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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.
Some time ago, I staged a shoot at my studio for the talented, intelligent and vibrant Australian fashion luminary, Glynis Traill-Nash. It was a great afternoon of creativity, fun and really, really stunning shoes!
We worked on imagery for Glynis’ forthcoming season of performances at the PICF in June. However, little did I know beforehand that Glynis the renowned fashion writer, is also an accomplished jazz singer (by night).
The show sounds great … incorporating her talents as a singer with stories, anecdotes, advice and even a tongue-in-cheek Q&A responding to the wacky world of fashion. The title says it all: “In These Shoes – Glynis Traill-Nash.”See this link:
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend a dress rehearsal at the Hayes Theatre for Tell Me On A Sunday, the upcoming Sydney production of the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black. As a lover of theatre and photography, I was thrilled to be able to help stage some behind-the-scenes moments of the talented cast and crew in action.
Capturing these moments on camera was a privilege, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to document the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this show to life. I look forward to seeing the finished performance starring Erin Clare on opening night in Sydney. I know that audiences are in for a real treat with this stunning production of Tell Me On A Sunday.
Tell Me On A Sunday commenced performances at the Hayes Theatre this weekend, taking audiences back to the heady days of New York City in the late Seventies and featuring some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most hummable, emotionally engaging, touching and melodic work.
Working with lyricist Don Black, Lloyd Webber’s song cycle tells the story of a young Englishwoman navigating a new life – including work, culture and love – in New York City.
It includes the classic songs Take That Look Off Your Face, Tell Me On A Sunday, Nothing Like You’ve Ever Known, Capped Teeth and Caesar Salad, It’s Not The End of the World, Come Back With the Same Look In Your Eyes and Let’s Talk About You, among many others.
This musical features a knockout performance from Erin Clare as ‘The Girl’ and is directed by Blazey Best, with Musical Supervision by Guy Simpson. This is a unique piece of musical theatre featuring a multi instrumentalist six piece band on stage.
Cast and Creatives
Starring Erin Clare
Director Blazey Best Musical Supervisor Guy Simpson Musical Director David Gardos Associate Director Lisa Callingham Lighting Designer Kelsey Lee Sound Designer Tom Brickhill Stage & Company Manager Krystelle Quartermain Assistant Stage Manage Hana Barn
The fabulous Bek Jensen stepped into my studio recently to work on some images around a new album that she is about to release.
Bek is a talented singer/songwriter and from the age of 16 she has been working professionally as part of the Australian music scene. She comes from a very musical family with both parents also working as musicians….. so it’s no wonder that this enthusiasm has been passed on.
Bek has recorded and toured nationally with many of Australia’s iconic artists including Cold Chisel, Jimmy and Mahalia Barnes, Tina Harrod, The Sleepy Jackson, Paul McDermott, ALPHAMAMA, Morganics, Jackie Orszaczky and Clayton & Lachy Doley. She has released numerous original recordings, both signed and unsigned, under different guises.
The new single from the album is called “Energy”…..available on AppleMusic here: Listen to the music of Bek Jensen now!
Costume: House of Priscilla, Wig Styling: @wiggedoutau
Minnie Cooper is one of Sydney’s most eminent drag queens. Her career spans decades and she hails from the flamboyant, golden years of drag in Sydney in Oxford Street. Most recently she has done a sterling job starring in the latest series of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under (currently showing on Stan). Minnie made it through to the fourth episode, before she was ceremonially ejected from the line-up by Ru Paul herself. She departed with enviable glamour and style.
Minnie asked me to organise a shoot to document some of the original looks which “she rocked” during the four episodes of Drag Race Down Under. Here are some images from that shoot. Think Lucille Ball, operatic diva, Madame Butterfly, Penelope Pitstop. It is always great to work with Minnie, who is a real pro, an authentic Sydney icon and a generous mentor to upcoming talent. I know that Minnie has further show-stopping looks which deserve to be properly documented, and so I look forward to our next photography session together.
