I recently had the pleasure of working with the talented and much-loved performer Donna Campbell, who visited my Lilyfield studio for a fresh set of promotional images. Donna, known for her dynamic stage presence and versatility, needed updated imagery to support her upcoming projects—and she brought her signature professionalism and energy to the shoot.
From the moment Donna stepped in front of the lens, it was clear I was photographing someone who truly understands how to command the camera. We began with classic headshots, capturing her natural warmth and strength. As we progressed, the session evolved into more dynamic territory, with Donna striking expressive dance poses that reflected the vitality she brings to her performances.
To finish, we had a lot of fun creating images of Donna in her “Dolly Parton” look—a character she often features in her shows. She embodied Dolly’s sparkle and charm effortlessly, and the results speak for themselves. It was a privilege to help Donna create imagery that reflects both her talent and versatility as a performer.
In June, I had the privilege of working with the team from NAPWHA (National Association of People Living with HIV Australia) on a shoot held at Sun Studios in South Melbourne. The session brought together a group of generous and inspiring community members, who volunteered to be models for the day.
The shoot was part of a broader initiative to create a fresh library of imagery for upcoming educational and awareness campaigns.
Shooting at Sun Studios, Sth Melbourne
Ready for the close-up
It was a day filled with energy, purpose, and connection. I’m proud to have played a role in capturing content that will help support NAPWHA’s ongoing work and advocacy. My thanks to everyone involved — especially those who so bravely and openly stood in front of the lens.
In a previous blog in November 2022, I featured the renovation of the downstairs section of a Melbourne home owned by my friend Ned. (See the link: https://www.johnmcrae.com/neds-place/) Well, Ned is at it again – this time turning his attention to the upstairs area. The transformation continues at this solid, 70s-inspired brick house, tucked away in the charming inner-west suburb of Yarraville.
Pic: from previous downstairs renovation of the kitchen area
This free-standing residence has always had great bones – solid construction, generous proportions, and an unmistakable retro flair. When Ned tackled the downstairs areas last year, he focused on bringing in light, opening up the layout, and adding clean, contemporary touches without losing the character of the home. The results are warm, modern, and inviting.
Ned pictured with his sister, Jacquie, at the front of the Yarraville house.
Now, with the upstairs overhaul complete, the story continues. Once again, Ned teamed up with the likeable and ever-reliable Ali from Featurepoint Constructions – the same builder who brought such care and craftsmanship to the previous stage of the renovation. Ali’s steady hand and eye for detail helps Ned’s vision to materialise, ensuring that the upstairs work matches the quality and style of what had already been achieved downstairs.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s been updated:
Bedrooms were reimagined including re-invigorated, clever storage solutions, and a lighter palette that makes the most of natural light.
The bathroom received a full makeover, with sleek new fixtures, a more efficient layout, and understated tiling to blend functionality with style.
Hallways and common areas were decluttered and refreshed, creating a more cohesive and streamlined flow throughout the space.
Ali and his team at Feature Point Constructions kept things running smoothly, with a hands-on approach and genuine attention to the details that make all the difference. The result? An upstairs space that feels calm, cohesive, and contemporary, crafted with the highest of standards.
Scroll down to check out some of the before-and-after shots. It’s always amazing to see how clever changes – both big and small – can breathe new life into a space.
Back in 2022, I had the pleasure of collaborating with the fabulous Glynis Trail-Nash to create a suite of imagery for her debut cabaret show, In These Shoes. A fashion journalist with a razor-sharp wit and a killer sense of style, Glynis was stepping into the spotlight with a cabaret about shoes, identity, and the unexpected turns life can take.
Our photo shoot captured Glynis in full stride—glamorous, cheeky, and unapologetically herself. It was clear from the start that this show had legs (and heels!) to go far. I am very happy and proud that she is representing the best of Australian culture internationally.
