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Sydney Mardi Gras Parade 2026

In Sydney, once again it was time to head to the streets of Darlinghurst for a celebration of diversity and inclusion in the form of the 48th Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, the focal point of the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival. This year with more than 170 floats and 10,000 marchers, the parade was an explosion of colour.

It’s an opportunity for everyone to dress up, perk up and have a good time, from the crowds of people lining Oxford Street and Flinders Street (the main parade route) to the numerous participants in the parade itself, adorning the various floats. This year’s theme was Ecstatica  – Our Joy is Power! It was a wild mix of pride, passion and glitter-fuelled resistance. Following are some of my photographs from my time spent during the preparations of the parade and at the event.

Positive Life NSW

I shot the 2026 parade for the organisation Positive Life NSW. I traveled along the parade with the Positive Life float, capturing the joyful moments of the interaction between the parade participants and the general public cheering us on from the sidelines. It was invigorating and celebratory. The energy of the crowd swept you up in the moment, so much so that the 2km walk seemed to come and go in a flash.

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Macquarie University Sports Facility – built by RCCI

I recently completed an architectural shoot at Macquarie University in Sydney for RCCI, the specialist interiors division of Richard Crookes Constructions.

The team delivered a substantial addition to the existing sports pavilion, overlooking the expansive playing fields it serves. The project includes a new external entry structure, upgraded changing rooms, a commercial kitchen, meeting rooms, and a generous hall space from which several viewing rooms extend.

It’s a thoughtful and significant upgrade that will no doubt be greatly appreciated by the teams and wider community who use these facilities.

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Laura, Michele & Francesco

During the Christmas holiday period, I met up with Laura, a friend whom I first met several years ago in Rome at Jonathan’s apartment in Trastevere. At the time Laura was also living in the same apartment building and she was a regular guest on Jonathan’s rooftop terrace for his delicious cooking.

Fast forward several years … Laura found the debonaire Michele and as a result, their gorgeous son Francesco was born. Fast forward some more and the whole family decided to make a trip to discover Australia, also to experience surfing on the east coast from Noosa to Long Reef beach.

During their summer holiday, we met up in Sydney and I completed a photo shoot with all three in my studio. It was such a pleasure to see Laura again, and to meet Michele and Francesco for the first time. I was enchanted and I am so pleased that the occasion was marked by some beautiful portraits of a happy Italian family.

It’s easy to see who is the most photogenic in the family…
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Supporting Our Stages

I am posting an article written by Manan Luthra and published by ArtsHub, outlining some of the challenges facing independent theatre in New South Wales. I noticed that the article features two recent images from my production shoots for “Pharlap” and “Barbra: The Greatest Star”, both staged at the Hayes Theatre.

The article was published in February 2026 as part of ArtsHub’s Creative Journalism Fellowship, an initiative supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Click on this link to read the article:

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Fair Day

Well it was that time of year again in mid-February, when Victoria Park in Sydney was taken over by colour and movement on a grand scale for the 2026 Mardi Gras Fair Day. I was hosting several overseas visitors and we decided that to head to the park to experience the vibe would be an appropriate outing for us all. My friends Jonathan and Mimi joined Lauren, myself and various others on the adventure.

We all had a great time. It’s always a treat to be in the company of close friends  … and on top of that we had a huge backdrop of numerous other fun human beings doing the same thing. Of course there were various focal points such as the continuous parade of entertainers to watch on the main stage.

Atomic Kiss – in action

There was a grassy section on the hill near the perimeter where ATOMIC KISS, an energetic DJ duo, were playing a twin set in matching t-shirts (“Save a horse: Ride a deejay”) and an eager crowd had gathered to dance on the lawn. There were dog shows, fashion shows, inflatable pink flamingos, meat pies, free lollipops, loads of stalls with people either promoting queer sports associations or selling all kinds of stuff.

Alex, Jonathan (on a short visit from Rome) and Gary

It was a perfect summer’s day … in fact so perfect that I found myself at times seeking out the shade under the gum trees. I decided to take my camera and grab a few shots, some of which I am sharing here. The time flew by (obviously we were enjoying ourselves a lot) and what seemed like a couple of hours turned into six. We left uplifted and satisfied, happy and entertained on many levels.