Costume: Dallas Della Force, Wig Styling: @wiggedoutau, Jewellery: House of PriscillaCostume: Kirsten Damned, Wig Styling: @wiggedoutau, Boots: House of PriscillaCostume: Kirsten Damned, Wig Styling: @wiggedoutau
Trevor Ashley, the Australian musical theatre actor, cabaret and drag artist based in Sydney, is continually inventing new characters and new looks.
Currently he has been working on the Drag Hag podcast and providing re-caps of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under (to see episode 4, click here).
At the studio Trevor posed under the lights showcasing a series of vibrant, extravagant and fun new alter egos with costumes by Frida Las Vegas, under the master touch of Daniel Cater (aka Dallas Dellaforce) who took care of hair, make-up and styling.
Daniel and Trevor in the make-up chair
As a chameleon and from my experience of working with Trevor since the early 2000s, I never quite know who is going to be channeled on set…..Liza, Shirley, Edna or one of his brand new superstars.
One calm Friday morning in January, I walked onto a retro set which had been constructed at Sydney Props Specialists in Marrickville. I love this place. It’s like walking through the door of a “dressing cupboard” into a magical universe in a parallel dimension.
Vanity Fair and Courtney Act were putting the final touches to their make-up, as they were getting ready for their close-ups. I quickly set about constructing the lighting rig on the set so we could commence shooting. Playing the roles inspired by two friends in a 1980s chat show, Vanity and Courtney posed on the two main sets … one a “high-tech” office reception area with a huge desk-top computer and antiquated Eighties technology, and the other a pastel pink bedroom scene reminiscent of a Barbie boudoir.
These images are being used by NOVA Entertainment to promote their upcoming podcast by Vanity Fair and Courtney Act entitled “Brenda, Call Me” beginning on February 11. Here’s the promo blurb….
Drag sisters in crime, Courtney Act and Vanity have a new podcast: Brenda, Call Me! Friends for over twenty years, they’ve gone through it all together. Catch up with them each week as they let it all hang out discussing everything and nothing. It’s the Seinfeld of podcasts. Coming soon.
I have been photographing the legendary Bob Downe for many years now and I feel that I must comment on the fact that for some reason Bob never seems to age. See for yourself in the images from my latest shoot with this iconic stage, cabaret, theatre and television personality. Like many of his ilk, Bob never gives away his ageless grooming secrets, although in a recent post he did mention that he “sleeps in a rubber mould”. However, I suspect he was pulling our proverbial leg.
Bob was wearing some of the magnificent creations of Maude Boate. Maude is one of the true originals of Australian drag, as well as an incredibly talented designer and dress-maker. Maude’s trademarked polystyrene wigs were adapted for the movie and stage-play, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Bob’s good friend and confidant, Mark Trevorrow feels that Bob should be at Madame Tussauds. In his sequinned leisure suits, sometimes he almost looks like he is. (Incidentally Mark Trevorrow is performing on March 4 at Claire’s Kitchen at Le Salonin Oxford St, Darlinghurst). Others have described Bob as “naturally fabulous”, and “ageing like indestructible Tupperware”. All I can say is that I always have loads of laughs with Bob on every photo shoot in my studio. He’s a real pro and he makes my job so much easier, despite the highly flammable fabrics.
Finally the announcement has been made, and I’m excited to post the latest from Prinnie Stevens. Her one woman cabaret show is being staged as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival, 2021, and Prinnie will be performing at the Chamber at THE QUEENS from March 4-7.
Here’s what they say about LADY SINGS THE BLUES…..
A story about women in song, their hurts, struggles and pain whilst their beauty remains the same.
Featuring the songs of the greats such as Billie Holiday, Etta James, Nina Simone & Ella Fitzgerald along with the modern day voices of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Beyonce and Sade you will be transported from the speak easy setting to the very heart of our Lady.
Prinnie as a woman of colour in Australia will tell these tales through her own eyes and experience.