Glynis in makeup at the studio
Shoes on display
Fast-forward to 2025, and In These Shoes is hitting the international stage at this year’s Edinburgh Comedy Festival. Through sheer determination—and a wonderfully successful crowdfunding campaign—Glynis is taking her show to one of the biggest comedy platforms in the world.
It’s always a joy to see creative work evolve, and I’m thrilled that the images we created together are still helping Glynis to tell her story. If you’re heading to Edinburgh in July/August, don’t miss the chance to see In These Shoes – a smart, stylish, and sharply observed cabaret from a woman who certainly knows how to make an entrance.
I recently completed a shoot for Adrian Bartels, the driving force behind Advocate Financial Services. The aim was to create a suite of fresh, professional imagery to reflect the trust, experience, and personal approach that define Adrian’s work ethic.
Advocate Financial Services has built long-standing relationships with financial planners, accountants, estate agents, and solicitors. Through this network, they offer clients tailored financial solutions to align with every stage of life. As Adrian says, he’s on the side of the borrower.
Working with the support of my trusty assistant Nick Jones, we explored the streets and cafés of Potts Point to find locations which reflect the energy and personality of this vibrant community in inner-city Sydney. As well as taking portraits in his offices, these backdrops helped to give a sense of authenticity to the photo-shoot, connecting Adrian’s brand to the people and places his business supports.
Our shoot focused on capturing Adam’s approachable professionalism and calm confidence. The images were designed to reflect his company’s commitment to personalised service, transparency, and meaningful financial outcomes. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Adrian on this project, with a series of new photos aiming to visually communicate the values that make Advocate Financial Services a trusted presence in the finance industry.
I had the pleasure of creating the poster art for Nothing Like A Dame, the latest show by Sydney drag icon Minnie Cooper, taking place at the legendary Stonewall Hotel on June 20th and 21st. The lead image featured in the poster is one I shot some time ago—so it’s a real joy to see it brought back and used to front this new production.
I’ve worked with Minnie for many years, capturing her in all her theatrical brilliance. With her rich background in the performing arts and sharp comedic flair, she’s a true force in the world of drag. Our creative collaborations reflect not just her talent, but also the enduring power and legacy of drag in Sydney’s LGBTQI+ history—particularly in venues like Stonewall, which have long been central to that vibrant cultural expression.
For tickets and more info, visit @theminniecooper on Instagram. This show promises sparkle, sass, and plenty of heart—you won’t want to miss it.
Family portraiture is a universal category in photography … but I do not often get the opportunity to shoot this genre. Although I mostly concentrate on corporate, theatre and general commercial work, I was recently asked to photograph a Sydney family at home.
Jackie and Gerard wanted a photographic document that would be a snapshot recording a time in their family’s life, making an image that they could refer to in the future. They particularly wanted the family to be photographed in front of the family home in Sydney, showing the house where the kids had grown up. I thought that was a great idea.
So, on a temperate autumn evening, I ventured to their family home. We shot a series of portraits of Jackie, Gerard, Majella, Jimmy and Frankie in various combinations and poses, also with their pet dog. It was a great exercise in contributing to part of a family’s heritage.
I invited my friend Michele to an afternoon birthday party on the Central Coast. This is Michele pictured below….
At a certain point in the afternoon, a wonderful 3-piece band started playing. The front-man was the well-known rocker Billy Field – respected singer song-writer, bass guitarist and music producer. He was well-known in the 70’s and 80’s for his top-20 hit singles “Bad Habits”, “You Weren’t in Love with Me” and “True Love”. He’s still going strong!
Given that normally Michele is fairly retiring in her approach (I wouldn’t say shy, but certainly not someone who grabs the limelight) I was impressed that she suddenly took the place of the drummer and started “jamming with the boys”. Apparently the drummer said that he wanted a break and Michele seized this opportunity to take his place.