My friend Mimi photo-bombing (normally an annoying habit for a photographer to deal with), but hilarious at Fair Day

Here she is again….

and yet again

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“Barbra: The Greatest Star”

I had a blast photographing the dress rehearsal for Barbra: The Greatest Star at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney — and even during rehearsals, prior to it’s opening in January, this show was already dazzling.

Starring Tana Laga’aia, Laura Murphy, Stellar Perry and Brittanie Shipway, this joyous tribute to Barbra Streisand is a high-voltage celebration of one of the great careers in music and performance. Each performer brings their own voice, personality and theatrical flair to this extraordinary songbook.

The staging is gloriously over the top — big gestures, bold design moments and exuberant performances perfectly match the larger-than-life spirit of the production.

And what a repertoire it is: an incredible parade of Streisand’s classics, from soaring ballads to brassy anthems and more intimate musical moments, all delivered with wit, precision and serious vocal firepower.

The energy in the room was electric — as these images show.

Barbra: The Greatest Star runs at Hayes Theatre Co from 21 January to 14 February 2026. (Click on this link for tickets:)

Cast and crew – Barbra: The Greatest Star
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“Christmas Actually” at the Opera House

Photographing Naomi Price’s “Christmas Actually” is always a joy — and last year’s performances at the Sydney Opera House were no exception. It was a brilliantly fun, festive, and utterly entertaining variety show, and it’s easy to see why this show has become a beloved holiday tradition.

From her witty storytelling to the energetic musical numbers, every moment burst with humour, sparkle, and theatrical flair. The audience was swept along for the ride, laughing, singing, and celebrating the season with Naomi and her talented cast.

For a photographer, it’s a joy to work with vibrant costumes, dynamic staging and a performer who’s utterly expressive and captivating on stage. With my imagery, every frame tells a story — a little chaotic and high spirited.

“Christmas Actually” is more than a show; it’s an experience — one that spreads cheer, showcases incredible talent, and reminds you why live theatre adds to cultural expression.

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NAPWHA – end of year photos

Just before Christmas, I had the pleasure of photographing the team at NAPWHA  (National Association of People with HIV Australia) for their end-of-year lunch. This shoot was a mix of individual portraits of staff members, alongside a group shot (I’ve been photographing the NAPWHA team for several years).

We started in the gardens in Surry Hills, aiming for a relaxed, leafy backdrop — but the weather had other ideas. So we wrapped things up, staging the final shots right in front of the restaurant nearby. The change of location gave the images a fresh, urban feel.

The shoot was a success — a combination of friendly faces, professional portraits, and the group camaraderie that makes NAPWHA such a standout organisation.

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Imagery for Circa AD Jewels catalogue

I travelled to Melbourne to photograph the latest collection for Circa AD Jewels, created by boutique jeweler Adrian Dickens.  I’m delighted to share a selection of images from this shoot, chosen for the official catalogue — you can explore the collection via the link above.

The shoot took place in a stunning location overlooking the city skyline and the leafy expanses of Fitzroy Gardens. It was one of those rare days where everything aligns: beautiful light, a calm atmosphere, and a creative team working in sync.

Our model, Carmen, was an absolute delight — professional, warm, and effortlessly elegant in every frame. She wore refined, tailored pieces from Perri Cutten, which paired perfectly with Adrian’s exquisite jewelry. The combination of craftsmanship, design, and location made for a memorable day behind the camera.

A few highlights from the shoot are displayed here, offering a glimpse into the final catalogue. I’m thrilled with how the imagery for this project has come together.

View of Melbourne CBD from the apartment balcony, looking south-east

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Black Hawk over Moorebank

Some photography jobs stay with you not because of the lighting, or the composition challenges, or even the scale of the client — but because of the sheer spectacle of what’s unfolding in front of your lens. My recent shoot at the ESR-developed warehouse in Moorebank was very much one of those days.

I was commissioned to photograph a helicopter lift ten very large air-conditioning units, one by one, onto the roof of this enormous new warehouse for final installation and connection. On paper, this sounds impressive enough. In reality, standing there on the ground as it happened was something else entirely.

