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When the job requires cold storage

I recently had the opportunity to photograph another impressive project completed by Mainbrace, showcasing the scale and complexity of modern industrial construction.

Located within the existing Toll warehouse at Kemps Creek, the project involved the installation of a substantial cold storage facility designed to support temperature-controlled logistics operations. A key feature of the development is the construction of a large refrigeration (2000 square metres) chamber housing multiple warehouse storage units that have been assembled within the insulated environment, all hanging off a portal frame built inside the existing warehouse.

The project highlights the precision and coordination required to deliver specialised cold storage infrastructure while integrating seamlessly into an operational warehouse setting. From the vast internal spaces to the intricate construction details, it was fascinating to capture the transformation of the facility and document the craftsmanship involved.

These images provide a glimpse into the scale of the installation and the expertise required to create a modern cold storage environment capable of supporting today’s demanding supply chain and logistics requirements.

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Applying for that first job – Frankie’s first professional head shot

It was a real pleasure recently to photograph Frankie as she prepares to complete her university degree and take her first steps into the professional workforce.

This was Frankie’s first professional headshot session, designed to create a strong image for LinkedIn, job applications, and professional networking. In today’s competitive job market, a professional photograph is often a first introduction and can help communicate confidence, credibility, and professionalism.

Frankie was a natural in front of the camera, and it was wonderful to capture her enthusiasm, intelligence, and optimism for the future. The resulting images reflect a young professional ready to embrace new opportunities and begin an exciting career journey.

I wish Frankie every success as she transitions from university life into the workforce and am delighted to have helped her make a great first impression.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch should you be looking to get a great head shot. I would love to work with you. (John’s mb: 0419619161)

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Sydney Cabaret at Ginger’s

From left to right: Teo Persechino, Keane Sheppard-Fletcher, Chris Archer (producer), Stephanie Caccomo & Eliza Soriano

Every now and then, an event comes along that reminds us just how much extraordinary talent exists in Australia. For me, one of those highlights is being involved with the Sydney Cabaret, produced by Chris Archer of Archery Productions, a passionate advocate for live performance and Australian entertainers.

Pictured: various guests having a great time during pauses in the performances

Held every couple of months at Ginger’s, nestled within Sydney’s iconic Oxford Hotel, the Sydney Cabaret Initiative has become a welcoming showcase for some of Australia’s finest performers. From accomplished vocalists to emerging artists, the evenings celebrate the richness, diversity and sheer quality of Australian entertainment talent.

On stage the four amazing artist on the night: Stefanie Caccamo, Keane Sheppard-Fletcher, Eliza Soriano, Teo Persechino

My role is a little different from those on stage. While the performers captivate audiences with song, storytelling and charisma, I have the privilege of documenting the event through photography. It is a role I thoroughly enjoy because it allows me to capture the energy, emotion and artistry that make each cabaret evening unique.

Stephen Kramer (Musical Director, and also composer/writer of the Australian musical, Phar Lap)

One of the most rewarding aspects of photographing these events is witnessing the connection between performer and audience. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad, a witty cabaret number or a show-stopping finale, with long-held notes and large hand gestures. Through my photographs, I aim to tell the story of each performance and create a lasting visual record of these special nights.

Teo Persechino & Stephanie Caccamo share a moment together on the stairs

Chris Archer deserves enormous credit for creating an environment where performers can shine and audiences can discover new talent. The Sydney Cabaret Initiative is more than just an entertainment event; it is a celebration of Australia’s vibrant performing arts community. It provides artists with a respected platform while giving audiences an intimate and memorable live music experience…a win, win situation.

I look forward to continuing my involvement and documenting many more unforgettable performances. If you love live music, cabaret and the incredible depth of Australian talent, a night at Ginger’s for the Sydney Cabaret is an experience well worth having. To book for the next performance click on this link:

Stephanie Caccamo prepares for her performance in the dressing room at Ginger’s
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Jewels and hats photographed in Melbourne

Once again Adrian Dickens of Circa AD Jewels commissioned me to travel to Melbourne to photograph final images for his 2026 catalogue.

We were fortunate to have Carmen model for us again. Her grace and beauty works so well with the unique pieces from Circa AD and the striking hats from Louis McDonald, the well-known Melbourne milliner. Once again it was a great team and a joy to work with these amazing human beings.

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Photographing Macy Gray at The Station, Newcastle

As a concert photographer, there are some artists whose performances translate effortlessly through the lens, and Macy Gray is certainly one of them. I recently had the opportunity to photograph her show at The Station in Newcastle as part of her Australian tour, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Macy Gray performs on stage at The Station, Newcastle

From the moment she walked on stage, Macy had the crowd in the palm of her hand. Her unmistakable voice remains as distinctive as ever, and her ability to connect with an audience is something that can’t be manufactured. Every song carried a sense of authenticity and emotion that made the performance feel genuinely special.

