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Amelia Airhead – John McRae Photography & Studio

Flashback – SX covers from the past

From top to bottom (Mitzi Mackintosh, Pam Ann, Alex Perry, Charlotte Dawkins, Julie McCrossin and Ruby Rose (SX cover for March, 2009)

As a “flashback” moment I went through a few images of shoots I have done for various covers of SX, the Sydney weekly magazine. SX no longer exists, having halted operations in 2017 but I do remember having a great time with the broad selection of people with whom I had the privilege to make portraits in my studio and on location.

Behind the scenes with the Foxtel broadcast line-up of talent for the 2009 Mardi Gras parade

The very first cover I did for SX was in February of 2008. Brad Johnston was the editor at the time and he asked me to shoot a series of images of Verushka Darling, the well-known drag identity in the LGBTQI community. Brad said about her; ” When is a drag queen not just a drag queen? When she’s also a model, corporate MC, TV presenter, producer and scriptwriter”.

Verushka was performing that year at Mardi Gras (30th anniversary) and SX had devoted an article to her take on fashion.

Verushka Darling (My 1st cover, February, 2008)

Another early cover was of the well known DJ Kitty Glitter, who used to hold court as resident DJ at the rooftop club at Home in Darling Harbour. This cover was shot in my Lilyfield studio for the September 2009 issue.

There were so many covers and so many wonderful experiences. Now and then I am going to post flashbacks from some of my old shoots. Below are out-takes from studio visits by Verushka Darling and Amelia Airhead. Sometimes it’s great to be able to re-visit the past.

Mardi Gras – Welcome to Sydney

Bigger is better!

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 2021 is on the doorstep. Although there won’t be a dance party or street parade this year, there will still be a stadium event (with puppets) at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Best of all, for anybody able to travel, throughout the terminals at Sydney Airport my rainbow portrait of Amelia Airhead (longtime diva and drag royalty) is featured as a colourful reminder that Mardi Gras has arrived.

Come fly with me

Along with my fashion images printed on billboards several years ago in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, these portraits of Amelia in Sydney are now the largest reproductions of any of my images.

A bright, cheerful and queer greeting on arrival…..