The helicopter itself was a Black Hawk — a serious piece of machinery. Once part of the US military fleet, it’s now been purchased and is operated here in Australia. There’s something unmistakably purposeful about a machine like this: it doesn’t just arrive, it announces itself. You feel it before you see it. The sound, the downdraft, the absolute presence of it in the sky makes everything else around it seem momentarily small.

What made the day even more remarkable was knowing what it took just to get the aircraft to site. The Black Hawk had flown in that morning from Orange, where it is hangared. The logistics involved in mobilising something like this with absolute precision, plus the speed and efficiency of the entire team was amazing…all ten units were put into place in under two hours.

Adding another layer to the story, the flight required two pilots. One had flown in from the US, because the Australian pilot still needed to log more hours on this particular machine before he’s fully qualified to fly it solo. It was a reminder that even with all this raw power and engineering, the human element — skill, training, experience — remains absolutely central.

From a photographic point of view, it was a dream brief: scale, motion, machinery, and a very real sense of risk and precision all wrapped into one. Watching each unit being carefully lifted, flown, and lowered into place was like witnessing a highly-choreographed aerial ballet — just with a lot more noise and wind.

Days like this are a good reminder of how many extraordinary things happen in the background of construction and infrastructure projects, and how lucky I am to occasionally get a front-row seat to document them.

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MMXXV – Matthew Mitcham annual portrait


John McRae
MMXXV – Matthew Mitcham
Pigment inkjet on cotton rag  100cm x 66.5cm
Edition of 9 (2AP)
©2025

Sydney-based photographer John McRae is a long-time collaborator with Olympic gold-medal diver Matthew Mitcham. Since before 2008, when Mitcham won gold in the 10-metre platform event in Beijing with what was then the highest-scoring single dive in Olympic history, McRae has been documenting Mitcham’s evolution from an uncertain youth into a self-possessed, globally recognised sportsman and actor. 

Several of McRae’s portraits of Matthew have appeared on the covers of international magazines, revealing Mitcham’s role as an accomplished performer — at ease with his physical prowess, his stage presence as a theatrical actor and his emotional candour. One of McRae’s portraits was also reproduced on the cover of Mitcham’s 2012 autobiography “Twists and Turns”.

“Essentially, I am using my camera as a tool for tracking and mapping a personality,” says McRae. “Over the years, our working relationship has developed naturally and easily, alongside a growing friendship. In many ways these images are snapshots of the interaction between photographer and muse. I’m interested in turning the camera toward that exchange.”

This newly made portrait marks the continuation of their ongoing series – their 16th annual image produced together. The previous portrait was taken in 2022; a three-year gap shaped not by intention but by geography, with photographer and subject living half a world apart. Reuniting in 2025 brings an added resonance — a sense of return, of picking up a visual conversation mid-sentence. Time, distance and experience are quietly embedded in the image, contributing to its depth and maturity.

Both McRae and Mitcham have long agreed that this body of work will continue for as long as circumstances allow — a shared commitment to subtle observation, innovation and trust.

John McRae’s portraits have been finalists in many of Australia’s most significant art prizes, including the Olive Cotton Award, the National Photographic Portrait Prize, the Moran Portrait Prize, Head On Portrait Prize, the Blake Prize and the Josephine Ulrick & Win Schubert Award. His work has been exhibited widely throughout Australia and internationally, and he continues to explore intimacy, self-awareness and the evolving nature of identity through long-term photographic relationships.

Matthew has returned to Australia to perform in the cutting edge play “Afterglow”. The Sydney season runs from 26 February – 22 March at the Eternity Playhouse (see this link:)
“Afterglow” also has a Melbourne season at Chapel Off Chapel performance space, Prahran, from 30 January – 21 February. (For details click on this link:)

Matthew Mitcham Annual Portraits – full series, starting in 2008 (the year Mitcham won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics for his record-breaking 10-metre platform dive)
Various out-takes from the shoot. As we can see…Matt hasn’t lost his sense of the ridiculous

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Documenting the launch of the Heart Research Institute’s reconciliation action plan

Recently, I had the privilege of photographing an important milestone for The Heart Research Institute (HRI): the launch of their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). It was an afternoon dedicated to acknowledging responsibility, strengthening partnerships, and outlining HRI’s commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

A reconciliation plan is more than a policy document – it’s a framework for meaningful action. It lays out how an organisation intends to build respectful relationships, deepen cultural understanding and create better opportunities for collaboration with First Nations communities. HRI used this event to publicly set out its goals, with a particular focus on advancing Aboriginal health through research, community involvement and culturally informed practice.