For photographers, live music is all about capturing moments, and there was no shortage of them throughout the night. Whether it was a powerful vocal passage, an intimate interaction with the audience, or simply the way she moved across the stage, there was always something happening that told the story of the performance. Combined with the atmosphere inside the venue, it made for a fantastic night of shooting.

What impressed me most was just how comfortable and confident Macy looked on stage. There’s a natural quality to her performances that comes from years of experience, yet everything still feels fresh and spontaneous. The audience responded to every moment, creating a great energy in the room from the first song through to the final encore.

The Station provided the perfect setting for the show, allowing fans to experience the performance up close and creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and electric. Those are often the kinds of nights that produce the most memorable images.

With the Australian tour continuing, fans in other cities still have the opportunity to catch Macy live if they choose. Based on the Newcastle performance, they’re in for a memorable evening. (For details & tickets click on this link)

For me, it was another reminder of why I enjoy photographing live music so much. Great performers, great energy, and those fleeting moments that exist for only a second before becoming a photograph.

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“Ground-Breaking” and “Welcome to Country” at new ESR development at Huntingwood

As it the custom in the construction industry it is common to mark certain progressions or moments during the progress of the build. One such event is the commencement actual build. This is marked by an event called, “ground-breaking”. I have described the nature and context of this type of convention in previous posts…click here for more info.

I was commissioned by ESR to document the “welcome to country” and “gound-breaking” at a new Huntingwood location. The following are a series of images from the day….Uncle Davis King was the elder assigned to give the “welcome to country”. This was followed by a series of speeches, one by Scott Falvery (ESR GM for Development-NSW) and the other by the Hon Carol Israel, Deputy Mayor of Blacktown. The event ended with the ceremonial “ground-breaking” with the inscribed shovels, followed by coffee and croissants.

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How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

I shot the production images for this most recent production on at the Hayes Theatre and I am about to share a few of them here as part of this blog.

Firstly, here is some info I gleaned from the Hayes Theatre’s web site for some context….

Armed with a quirky instructional guide, J. Pierrepont Finch is set on climbing the corporate ladder—without breaking a sweat. With equal parts cunning and charm, he sidesteps snares, outwits obstacles, and plots his rise to the top.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a rollicking comic gem of satire and song—a joyful, knowing wink to the ambitious window washer lurking inside us all.

Cast and Creatives

  • With Jake Speer, Simon Burke, Georgia Laga’aia, Wayne Scott Kermond, Noni McCallum, Kaeng Chan, Lucy Lalor, Max Macdonald, Stacey Thomsett, Taye Grant, Madeline Pratt, Zachary Webster, Kye Hall, Katie Green and Kristina McNamara.
  • Director & Choreographer Cameron Mitchell
    Musical Supervisor Damon Wade
    Musical Director Kim Gilbert
    Set Designer Dominic Foffani
    Costume Designer Christine Mutton
    Lighting Designer Peter Rubie
    Associate Producer Kelsi Boyden
    Assistant Director Kristina McNamara
    Assistant Choreographer Zachary Webster

This show runs until the end of September….so book a ticket here: Hayes Theatre box office

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Prime Projects complete Lidcombe Storage King

I recently ventured to Lidcombe Storage King to document the newly completed Storage King facility built by Prime Projects. It was one of those perfect winter’s day so no complaints from the photographer.

We also took the opportunity to shoot some employee head shots on site as well as a couple of marketing shots for the company’s web site.

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Sydney Cabaret @ Ginger’s

It was another fabulous night of entertainment at Ginger’s in Oxford Street. It is good to see cabaret is still alive and audiences are loving the vibe and interaction with the performers. It does remind you that there’s nothing like live entertainment…the energy that an audience and performers create is unique.

Adam Noviello
Brittanie Shipway
Naomi Livingston
Rob Mcdougall
Chris Archer (Producer)

Chris Archer (Archery Productions) has launched a series of cabaret nights featuring some of our best musical talent. I was asked to capture the evening in photos which I totally loved doing.

I am posting a few images here…..

You can book and come along to the next iteration of Sydney Cabaret by clicking on this link: https://www.sydneycabaret.com/

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I’m Afraid of Americans – John Cameron Mitchell at the Enmore Theatre

Two-time Tony Award-winning star and creator of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Shortbus, JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL – I’M AFRAID OF AMERICANS – a Bowie Song Cycle, a thrilling theatrical concert celebrating DAVID BOWIE. Cameron Mitchell played to a full house on Sunday night at the Enmore Theatre and I was darting about capturing some of the action on stage.