What was even more astounding to me is that she was fabulous on the drums … I never knew she had this talent. The rest of the band appreciated her as well. The party guests were all up dancing and everyone had a good time. For the rest of the afternoon whenever the drummer wanted a break, Michele was “in” to take his place. The moral of the story is “never under-estimate your friends”.
The recent event by Roberts Co at Charles Street, Parramatta was to mark the recent completion of the “top floor” of this residential sky-scraper. Hence the expression “topping”. The views are amazing.
As I have posted before, topping is a ritual in the construction industry to celebrate a landmark, meaning that the building has reached its highest point. Normally a tree hoisted by crane to the pinnacle. The parties involved (executives, project managers, architects, financiers, etc) congregate, speeches are made and everyone takes a moment to discuss the progress and the future completion. The tree is usually planted later in the grounds.
We/Us/Ours is the catch cry for this “first in Australia” health facility which caters for sexuality and gender diverse people in NSW.
Funded by the NSW Government as part of their LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022-2027, the centre was established in South Everleigh in Sydney by ACON, NSW’s leading LGBTQ+ and HIV health organization, with a $4.2 million grant.
The Kaleido Health Centre provides a range of primary care and specialist health services, including general practice, sexual health services, mental health support, gender-affirming health care, drug and alcohol interventions, and cancer screening services.
The building occupies one of the grand, heritage-protected buildings at South Eveleigh, at 6 Cornwallis Street, called “The Bell Tower”. As the name suggests there’s an old bell tower as part of the roof. The building has been renovated and now houses a state-of-the-art medical centre, both modern and welcoming and at the same time, maintaining its historical character.
Michael Woodhouse, CEO ofACON and Interim CEO of Kaleido Health, states:
“ACON established the Kaleido Health Centre because our communities deserve the highest level of care designed by us, for us. Too often we hear stories of people who say they can’t find safe, welcoming care that understands their lives. Kaleido Health will provide integrated care specifically designed to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people and their families, across a wide range of health services, accessible state-wide.”
I was commissioned to photograph the newly opened building and to capture a series of head-shots of some of the staff.
It was also an adventure, since I had never before been to this smartly developed part of Sydney before. The centre is situated within the boundaries of Technology Park which is full of large, converted and heritage-listed buildings. I even managed to find a good coffee shop and barista in the vicinity at the end of the shoot.
Acclaimed author Blanche d’Alpuget recently stepped into my Sydney studio to create new imagery for promotion aligned to the release of her latest novel, “The Bunny Club”.
What an absolute joy it was to work with this gorgeous and intelligent lady. We were shooting a variety of portraits and basic head-shots, so we concentrated on changing what she was wearing, alternating the colours of her outfits.
Blanche arrived having had her hair already styled by Ivan Chircop, owner of “La Libertine Hair Salon” in the CBD. The next step was for David Cranson (MUA) to take care of her makeup.
Left to right: Ivan (Hair), Blanche and David (Makeup)
Before long we were ready to set about shooting under the lights. Blanche was a wonderful model … professional and willing to duplicate any suggestion I had in terms of pose and mood. Time passed quickly and soon we had a number of looks and configurations from which to choose.
Blanche’s literary repertoire is extensive. There have been biographies, novels, essays and numerous awards. Her best-selling 1982 book Robert J Hawke: A Biography, researched and written after they were no longer a couple, won the New South Wales Premier’s literary award and it remains the definitive work on the former Australian Prime Minister. Her novels Monkeys in the Dark, Turtle Beach, Winter in Jerusalem and White Eye have won the Pen Golden Jubilee award, the Age novel of the year award and the South Australian Premier’s award. She has also written historical novels about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
The Bunny Club is something a bit different: a racy detective novel set in the harbourside glass castles of Sydney’s eastern suburbs and at the equestrian estates of the southern highlands. It opens when an ageing morning television host who is fighting to keep her job, Evelyn Sinclair, is found dead at an astoundingly grisly crime scene: hanging upside down from the ceiling, tied-up using shibari, the Japanese art of rope bondage.
