Australian singer, songwriter, and performer Prinnie Stevens has long been celebrated for her powerhouse vocals, magnetic stage presence, and versatility across soul, R&B, pop, and musical theatre. From her standout performances on The Voice to starring roles in stage productions and her acclaimed show Lady Sings the Blues, Prinnie has built a reputation as one of the country’s most dynamic and inspiring artists.
We were back in my Lilyfield studio for a fresh round of photos, based on new ideas and forthcoming shows. Prinnie’s creative energy and professionalism always make for a dynamic shoot, and this session was no exception.
We reunited the same team who worked together on her stunning Lady Sings the Blues campaign — myself behind the camera and our brilliant make-up and hair by Joe and Drew, from The Glow up Headquarters (instagram: @theglowuphq). It’s a combination that clicks, bringing the right balance of skill, trust, and fun into the room.
The day flowed with laughter, music, and plenty of creativity. Shoots like this remind me how rewarding it is to collaborate with talented and committed professionals. When everyone brings their best, the results speak for themselves — beautiful, powerful imagery that captures Prinnie at her absolute best.
I can’t wait to share the finished selected images from this session. In this blog I’ve posted a few out-takes for a behind the scenes look at the shoot.
I was recently commissioned by ESR, a leading developer, owner, and manager of industrial and logistics real estate. With projects spanning across the Asia-Pacific region, ESR creates the kind of infrastructure that underpins how our cities function — from the warehouses that store goods to the distribution centres that keep supply chains moving.
My latest shoot for them took me to Wetherill Park, where ESR has completed a new warehouse complex made up of four distinct buildings. These immense structures rise from the western Sydney landscape, commanding attention not just through their size but through their purpose — serving as vital arteries in the logistics network of a growing city.
I began shooting in the afternoon and worked until dusk, when the light grew softer. The quiet transition from day to evening is one of my favourite times to photograph; the stillness of the outer west makes you pause and reflect on just how much infrastructure is required to sustain the concentrated population closer to the city’s centre. For most of us, this vast logistical framework remains invisible, yet it is essential to the way we live and work every day.
From a technical standpoint, photographing warehouses of this scale demands careful attention to form and structure. These buildings are geometric and monumental, so framing becomes about emphasising clean lines, proportions, and the relationship between the built form and the surrounding landscape. Light is another critical consideration — harsh midday sun can flatten the details, while late afternoon and evening light adds dimension and mood. Managing exposure is also key: balancing shadow and highlight to preserve detail across such expansive façades.
I enjoy photographing these structures which are neither decorative nor ornamental. They embody purpose, efficiency and scale – qualities that, when seen through the lens, reveal their own quiet beauty.
I have been shooting the work of Charles Cooper over many years and more recently a new collection which he is about to show at Annandale Galleries. Charles is a seasoned mid-career Australian artist with an impressive exhibition history.
“Geographics 2025” – Charles Cooper at Annandale Galleries Exhibition Dates: 17 September – 18 October 2025 Venue: Annandale Galleries, 110 Trafalgar Street, Annandale, Sydney Charles Cooper
Cooper returns to Annandale Galleries for his third solo exhibition at the space, following the notable On Location show in 2022 Annandale Galleries – Charles Cooper.
Geographics 2025 is Cooper’s latest body of work explores the tension between urban order and natural entropy. His paintings turn the everyday cracks and repair lines of city roads into compelling studies of texture, colour, and abstraction. As curator Andrew Christie writes, Cooper “plants the seed of perception” — drawing viewers close to appreciate minute detail before inviting them to step back, revealing subtly modulated abstractions that pulse within everyday surfaces.
Born in Sydney in 1952, Cooper has built a distinguished career of solo and group exhibitions both nationally and internationally, while also teaching drawing at the National Art School Annandale GalleriesAnnandale GalleriesMutualArt.
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:
One of my July projects was to photograph a series of stunning interior and exterior residential projects forPrestige Plus, aSydney‑based company specialised in the manufacture and installation of premium double‑ and triple‑glazed windows and doors.
This assignment was particularly engaging for me as I focused on capturing the quality and beauty of the glass structures installed by Serg and his team. The work was at high‑end residences featuring large picture windows, sliding doors, bi‑fold systems, and custom configurations, allowing light to pour in while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Inside the homes, the precision workmanship of the Prestige Plus team was evident: seamless frames, strong clean lines, and reflective surfaces that played beautifully with natural light. Outside, I documented how the installations enhanced the architectural form—highlighting courtyard glazing, expansive views, and the way the glass connected interiors with the outdoors.
For me each project was an adventure into another world … I would travel to areas of Sydney that I rarely visit such as the beautiful Cottage Point and also Grasmere. I would then lose myself in the task of working with angles, perspectives, light and other variables, to create striking images for my client.
