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.
On a rare trip to the rural area where I grew up in Horsham in western Victoria, I visited the swimming pool where I had spent so much of my youth pounding the waters, up and down, as part of the regular training regime. The pool and the surrounding buildings had all undergone a complete renovation, almost unrecognisable, except for the one solitary time clock, paint peeling in the same places, continuing its unending rotations…reminding me of the lap after lap, the 30 times 50 meters on the minute.
Strangely, I was happy to see it…untouched by time and progress.
Here’s the new pool and new buildings, including a new 25 meter indoor pool. How handy that would have been when winter hit when I was swimming.
Emily pictured with choreographer Andrea De Siena during rehearsals
In a previous post early last November (https://www.johnmcrae.com/emily-jacir-selected-for-the-25th-biennale-of-sydney/), I mentioned how my friend Emily Jacir had been selected among the international artists to exhibit at the 2026 Sydney Biennale by Artistic Director Hoor Al Qasimi, who is also the president and director of the Sharjah Art Foundation in the United Arab Emirates. Titled “Rememory,” this edition of the Sydney Biennale focuses on themes of history, memory and belonging.
The recently re-opened “Entertainment Hall” of the White Bay Power Station where the walls are covered with the flaking paint of murals painted in a “by-gone” time, when the hall was privy to the social interactions of the many workers at the power station.
Alongside her moving video/sound installation featured at White Bay Power Station, Emily, together with dancers and three Italian artists (Andrea De Siena, Walter Laureti, & Valeria Taccone), workshopped an amazing performance entitled “The Belly Cries and the Dogs Laugh”. This piece was choreographed and presented in the space of the Entertainment Hall, a wonderful building attached to the former Power Station in Rozelle, a space that was re-opened for this explicit purpose, for the first time since being decommissioned in 1984.
I was privileged to photograph and document the development and staging of this amazing artistic expression (see above for some images of the rehearsal/workshop process). The following images were taken during the final presentation, which took place in Sydney over four performances in mid-March during the first weekend of the Biennale.
All in all, it was an emotional, inspirational event. It ended with most of the audience on their feet, dancing together with Emily and the other performers. It was fascinating for me to see the development and rhythmic process that is involved in creating such a performance, from the heart-felt choreography of Andrea De Siena, to the exceptional sound track devised by Walter Laureti, together with the haunting vocals of Valeria Taccone.
The cast of “The Belly Cries and the Dogs Laugh” performed at the Sydney Biennale, 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.
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.
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…
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.
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
Just before Christmas, I had the pleasure of photographing the team at NAPWHA (National Association of Peoplewith 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.
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
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.
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.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of ACON, an organisation that has been at the forefront of health, wellbeing and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities in NSW. From its beginnings in 1985 as a response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, ACON has grown into a vital service provider, supporting people across diverse communities through health programs, harm reduction initiatives, campaigns, and community-building projects.
For four decades, ACON has stood as a fierce advocate, fighting stigma, breaking down barriers, and championing equality. Their work has not only saved lives, but also shaped a more inclusive society.
On a personal note, I recently had the privilege of visiting ACON’s offices to photograph a group of members and volunteers for a special cover image for the Sydney Star Observer. It was inspiring to meet and capture some of the faces who embody the organisation’s history and spirit. Being behind the camera in that moment reminded me how deeply ACON’s work has touched so many lives, and how vital their ongoing presence remains.
As we celebrate this milestone, it is an opportunity to reflect on the resilience of our communities, to acknowledge the countless individuals who have contributed to ACON’s journey, and to look ahead with gratitude and hope. Here’s to 40 years of care, courage, and change.
For more information on various events aligned to ACON’s 40th anniversary click on this link:
As a photographer, sometimes I am given an opportunity to witness and record moments of great resilience and human spirit. This was the case when I was commissioned to photograph the Hearts for Eternity event hosted by the Heart Research Institute at the Langham Hotel, Sydney in early July. The Institute is dedicated to funding life-saving research into heart health, supporting projects that aim to improve the lives of patients and to advance medical understanding in the field.
The afternoon took the form of a traditional high tea, accompanied by beautiful chamber music. Guests heard from Dr Christopher Stanley, leader of the Microvascular Research Centre, who spoke about his team’s ground-breaking work. Their research investigates the dangerous drop in blood pressure that occurs during septic shock. From the perspective of the patient, Jessica Lines, mother of young Ryan, recounted what her family endured when Ryan’s health was in serious danger, sharing their heartfelt story.
Dr Christopher Stanley giving his address to the participants
Jessica with Ryan
It was a privilege to capture such an important event—one that not only raises awareness and support for vital research but also celebrates the lives touched by the Heart Research Institute’s work.
Ryan Lines – on his way to support his mother at “Hearts For Eternity”
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.
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.
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.