We first met Prinnie on season one of The Voice where she battled best friend Mahalia Barnes and stopped Australia in it’s tracks. Prinnie then went on to star on the West End in Thriller Live in the UK as well performing in the Australasian Tour before returning to the stage back home in The Bodyguard and HAIR the Musical.
Prinnie during the shoot for her poster at my studio, with hair and make-up by the talented team of Joe and Drew.
Well known for her roles in theatrical productions of Rent, Thriller Live, The Bodyguard and Oh, What a Night, for which she was nominated for a Helpmann Award, Prinnie rarely sits still. It was a pleasure to work with Prinnie, Joe and Drew on the day of the shoot last November. I wish her all the success in the world and look forward to seeing her perform in Adelaide. Tickets are on sale. Click the link.
Samantha Leith, with Sarah Damichi putting the finishing touches to make up.
It was a joy to photograph Samantha – performer, business strategist and motivational speaker – who is forever on the move. She is a great communicator with a vivacious energy and we had a fun afternoon shooting new imagery for her branding and corporate profile.
As Samantha says, “If you haven’t noticed, I’ve stopped listening to the ‘experts’ that tell you to only have one business. I happen to love and excel at being a multi passionate entrepreneur.” To find out more about Samantha visit her website here.
Samantha Leith in the makeup chair, with Sarah Damichi
Performer, singer and finalist on Australia’s “The Voice”, Prinnie Stevens came by the studio to work on images for a brand new show.
Here are some behind-the-scenes shots of Prinnie getting ready with Joe and Drew doing hair and makeup. Stay tuned for further information about show dates and the release of the finished imagery from the shoot, highlighting the talents of Prinnie, well known for her roles in theatrical productions of Rent, Thriller Live, The Bodyguard and Oh, What a Night, for which she was nominated for a Helpmann Award.
Brett Austinand Domenic De Sousa are two talented Sydney deejays who are highly sought after in the clubs and dance parties of Sydney, Australia and beyond.
Like all good professionals they are continually up-dating their image and their promotional efforts.
In preparation for her Sydney Festival show next January at the Parramatta Riverside Theatre Catherine Alcorn is starring in FNL (Friday Night Live) with Paul McDermott. Produced by Tenacious C this is a musical revue which incorporates Daniel Edmonds as musical director, Glenn Moorehouse as band leader, Ted Robinson as director and featuring the luminous talents of Verushka Darling .
Catherine Alcorn
Backstage at the photoshoot for FNL, Sydney Festival 2021, with Catherine Alcorn, Paul McDermott, Verushka Darling and Glenn Moorehouse.
Paul McDermott, Verushka Darling, Daniel Edmonds and Catherine Alcorn
Jennifer Holliday performs at the opening of the festival at the Recital Hall, Sydney
Sydney was the original home of cabaret in Australia; it is an artform that is truly loved by all Australians. This year organisers decided to bring back the Sydney Cabaret Festival.
Trevor Ashley is the Festival’s Artistic Director. He assembled both International and Australian cabaret stars into a 9 day extravaganza of top class entertainment. Trevor states, “I have loved Cabaret as long as I can remember. As a confused child growing up I discovered this incredible artform that celebrated unique personalities, and more than that, an irreplaceable bond between artist and audience. Seeing artists like Lorrae Desmond, Julie Anthony and Geraldine Turner live, made me believe I could be anyone I wanted to be. It changed my life.”
Trevor Ashley, 2011 In make-up for his role of Edna Turnblad for the Australian production of Hairspray
The 2019 Sydney Cabaret Festival features Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday (pictured above), appearing for the first time on Australian soil, alongside local legends like Phil Scott and Jonathan Biggins, to New York downtown darling Natalie Joy Johnson. UK’s Frisky and Mannish return after a ten year hiatus, as does diva Alison Jiear. Tim Draxl will appear in a world premiere of his new show, along with Kim David Smith, Reuben Kaye and Brian Nash, plus circus and variety show Cheeky Cabaret, direct from their home in Brunswick Heads. Tim Benzie returns to Sydney with Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote. The Festival also includes a cabaret for children, Petit Cabaret, and masterclasses with Jennifer Holliday and Alison Jiear, as well as the Grand Final of the restored Sydney Cabaret Competition.