I have almost finished reading my copy of Blanche’s book. The novel was launched at the Manly Writers Festival on the last weekend in March. It is available in most bookstores or can be ordered on-line at this link:
The acclaimed performer, Trevor Ashley, has returned to Australia from London to re-stage the popular parody he wrote together with Phil Scott, the adults-only “Moulin Scrooge”.
Moulin Scrooge is a bawdy, raucous cabaret riot. Apart from being absolutely fabulous (the costumes are wonderful, created by Angela White), one of its draw cards is the appearance of Carlotta on stage. This legendary burlesque performer, now in her 80’s, still holds her own. As one of the original “Les Girls”, Carlotta proudly owns the title of “Queen of the Cross”.
Carlotta in her dressing room before the performance
I photographed the dress rehearsal last week and I am sharing a few images from the show here (playing late March-early April at the Seymour Centre in Sydney). I suggest you book tickets now to experience this entertaining extravaganza for yourself. Here’s a link: Moulin Scrooge Tickets
Creative Team:
Writers Trevor Ashley and Phil Scott Director Trevor Ashley Assistant Director Shannon Dooley
Producer Trevor Ashley Cast Trevor Ashley, Carlotta Choreography Rhys Bobridge Costumes Angie White Lighting Design Sam Wylie
With the increase in the need for housing for both local and overseas students, Sydney is seeing the proliferation of dedicated developments for our academic youth. One such initiative is Y-Suites. This company has recently opened its third tower in Redfern, called Y-Suites on Margaret. Previously, they have opened Y-Suites on Gibbons and Y-Suites on Regent, in close proximity. They have also developed similar accommodation facilities in Adelaide, Canberra and Melbourne.
I was commissioned by the company, based in Singapore, to cover the opening activities at this latest downtown complex. Over the period of a day, I captured images of students arriving for the first time to check in to what will be their new homes for the duration of the scholastic year
While many of the students had recently arrived from overseas, there was also a collection of local students who had decided, for reasons of convenience, to move into accommodation close to the institution in which they had enrolled.
There was an air of excitement and expectation as these young people navigated their way with their suitcases from reception, where they checked in then collected their keys, to the first sight of their new homes after they opened the door to their apartment.
I photographed an enthusiastic young man from China who arrived with his colleague. His smile radiated the joy he felt as he entered the foyer and anticipated entering his apartment. I photographed him opening the door to his room for the first time. Some of the rooms had balloons tied to the door-handle so that the students could “cut” the string of the balloon in a ceremonious gesture when “coming home” for the first time.
I also photographed a young girl from out of town who spoke fluent French. Her father and mother had driven from rural NSW to accompany their daughter to help her settle into her new home. Her mother was in fact French and although they now lived in Australia, French was often spoken at home. I understood this once I realised that the girl’s Australian father had lived for many years in France and also spoke fluent French. They were all having such fun creating a new sense of community.
My day was filled with photographing these joyful comings and goings. I also managed to capture some of the communal spaces in the building for documentation purposes, as well as shooting the exterior of the building from various angles.
I wish all the students a wonderful time in their new home while they pursue their studies. I fondly remember my own time as a student in the halls of residence at Monash University in Melbourne. It was such fun and I made wonderful friendships and long-lasting bonds. It was also a time of great growth as I ventured out from my safe family environment to be totally independent for the first time.
Video footage was also required for this project. Y-Suites wanted a 60-second reel of the day’s events. I worked with Nick Jones from “Grip Shoot Boom”, an excellent videographer, pictured below.
The following is an overview of the day’s events at Y-Suites on Margaret, as filmed and edited by Nick.
I was on a job the other day and I looked out from the balcony to what I discovered was an impressive and unusual view. It was an elevated impression of the city of Parramatta that I hadn’t previously seen. I am sharing this because I found it visually intriguing … and so I felt like including it in a blog post.