Pictured: Steven Kramer (Writer of Phar Lap), Justin Smith (Cast of Phar Lap), Joel Granger (Cast of Phar Lap) and Sheridan Harbridge (Director of Phar Lap)
Together with various actors, writers, directors and costumers, I recently hosted a series of photo-shoots at my studio for the Hayes Theatre Company, in preparation for their 2026 season. The sessions involved still photographs of various cast members and video production of the actors and crew, filminging light-hearted, voice-to-camera interviews. We also created some grabs of slow-mo action for future marketing content.
Kayla French (marketing) commits herself to creating content with Joel Granger (Cast of Phar Lap)
Richard Carroll (Artistic Director) checks in with Billie and John (Cast Members)
Billie (Cast) in makeup with Ashleigh Grace (MUA)
Final social media images are captured before stepping on set.
Rica Canillas (Marketing, left) working hard with Kayla French (Marketing, right)
Sam Hernandez (Costuming, left), together with Richard (Director, right) adjust Billie’s costume
While the video cameras rolled, I also took the opportunity to capture some out-takes of the working process with my own camera. There was a vibrant and creative mood on set, with the team from Hayes Theatre Company bringing incredible energy to the studio. Moments like these are a powerful reminder of just how much collaborative effort goes into producing a theatrical season, with the contributions of so many talented individuals coming together behind the scenes.
Sam Hernandez (Wardrobe/Stylist) makes final adjustments to Billie Palin’s costume on set.
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”
A recent commission was to photograph the completion of the latest stage of the development at Cumberland High School, by Roberts & Co. The project has delivered a series of new buildings and classrooms designed to provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities for students and staff.
The contemporary architecture, light-filled spaces, and innovative layouts reflect a strong focus on creating inspiring environments for learning. My aim was to capture the scale and detail of the design, from the expansive communal areas to the thoughtfully planned classrooms.
Projects like this demonstrate how modern educational spaces can foster creativity. I am always reminded that things weren’t quite so spiffy and high-tech when I was attending my local high school in country Victoria. I could not have imagined how different school life would be in the contemporary setting of young students today – with computers, internet, social media – all the bells and whistles of current technology. It was certainly a simpler time for me.
While visiting Rome in 2016, I had the opportunity to photograph acclaimed Palestinian artist and film maker Emily Jacir during an intimate and memorable portrait session. Known for her poignant and politically charged works, Jacir’s practice explores themes of displacement, resistance, memory, and the Palestinian experience, often weaving personal narratives with broader socio-political commentary.
One of Emily’s works is currently being exhibited as part ofHOME 25: Invisible Cities, a roving exhibition presented across multiple venues throughout central Dandenong in Victoria. The show explores how the idea of “home” shapes our sense of identity, belonging, and dislocation—a theme that resonates deeply with Jacir’s body of work. It’s a pleasure to see a portrait from our photo session in Rome also being used by Greater Dandenong for their exhibition.
Jacir has exhibited internationally, with major works shown at the Venice Biennale (where she won a Golden Lion in 2007), the Whitney Museum, and MoMA in New York. Her work crosses media—film, photography, installation, and performance—always rooted in a strong conceptual framework and a commitment to storytelling.
She is also the Co-founder and Founding Director of Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Art and Research in Bethlehem, Palestine—a vibrant and independent cultural centre housed in her family home. The space fosters exchange, experimentation, and critical dialogue among artists, researchers, and the local community.
Emily Jacir, Trastevere, 2016 – captured in one of her favourite streets
Working with Emily was an absolute pleasure. We began the shoot in the intimate interior of her Roman lodgings, where soft natural light filtered through the windows and created a quiet, thoughtful mood. From there, we moved to the rooftop terrace, where I captured Emily framed by the romantic skyline of Rome—its domes and terracotta roofs stretching into the distance. We finished in the cobbled streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most lively quarters. Emily led me to a narrow laneway she particularly loved, and it became one of the most memorable backdrops of our photo session. It was such a delight to collaborate with Emily in the creation of this imagery—she brought warmth, depth, and grace to every frame.
The talented and much-loved performer Donna Campbell visited my Lilyfield studio in June to produce a fresh set of promotional images. Known for her dynamic stage presence and versatility, Donna required eye-catching imagery to support several of her upcoming projects – and she brought her signature professionalism and energy to our 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 our photographic session, we had a lot of fun creating images of Donna in her “Dolly Parton” look – a lively character she often features in her shows, tracking her career “from rags to rhinestones”. She embodies Dolly’s sparkle and charm effortlessly, and the results speak for themselves. It was a privilege to help Donna create imagery to reflect her talents 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.
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”.
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:
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.
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.