The event opened with a Welcome to Country, grounding the room in respect and signalling the significance of the moment. A series of speeches followed, each reinforcing HRI’s commitment to reconciliation and outlining the practical steps that the organisation is now taking. As a photographer, I am aware of the importance of these moments – the mix of sincerity, energy and shared purpose.

The Djurali Aboriginal health team played a central role in the afternoon’s proceedings, representing lived experience and professional expertise working with culturally responsive health initiatives. After the formalities, I was asked to photograph the team as a group, as well as make individual portraits. We made our way to a nearby park, which offered a calm and natural backdrop. The soft afternoon light and open green space helped to create a relaxed atmosphere, allowing each person’s confidence to shine through.

This assignment reminded me how meaningful photography can be when it’s tied to moments of genuine progress and community connection. Documenting events like this is not just about recording who was in attendance – it’s about acknowledging the significance of the work being done and honouring the people at its heart.

Pictured: the Djurali team
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Behind the scenes at the Affordable Art Fair – Carriageworks, Sydney

I was commissioned to photograph at Carriageworks in Eveleigh ahead of the annual Affordable Art Fair, Sydney. My brief was to focus on one of the participating galleries while staff brought artworks into the space to install in preparation for the weekend’s opening.

The image was made to accompany an article published in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) promoting the upcoming event — providing a great opportunity to give readers a glimpse behind the scenes at one of Sydney’s most popular art fairs.

Carriageworks is an inspiring venue to photograph, with its industrial textures and dramatic light, which help to create a striking backdrop for contemporary art. It was great to be able to document the period of set-up and quiet anticipation before the doors opened to the public, and the fair came to life.

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Circa AD jewellery shoot – a day in Melbourne

I flew to Melbourne for a special shoot with Adrian Dickens, the creative force behind Circa AD Jewels, a boutique jeweller renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs.

Our original plan was to shoot in the lush surrounds of Fitzroy Gardens, but in true Melbourne fashion, the weather had other ideas. With rain clouds looming, we made a quick pivot and set up at a nearby apartment building — a location that turned out to be the perfect backdrop for Adrian’s stunning pieces.

The session was part of the upcoming Circa AD catalogue, showcasing Adrian’s latest collection. The ever-elegant Carmen modelled the jewellery beautifully, bringing poise and warmth to every frame, while Perri Cutten provided the smart, sophisticated fashion that perfectly complemented Adrian’s designs.

With such a talented team, excellent results were assured. The day unfolded with great energy and collaboration, and I’ve included a few out-takes and snippets below to give a sense of the atmosphere on set.

Once the final selections for the catalogue are made, I’ll be sharing another post featuring some of the finished shots — so stay tuned!

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Emily Jacir – selected for the 25th Biennale of Sydney

I’m very excited at the recent announcement that my artist friend Emily Jacir will be part of the 25th Biennale of Sydney (March 14 – June 14, 2026).

See link here: Emily Jacir at the Biennale of Sydney

I am happy for Emily that she is getting such high profile exposure in Australia, with a work incorporating film, installation and performance at the former White Bay Power Station (not far from my studio). I’m equally happy that this means Emily will be traveling to Sydney and I will get to catch up with her once she arrives. It has been several years since our last meeting in Rome.

Jacir is a multidisciplinary artist whose primary interest lies in transformation, resistance and silenced historical narratives. She works in a variety of media including film, photography, installation, performance, video, writing, and sound. She draws on the artistic medium of concept art and social intervention as a framework for her pieces, in which she focuses on themes of displacement, exile, and Palestinian culture, primarily within the context of resilience and resistance.