I was taken by the way the city skyline looked somehow “unreal” in the light, almost surreal as if some AI program had created it. I think it was merely a result of the soft afternoon light and the fact that I was using a telephoto lens, which has the tendency to compress imagery.
I also liked the tall residential building constructed directly opposite where I was positioned. I couldn’t help looking directly into the stack of neighbouring, domestic boxes and wonder about the inhabitants. It reminded me of when you used to fly into the old airport in Hong Kong, past all the high-rise apartment buildings, looking at the laundry hanging out to dry, with various other signs of inner city living.
It was also intriguing to look down to see that just below me was one of the old cemeteries of Parramatta, with gravestones covering a large area adjacent to the residential towers. This contrast and juxtaposition fascinated me.
As a photographer, one of the things I truly enjoy is taking corporate headshots. It’s not just about snapping a picture; it’s about trying to capture the essence of a person, which can be a tough task in the limited time one has available. What intrigues me is how every shoot tells a unique story, and I get to be part of each story, even if only for a brief moment.
Recently, I had the privilege of continuing work on a project with Multiplex, the company behind the construction of the first phase of the Badgerys Creek Airport, west of Sydney. The terminal is nearing completion, and it’s amazing to see how something so massive and complex comes together piece by piece. The airport is scheduled to open by the end of 2026. For now, it’s a symbol of both ambition and dedication, before it becomes a bustling transport hub.
What makes this job particularly exciting is the people I get to meet. When you’re photographing in the construction industry, you’re not just dealing with one type of profession. You’re working with a wide variety of individuals from all walks of life. Construction is, in many ways, a microcosm of diversity. There are people from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, with different personalities and unique perspectives on the world.
For this particular shoot, my assistant, Nick, and I set up in one of the temporary offices at the construction site. I arranged a three-light setup, which gives a soft, even look that flatters most faces, and we shot against a mid-grey neutral background. It’s a simple setup, but it always delivers clean, professional results.
While I focused on taking the portraits, Nick took charge of the computer and peripherals. We’d made a decision beforehand to streamline the process: after each shot, I’d hand the camera card to Nick, who would download the files and immediately take the sitter through the process of selecting their favorite images. It’s always a great feeling to see a subject react to the portraits, even if they’re only a few moments old. They’d go through the shots with Nick, narrowing it down to their two favorite images, while I would proceed to shoot with the next person.
Making the most of the short time we had with each individual, the session moved efficiently while still giving everyone a chance to review their photos on the spot.
What’s intriguing about corporate headshots in this context is that as a photographer, you have the opportunity to interact with so many different viewpoints in a relatively short space of time. Each headshot session becomes a tiny window into a succession of worlds, highlighting the many roles in the grand project.
Large scale construction projects bring people together from different corners of society. Whether it’s the engineers, the architects, the laborers, the logistics experts or project managers, everyone has their own story to tell. I am fortunate to be the one to capture the brief moment when they pause to have their photo taken. These small but meaningful interactions are what make this work so fulfilling.
It’s creating a new narrative. And in the construction industry, with its range of characters, backgrounds, and experiences, I feel incredibly lucky to be able to document these stories, one headshot at a time.
While photographing the parade entry for Positive Life NSW I managed to snap images of some of the other entrants. Here is a smiling selection of the other people marching and cheering, having a good time, sharing the love, dressing up, and adding extra “bling” to their lives for the night.
Mardi Gras is a well known celebration of “all shapes and sizes”, inclusion, diversity in all its flavours and simply a wonderful feeling of good will to your community. It was easy to feel that generous mood amongst the participants. It gave me a feeling of hope for the future.
I had the great pleasure (and absolute buzz) to photograph the Positive Life NSW marching entry for the 2025 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.
While I have regularly photographed the Mardi Gras over the years, the one and only previous time I photographed the parade from “the inside” was in 2009, when Matthew Mitcham was Chief of Parade after he won gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Now, it was a great experience to again have that same point of view, sixteen years later and with the same sense of excitement and celebration.