I was the Festival’s Photographer and had the pleasure of photographing and documenting most of the action. The following is a brief visual overview of how I spent my time.
Jennifer Holliday – Headlines the Festival
Jennifer Holliday headlines the Festival, appearing at the opening night at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place, SydneyMs. Holliday is the undisputed Queen of the broadway musical,Dreamgirls. Her show stopping number, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, for which she won a grammy in 1983, is her signature piece. She won a Tony award for her performance in Dreamgirls in 1982. Jennifer laid the audience in the aisles as she unleashed her amazing voice in the Sydney Town Hall on Saturday 6 July, 2019
Opening Night at the City Recital Hall
Trevor Ashley gives it his all as he channels some grand diva from somewhere.Trevor Ashley in diva modePhil Scott and Jonathan Biggins at the Opening Night.Phil Scott and Jonathan BigginsPhil Scott and Jonathan BigginsPhil Scott and Jonathan BigginsJonathan BigginsReuben KayeReuben KayeReuben KayeReuben KayeReuben Kaye, beamed down for the performanceBrian Nash at the keyboardBrian Nash New York City goddess and diva, Nathalie Joy JohnsonNathalie Joy JohnsonNathalie Joy JohnsonNathalie Joy JohnsonNathalie Joy JohnsonKim David SmithKim David SmithKim David SmithKim David SmithAlison Jiear at the Recital HallAlison Jiear
The solo Performances
The Piano Bar at the Seymour CentreSeymour Centre
The Seymour Centre was transformed into the Cabaret Hub with solo performances simultaneously running in 5 separate performance spaces. There was a great buzz of excitement and anticipation as the audiences crowded to attend each show. I ran from theatre to theatre capturing the action. Here’s a visual overview…..
Alison Jiear
Alison JiearAlison JiearAlison Jiear
Cabaret Competition Grand Final
Australia’s next generation of cabaret superstars launched their careers at The Sydney Cabaret Competition: Grand Final hosted by ‘International Queen of Cabaret’ Trevor Ashley.
9 entertainers were selected as finalists (Nyssa Milligan, Irene Nicaola, Katelin Koprivec, Sarah Murr, Naomi Livingston, Rachael Gillfeather, Ali Calder, Billie Palin and Clare Ellen O’Connor), each performed their own short cabaret shows. The judges then selected the 2019 winner.
Congratulations to the runner up – Clare Ellen O’Conner with her show Plucked! and the Audience Choice and Winner – Billie Palin, for her incredible performance in ‘From Dubbo to Death’.
Irene Nicola performs at the finalsClair Ellen O’Conner in “Plucked” (Competition Runner-up)Clair Ellen O’Conner Clair Ellen O’Conner Katelin KoprivecKatelin KoprivecSarah MurrSarah MurrBillie Palin in “From Dubbo to Death” (Competition Winner)Nyssa MilliganNyssa MilliganNaomi LivingstonTrevor Ashley announces the Runner-UpTrevor Ahsley presents the Runner-Up to Claire O’ConnorThe winner is announced! It’s Billie Palin, in “From Dubbo to Death
Cheeky Cabaret
Born out of the sleepy, picturesque village of Brunswick Heads on the north coast of NSW, birthed at the Brunswick Picture House, comes “Cheeky Cabaret”. Full of many flavours…..other than vanilla and very entertaining, Cheeky Cabaret ran for the entire length of the Festival in the Valhalla Room at the Seymour Centre.