Gary Oldman once said of the rock icon, “Don’t you feel that since he died, the world’s gone to sh*t?” John agrees and blends Bowie’s most apocalyptic songs with songs of quiet healing into an emotionally electrifying journey that explains how Hedwig was born (Bowie was an early supporter) and how the cultural icon predicted where the world is today, exactly ten years after he left us.

John is joined by the angelic voice of Australia’s new rising star JUDE YORK, international cabaret star MEOW MEOW and vocal powerhouse AMBER MARTIN (Scissor Sisters), with musical direction by MATTHEW KATZ-BOHEN (Blondie) and lighting design by JOJO FRANJOINE, this visually striking production fuses rock concert, cabaret and theatre.

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One Plus 2 Artist Studios Open Day

It’s happening! The studio complex where I house my photographic studio and where, in an adjoining part of the building, a large open plan artist studio exists, is staging an open day on the 21st and 22nd November, from 10am – 5pm each day.

The general public is invited into the studios of each artist and the entire section of the building to wander around, engage with the artists, engage with their art work and generally have a good time.

The studios address is: 483 Balmain Road, Lilyfield NSW 2040

There will be a group exhibition at the front as people walk in, around the walls of the foyer and gallery area.

Additionally there will be a number of workshops going on both on Saturday and Sunday:

10:00 – life drawing
11:00 – Photography – basic studio lighting
12:00  – Drawing the face demonstration

2pm – 3pm Collage tables with materials for people to follow worksheets

Visit the website for more details and registration if you are interested in participating: www.oneplus2open.com

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New warehouse complex at Villawood

I do enjoy shooting large warehouses in industrial areas of Sydney, areas that I would normally not venture as I live close to the city centre and have few opportunities to visit. Admittedly, it a bit of drive each time as these logistical centres are perched more towards the out-lying, less residential suburbs.

Recently I captured a new build for ESR Australia, a complex of 3 separate warehouses at Villawood. I photographed the exterior and interior of warehouse 2 and 3, with warehouse 1 still receiving the finishing touches on the build, before being handed over to the tenants. So not yet ready to be photographed.

As I have mentioned before there is something very “zen” about photographing architecture and particularly these warehouse complexes. You are normally alone in this industrial landscape full of concrete and metal, walking exaggerated distances to circumnavigate these large structures from all angles and working, generally, up to dusk, hoping for the light to soften and illuminate your subject more sensually than in the stark midday sun.

One can never be sure of how the light will fall. Sometimes by chance or diving providence everything just falls into place….the light is pleasing, the shadows are right, the highlights are right, the sky is interesting enough to enhance the image the way you would like (for example I like a bit of cloud formation), may be a cloud obscures the direct sun at the right time, at the right place, for a great shot. Suffice to say you don’t always get what you would like with so many variables. Occasionally you do and it’s magic!

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Documenting Jacir’s performance at the Sydney Biennale

Image credit:  Emily Jacir, The Belly Cries and the Dogs Laugh, performance as part of the 25th Biennale of Sydney, March 14, 2026. White Bay Power Station, Entertainment Hall. Photograph: John McRae 

One of my photographs of the Emily Jacir rhythmic performance The Belly Cries and the Dogs Laugh, as part of the 25th Biennale of Sydney at White Bay Power Station, has been reproduced as an official postcard for the event. Meanwhile Jacir’s video installation at the White Bay Power Station remains on view until the Biennale closes on June 14.For the full story, see my previous blog post from March 30. https://www.johnmcrae.com/emily-jacir-at-the-sydney-biennale/

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The Pirates of Penzance at The Foundry Theatre

From left to right: Jay Laga’aia, Brittanie Shipway, Sarah Murr (back) & Maxwell Simon

The Hayes Theatre Company brings one of its star productions to the Foundry Theatre stage, a 360-seat live entertainment venue, part of The Star complex in Sydney.

I captured production images of this musical last year at the Hayes Theatre and I was happy to re-visit Gilbert & Sullivan’s madcap and satirical masterwork. Directed by Richard Carroll,
 it is an inventive, re-booted and re-wired take on this classic.

It was a joy to capture these images, while the cast enthusiastically swashbuckled and frolicked on stage.