The events started at the offices of Positive Life NSW in Surry Hills where everyone taking part congregated, received a branded t-shirt and a travel pack of sandwiches and other snacks. Once the sun set and the parade began at Hyde Park, time flew by as we were cheered along by thousands of people lining Oxford Street and Taylor Square.
Students from the @academyofmakeupaus (Sydney campus) offered their services to participants in the parade to enhance the visual presentation with fabulous face painting.Once the face painting was complete, t-shirts collected and people suitably nourished we all head towards Hyde Park and the marshalling area.Everyone collected in College Street after locating their float. There was a short wait as people congregated. Then the parade began….excitement prevailed! The Positive Life float started quite early as we were early on in the line-up.Then…..suddenly, after the waiting, we headed off to start the parade at Whitlam Square. That’s when time seemed to speed up….and in a flash we were almost at the end of the parade and it was all over.
In February 2025, I had the privilege of capturing two distinct photographic sessions for the Hayes Theatre Co’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance” (playing in Sydney through March 16). The first was a studio-based shoot designed to produce new promotional images for the marketing campaign for this reimagined classic. The second involved taking swash-buckling production shots during the dress rehearsal, providing a special glimpse into the performance’s dynamic energy.
Directed by Richard Carroll, this adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta offers a fresh and inventive take on the original work. This production includes a standout performance by Brittanie Shipway in the twin roles of maid Ruth and love interest Mabel. Critics have praised the show for its modern twist and engaging performances. According to Broadway World, the production is “an inventive escapist expression of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera.”
The promotional images I created aim to capture the vibrant and contemporary essence of this adaptation, highlighting the performers’ madcap expressions and the show’s lively atmosphere. We follow the dreamy and not-particularly-bright young Frederic (played with amusing earnestness by Maxwell Simon), a piano-playing Major-General (Trevor Jones), a pirate/policeman/maiden who also plays the keys (Billie Palin) and a ukulele-playing, quick-changing Pirate King and Police Chief (Jay Laga’aia), who sometimes wears a ridiculous, over-scaled leather pirate’s hat. The heightened silliness, adventurousness and comic musical timing is aided by the onstage stage manager (Sheridan Simson) who rings the ship’s bell and keeps the action moving briskly. I think that my images help to convey this production’s modern sensibility.
During the dress rehearsal, I focused on capturing candid moments to showcase the performers’ interactions and the intricate staging, plus some of the hilarious costuming and prop gags. The intimate setting of the Hayes Theatre Co allowed for close-up shots to emphasize the comedic timing integral to the performances.
With witty lyrics and new jokes, this collaboration with the Hayes Theatre Co has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to be part of the visual storytelling of a production that reimagines a beloved classic for a new generation.
Recent Reviews of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ at Hayes Theatre Co
The Pirates of Penzance; or The Slave of Duty is playing at Hayes Theatre Co, Potts Point, until March 16. For information and to book tickets go to: The Hayes Theatre Co
What a day! Our team spent an unforgettable day on the stunning Sydney Harbour, working together to bring the latest fashion catalogue for So French So Chic to life. The weather couldn’t have been better, with the sun shining brightly and the harbour’s sparkling waters providing the perfect backdrop for a summer-themed shoot.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and creativity as we began setting up for the shoot. David Cranson, our incredible make-up and hair artist, worked his magic to create the flawless looks for our models. From glamorous waves to sleek, sophisticated styles, David’s talent added that extra touch of elegance to each shot.
Louis, our hard-working assistant, was always at hand, keeping everything organized and ensuring that the photo-shoot ran smoothly. His attention to detail was invaluable, making sure the lighting, props and silhouettes looked good. And, of course, we couldn’t forget Valerie from So French So Chic, whose vision for the brand and her expert direction kept us all focused on creating the most beautiful shots possible. Her sharp eye for style and current trends was evident in every look we put together.