Cheeky CabaretCheeky CabaretCheeky Cabaret
Frisky and Hammish
Frisky and MannishFrisky and MannishFrisky and Mannish
Master Class with Jennifer Holliday
Jennifer Holliday MasterclassJennifer Holliday gives some special advice during her master class at the Seymour Centre
Kim David Smith
Kim David SmithKim David SmithKim David Smith
Nathalie Joy Johnson
Nathalie Joy JohnsonNathalie Joy JohnsonNathalie Joy Johnson
Phil Scott & Jonathan Biggins
Phil Scott and Jonathan BigginsPhil Scott and Jonathan BigginsPhil Scott and Jonathan BigginsPhil Scott and Jonathan Biggins
Reuben Haye
Reuben KayeReuben Kaye on stage at “Capricios”, Seymour Centre
Tim Draxyl
Tim Draxyl dazzles his audienceTim Draxyl begins his performanceTim DraxylTim DraxylTim Draxyl
Toni Lamond and the Finale
Trevor Ashley at the Festival FinaleTrevor Ashley at the Festival FinaleTrevor Ashley at the Festival FinaleBillie Palin (Cabaret Competition Winner)Billie Palin (Cabaret Competition WinCabaret Royalty, Toni Lamond, makes her entranceToni Lamond slays the crowdToni LamondToni LamondToni LamondToni LamondToni Lamond
The Piano Bar
The Piano Bar was a big hit each night of the FestivalThe Piano Bar, the place to be after the show
The Piano Bar was a popular venue, nestled in the Seymour Centre’s Festival hub. Each night heralded a plethora of pop-up performances from various artists.
Rhonda Burchmore lying down on the job!Trevor Ashley with Rhonda BurchmoreCath AlcornCath AlcornGenevieve LemonGenevieve LemonGenevieve LemonGenevieve LemonMinnie CooperMinnie CooperMinnie CooperMinnie CooperBrian NashNathalie Joy Johnson (sans wig)Nathalie Joy JohnsonReuben KayeNathalie Joy Johnson, Reuben Kaye & Brian NashNathalie Joy Johnson, Reuben Kaye, Brian Nash & Trevor AshleyTrevor Ashley and Nathalie Joy JohnsonTrevor AshleyRhonda BurchmoreRhonda BurchmoreRhonda BurchmoreRhonda BurchmoreTim FreedmanTim FreedmanRhonda BurchmoreRhonda BurchmoreCatherine AlcornCatherine AlcornCatherine AlcornGenevieve LemonPhil ScottKim David Smith and Brian NashReuben Kaye and Brian Nash
The Sydney International Cabaret Festival was a big success and will be now on the Sydney cultural horizon….so watch out for it next year and don’t miss seeing a few of the performers in next years line-up.
Loads of fun shooting with Liesel Badorrek and Annabel Lines for their promotional image for a new show they were performing. We ended up with a great image.
Ali & Osso Buco wins the 2013 “Shoot The Chef Competition”
I received fabulous news on Tuesday. I knew that I had been selected as a finalist in this years “Shoot The Chef”, what I didn’t know, until I read the paper, was that I had won! I always assumed the winners of these types of competitions were gently informed before hand. I wasn’t…. and when I received a text from my friend, Domonic, I merely said, “you can”t believe everything you read in the newspaper”.I’m happy to say it’s true and I’m going to collect my prize money on Thursday night at the opening of the “Good Food Month” at the Sydney Opera House.
This image is my interpretation of what a contemporary chef might look like, and a parody on the concept of fine dining. It is part of a series of photographs I have been working on with the Sydney chef, Robert Zampogna. Robert was the Executive Chef at the East Lakes Golf Course for about 10 years and last year he approached me with the concept to produce a cook book together, titled Hungry. Ali & Osso Buco, as the name suggests, is our visual rendition of Rob’s Italian dish, Osso Buco. Ali plays the role of the inverted aristocrat beautifully. He is seated, bare-chested, alone at a table, his napkin to one side as he chews his candle-lit meal. He stares provocatively at the viewer. The setting is “grand industrial”, and the backdrop is a shot I captured on a recent visit to the disused White Bay Power Station.
I’ve always enjoyed seeing the images each year from “Shoot The Chef”. I like the subject of food and the idea of the chef, it showcases some amazing creativity and this year I decided to be part of it…and I can tell you I’m glad I did.
Thanks to Ali and Rob for their brilliant contribution and collaboration to this win.