Emily’s list of awards and honours, including winning “The Golden Lion” at the 2007 Venice Biennale, is too long to mention….but look up a brief biography and summary here: Emily Jacir

I am also happy to see that the portrait she chose to promote her inclusion in Sydney’s Biennale was a photo I captured in Rome. It was taken in 2016 in Trastevere, Rome. Emily loved the streets around her apartment so we shot a number of frames along those narrow, cobblestoned, historical carriageways, as well as a few images in her apartment and on the terrace.

I look forward to seeing Emily when she arrives in early 2026.

Emily on the roof terrace of her apartment with the colours of Trastevere in the background.
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Revisiting Wonderland – Central Park

Every so often, I like to revisit shoots from the archive. It’s not just a chance to reflect on past projects — it’s an opportunity to rediscover images, appreciate the work again with fresh eyes, and showcase it to clients who may find relevance in it today. That was certainly the case with my 2019 shoot for Multiplex at Wonderland Central Park, located near Broadway in Sydney.

Wonderland Central Park is an iconic addition to the inner-city landscape — a striking architectural development that blends bold design, modern living, and an innovative approach to urban space. When Multiplex commissioned me to photograph the project, the goal was to capture the building’s presence, energy, and the seamless integration of architectural elements into the vibrant Central Park precinct.

Fast-forward to recently, when Allegion Australia, a Melbourne-based company responsible for the exterior, shutters on the building, reached out for imagery showcasing their work as part of the façade. Revisiting this shoot reminded me just how impressive the structure is — and how rewarding it is to create visuals that stand the test of time. Good architectural photography doesn’t just document a building; it becomes part of its story and continues to serve its purpose as an enduring image.

Looking back at the images, my focus was on scale, texture, and the way light interacted with the structure. The exterior shutters — an integral feature of the building’s character — play a key role in both form and function, and it was exciting to see this detail acknowledged and requested for industry use.

Why revisiting past work matters

As creatives, we often move quickly from one project to the next. But revisiting earlier shoots offers value in many ways, including giving fresh perspective, highlighting industrial relevance and signalling the evolution of my portfolio.

For me, it also underscores the importance of building a catalogue of commercial work that continues to support architects, builders, and suppliers long after a project is completed.

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Opening night at the Hayes Theatre: “Phar Lap – The Musical”

Pictured: Ellen Simpson (Choreographer), Steven Kramer (Book, music, Lyrics) & Sheridan Harbridge (Director)

Over two vibrant opening nights at The Hayes Theatre in Potts Point, I was invited to photograph guests as they arrived to celebrate the launch of Phar Lap – the brand new electro-swing musical about Australia’s beloved racehorse with the big heart.

Set against a large Phar Lap banner and the theatre’s red carpet, I photographed a stream of excited theatre-goers, cast members, and supporters as they entered the venue. This kind of photography isn’t my usual genre — I’m more often behind the lens at rehearsals and production shoots — but I really enjoyed the fast-paced, spontaneous interaction with people as they arrived. There’s something energising about these quick moments of connection: a brief exchange, a smile, and a frame that captures the anticipation of opening night.

It was a wonderful experience to be part of the buzz and celebration surrounding this fresh, lively musical that reimagines one of Australia’s most iconic stories.

Happy to hear it has been a SOLD-OUT season at the Hayes Theatre.

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“Phar Lap” – new electro-swing musical production at the Hayes Theatre

I’ve had the pleasure of contributing photography to the current production at the Hayes Theatre, Phar Lap – The Musical. This brand-new Australian work takes inspiration from the legendary racehorse Phar Lap and the mythology that surrounds him, blending history, humour and heart into a sharp, witty and wonderfully entertaining story.

My involvement began back in July with an initial studio shoot designed to create key promotional imagery for the production. During that session, I also captured a series of interviews with the cast, director and writer — offering insight into the creative process and the unique spirit of the show as it took shape.

Pictured: Justin Smith (plays Harry Telford, Joel Granger (plays Phar Lap), Sheridan Harbridge (Director) and Steven Kramer (Writer, music and lyrics)

More recently, I photographed the dress rehearsal, capturing the energy and visual richness of the full production. These images are now being used to further promote the season and highlight the incredible performances and vibrant staging that make this show such a standout.