The Pirates of Penzance is on at the Foundry Theatre until June 7, 2026

Articles:

Hit Hayes Theatre Co Musical, The Pirates Of Penzance, Sails Into The Foundry Theatre

https://www.broadwayworld.com/sydney/article/THE-PIRATES-OF-PENZANCE-Will-Come-to-Sydneys-Foundry-Theatre-20260511

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Catherine Alcorn rocks the socks off at Ginger’s

Seasoned Goddess and talented cabaret performer Catherine Alcorn has started something fabulous at Ginger’s nightclub on Oxford Street, Darlinghurst.

Last Friday was the second (sell-out) night of a continuing series of performances designed to “rock your socks off”. I had the pleasure of photographing her performance, together with various members of the “packed-to-the-rafters” audience.

“You may think Alcorn’s great strength is her powerhouse vocals, but it is in fact her ability to ad-lib” (Catherine Alcorn Live (Ginger’s) – Cultural Binge)

Catherine had invited some of her talented colleagues to share the stage…the acclaimed cabaret legend Phil Scott, and the recent Juilliard School graduate (Master of Music degree) jazz trumpeter James Sarno, with the warm-up act being the musical comedy of Jackie Loeb (Sydney Comedy Festival shows coming up soon)

Catherine and Phil – following a bare-chested performance by Phil Scott

Book a seat for the next shows Ginger’s 12 June or Ginger’s 24 July. See you there!

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Photographing in Melbourne for Circa AD Jewels

Louise Macdonald (Milliner) positions one of her hats on Carmen (model)

I always love it when I have a reason to head to Melbourne for work. Melbourne was my old stomping ground in my late teens and early 20’s, while I was studying for a science degree at Monash University. I enjoyed that time discovering all that the city had to offer, a far cry from the dairy farm I grew up on. Now living in Sydney for what seems like a life-time, it’s somewhat nostalgic to have a reason to head back down to Victoria.

The shoot begins…
Louise and Adrian styling Carmen
Ned taking a break
Adrian and Carmen having fun on set

I was shooting the lovely Carmen, who was once again modelling for Adrian Dickens of Circa AD Jewels. This time Adrian was also collaborating with the talented milliner Louise Macdonald

On a perfectly sunny morning, we all met up at Sun Studios in Melbourne to start the shoot. I was assisted by Ned Roche, my trusty “right-hand man”. It was a perfect team. Everything flowed smoothly and there was space to enjoy ourselves while we worked.

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Grass Flat, Mitre Rock & Arapiles

At the southern tip of the Great Dividing Range, the mountain range that extends from the eastern seaboard of Queensland all the way down to Victoria (almost 3,500kms), we find the final “last hurrah” of this massive natural edifice before it fades off into the flat regions of the Wimmera Plains. Here we find Mitre Rock and Mount Arapiles.

Mt Arapiles (left) with Mitre Rock (the blimp to the right)

I spent my Easter break on a family farm at Grass Flat, smack bang in front of the enigmatic Mount Arapiles. Mount Arapiles is well known amongst the mountain-climbing community in Australia and abroad for the quantity and variety of the various climbs. For me, however, it represents a familiar landmark in the landscape where I was born.

On approach to Mt Arapiles

Naturally I made a few shots of the area when I took a drive around the rock during my stay … see the images posted here.

As I travelled through the rocky terrain, I passed the reminders of the devastation of the recent fires that hit the area, destroying homes and properties. Some of the farmers were “burning off” the debris on their properties so as to reduce the fuel for any future threats.

Straddling the hay bales is a fun pastime when you’re visiting the remote family property that once belonged to your grandfather. 


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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Poster image of Rowan Witt (left) and Blake Erickson

I recently photographed for Red Lane Productions at Lobster Studios in Marrickville to capture images of the two leads, Blake Erickson and Rowan Witt, staring in the forth coming production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”. The season starts on 22 May at the Hayes Theatre and looks like its going to be a hoot. Book a ticket

Blake and Rowan had everyone cracking up during the shoot. It was a lot of fun so I am not going to miss seeing this on stage.

Press image of Rowan (left) and Blake

For more info on the cast see the link: The Scoop

Update…..

Rowan Witt, Kristina McNarama and Blake Erickson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has just finished its Hayes Theatre season to sell-out houses and rave reviews. The team is now about to start a new season at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta from 25 – 28 June, 2026. So if you missed this musical theatre gem at the Hayes you can catch it at Parramatta

I’m happy that I will get the opportunity to experience the show again as I am returning to shoot the dress rehearsal at the Riverside Theatre. It is not quite the same as sitting in the audience and being totally entertained by the world these actors create (I have to keep my mind and concentration on the job at hand), but it will be fun.

Reviews:

Limelight Arts Review Suzygoessee The Scoop BroadwayWorld StageNoise