that has been operating annually since 1977. Every four years a competition is held, open to international performers, to compete for a prize money purse. Held in July/August, the prestigious competition is broadcast nationally and internationally.

This year’s competition was won by Jeonghwan Kim (article here:). Kim takes home a $50,000 cash award, as well as being invited to perform at different concerts, a national tour of Australia, a digital and CD release of his performances during the competition, and further recording engagements.