I loved the music…..Phar Lap boasts an irresistible electro-swing score, with inspirations from Duke Ellington to Daft Punk. Brassy, lively and retro. I was concentrating on the photography, the angles, the action however, I found myself tapping my leg and moving to the beat.

The season is now in full swing at the Hayes, and it’s brilliant — smartly written, beautifully performed, and exceptionally funny. It’s always a thrill to collaborate with the team at Hayes Theatre and to help visually tell the story of a production that so perfectly celebrates Australian talent and storytelling.

Starring Shay Debney, Lincoln Elliott, Joel Granger, Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Amy Hack, Nat Jobe, Joey Phyland and Justin Smith.

Director Sheridan Harbridge
Musical Supervisor Steven Kramer
Musical Director David Gardos
Choreographer Ellen Simpson
Associate Director & Stage Manager  Daniel Cottier
Set Designer Hailley Hunt
Costume Designer Mason Browne
Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest
Sound Designer Liam Roche
Arranger & Orchestrator Jack Earle
Orchestrator & Track Producer Steve Toulmin
Associate Track Producer Glenn Moorhouse
Ableton/Keyboard Programmer David Youings
Sound Content Designer Matty James
Production Manager Damion Holling
Assistant Stage Manager Nathan Sandy
Sound Engineer Em-Jay Dwyer
Set Design Assistant Adrien Stark
Costume Design Assistant Jess Dilworth
Musical Director’s Assistant Lauren Shaw
Intimacy Coordinator Chloë Dallimore

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Roberts & Co upgrade of Cumberland High School continues

I recently returned to Cumberland High School to capture the latest phase of the impressive upgrade by Roberts Co. This visit marked the completion of the latest phase of the project (there is more to come), with the final extension of classrooms now in place, alongside a brand-new high school building designed to house woodwork, technical studies, and other hands-on learning activities.

A standout addition is the state-of-the-art gymnasium and multi-purpose meeting hall, both built with a clear focus on functionality, light, and space. The architecture and finishes speak to a modern learning environment—one that feels open, inspiring, and well considered.

The transformation of Cumberland High has been remarkable to witness over the course of construction. With handover approaching, it’s easy to imagine how much the students and staff will appreciate their revitalised campus—ready for a new chapter of learning and community.

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Heart to Heart – an evening at the Heart Research Institute

Professor Ben Freedman

Last week I photographed an event hosted by the Heart Research Institute (HRI) in Newtown. The HRI is a world-leading medical research institute dedicated to understanding, preventing, and treating cardiovascular disease — the single biggest killer globally. Their pioneering research spans from molecular science in the lab through to clinical studies that directly improve patient care.

The evening began with a warm reception where guests gathered over food and conversation. It was a chance to connect supporters, researchers, and members of the community in a relaxed setting, before moving into the more formal part of the program.

The highlight of the night was a talk by Professor Ben Freedman, who shared his expertise and insights into cardiovascular research and, in particular, atrial fibrillation (AF) — a common but often underdiagnosed heart rhythm disorder that greatly increases the risk of stroke. Professor Freedman’s presentation was both engaging and informative, bringing clarity to a complex subject and underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment.

Adding a deeply personal dimension to the discussion, Mrs. Maggie Smith shared her lived experience of managing atrial fibrillation on a day-to-day basis. Her story offered an invaluable perspective, reminding everyone in the room of the human side of medical research and why the work of the HRI is so vital.

As the evening drew to a close, Professor Freedman demonstrated some of the latest gadgets and tools now available to help monitor “heart health.” From wearable devices to digital innovations, these practical examples gave the audience a glimpse into how cutting-edge research is translating into everyday care.

Events like this are a reminder that medical research is not just about lab results or statistics; it’s about people, their lives, and the potential for science to create healthier futures. I’m grateful to the HRI for the opportunity to document the event and witness the powerful intersection of research, community, and personal experience. Plus on a personal note, I find these subjects extremely interesting as it reminds me of the passion I had as a young science student, studying pharmacology and immunology at Monash University…in another lifetime.