As the day went on, we transitioned between a variety of looks, from breezy summer dresses to more chic, polished ensembles. Each outfit perfectly captured the effortless elegance of the So French So Chic brand, and it was such a joy to collaborate with such a talented team to bring that vision to life.
By the end of the day, we had a collection of beautiful, sun-soaked images that were a true reflection of the brand’s signature style: fresh, timeless, and always effortlessly chic.
This year, as we celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake, Melbourne Chinatown will come alive with the city’s premier cultural event. Highlights of the festival include the iconic Millennium Dragon Parade, spectacular lion and dragon dances, dazzling lantern displays, and a feast of live performances ranging from traditional music to contemporary art showcases.
Themed around wisdom, intuition, and transformation, A Round Square Banquet explores personal identity and cultural inclusion through a stunning collection of over 30 works by artists from around the globe.
I am happy to say that a number of my photographs are represented in the exhibition at the Chinese Museum in Melbourne (through February 9). Information about three of my works is listed below.
Ali & Osso Buco, 2012 Pigment inkjet on cotton rag, 60 x 90cm Edition 1 of 9, (3AP)
Ali sits at the dinner table, an embodiment of indulgence fused with a certain effortless refinement. A glass of red wine rests beside him, its rich colour, a perfect match for the Italian speciality of Osso Buco before him. His presence radiates a raw, unapologetic masculinity, sensuality, and sexuality, infusing the vast dining hall with an almost palpable energy that contrasts sharply with conventional notions of fine dining. A single yellow tulip, vibrant and unpretentious, symbolizes his joy—an outward expression of his unrestrained pleasure as he savours each bite, completely immersed in the moment.
Winner of the critics choice award at the 2013 “Shoot the Chef” competition held by the Sydney Morning Herald
Portrait of Margaret Olley in her Paddington Studio, 2011 Pigment inkjet on cotton rag, 66cm x 154cm Edition of 6 (1AP) (Signed lower right)
In mid-2011, had the great pleasure of photographing renowned Australian artist Margaret Olley in her Paddington studio, a place well known for its colourful clutter and referred to by some friends as ʻThe Dolls Houseʼ. In my portrait, Margaret is seated in her painting chair, confronting the lens with her particular sense of candour and an uncommon frailty. As far as I know, this may well be the last photo taken of her before her death the following month in July. Christine France – art critic, author of Margaret Olley (1990), commented, “It is a wonderful photo in that it captures both the vulnerability and sense of enquiry which entered her face in the last months of her life”.
The Portrait was a selected finalist in the 2012 National Photographic Portrait Prize, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra. It won the inaugural People Choice Award at the National Photographic Portrait Prize.
The Tweed River Art Gallery purchased the work as part of their permanent collection with the intention of displaying the portrait as part of the Margaret Olley Art Centre, Murwillumbah.
Amirah I, Sydney 2017 Pigment inkjet on cotton rag 92cm x 63cm Edition of 9 (AP) (from the series “Spot the Arab”)
This striking portrait of Amirah forms part of the “Spot the Arab” series of photographs. The project engages with portraiture as a vehicle for exploring complex themes of identity, including religion, race, gender, orientation, nationality, and freedom.
Presented initially in a game-like format, Spot the Arab invites viewers to question whether the subject of each image self-identifies as Arab, thus prompting reflection on assumptions and societal constructs.
For the series, the artist imposes a Middle Eastern costume on each subject, using it as a tool to both veil and reveal aspects of cultural identity. Each subject is then asked to articulate their own sense of identity, a process that challenges preconceptions, stigma, and prejudice.
At the time of this photograph, Amirah was a social worker in Sydney’s western suburbs and identified as an Egyptian Arab woman.
Pictured from left: Yashian Schauble (ACAF) and Christina Zhao (MCBA)
