Photographing in Melbourne for Circa AD Jewels

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

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

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

We all came together at Sun Studios in Melbourne and a sunny morning to start the shoot. I was assisted by Ned Roche, a trusty “right-hand man”. It was a perfect team to work with so everything flowed nicely and there was space to enjoy ourselves.

Imagery for Circa AD Jewels catalogue

I travelled to Melbourne to photograph the latest collection for Circa AD Jewels, created by boutique jeweler Adrian Dickens.  I’m delighted to share a selection of images from this shoot, chosen for the official catalogue — you can explore the collection via the link above.

The shoot took place in a stunning location overlooking the city skyline and the leafy expanses of Fitzroy Gardens. It was one of those rare days where everything aligns: beautiful light, a calm atmosphere, and a creative team working in sync.

Our model, Carmen, was an absolute delight — professional, warm, and effortlessly elegant in every frame. She wore refined, tailored pieces from Perri Cutten, which paired perfectly with Adrian’s exquisite jewelry. The combination of craftsmanship, design, and location made for a memorable day behind the camera.

A few highlights from the shoot are displayed here, offering a glimpse into the final catalogue. I’m thrilled with how the imagery for this project has come together.

View of Melbourne CBD from the apartment balcony, looking south-east

Circa AD jewellery shoot – a day in Melbourne

I flew to Melbourne for a special shoot with Adrian Dickens, the creative force behind Circa AD Jewels, a boutique jeweller renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs.

Our original plan was to shoot in the lush surrounds of Fitzroy Gardens, but in true Melbourne fashion, the weather had other ideas. With rain clouds looming, we made a quick pivot and set up at a nearby apartment building — a location that turned out to be the perfect backdrop for Adrian’s stunning pieces.

The session was part of the upcoming Circa AD catalogue, showcasing Adrian’s latest collection. The ever-elegant Carmen modelled the jewellery beautifully, bringing poise and warmth to every frame, while Perri Cutten provided the smart, sophisticated fashion that perfectly complemented Adrian’s designs.

With such a talented team, excellent results were assured. The day unfolded with great energy and collaboration, and I’ve included a few out-takes and snippets below to give a sense of the atmosphere on set.

Once the final selections for the catalogue are made, I’ll be sharing another post featuring some of the finished shots — so stay tuned!