house – John McRae Photography & Studio

August 2, 2025August 4, 2025

Shooting the work of Serg from Prestige Plus

One of my July projects was to photograph a series of stunning interior and exterior residential projects for Prestige Plus, a Sydney‑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.

June 17, 2025June 18, 2025

Ned’s renovation progresses

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.

February 28, 2023March 22, 2023

A house in Torquay, Feature Point Constuctions & Ali

Feature Point Constructions is a boutique construction and building company based in Melbourne, specialized in shop and office fit-outs and home renovations. Its hallmark is precision and quality finishes. The company is run by the well-presented and professional master tradesman, Ali Yucel (pictured above).

I spent the afternoon in Torquay, Victoria, photographing a home renovation that had recently been completed by Feature Point Constructions.

Torquay holds a special place in my heart as it was the “go to” holiday spot for my mother, aunty and us children. I have lots of fun memories of frolicking endlessly by the beach, long sunny days and loads of oysters and crayfish at the end of day in the hotel room.

I was impressed with the clean lines, rounded corners and beautiful finishes on this renovation. The following is a gallery of some of the shots.

March 18, 2022May 18, 2022

Maisonnets – when you’re searching for that get-away shangri-la

If you’re looking for a perfect place to get-away, a short-term rental for any reason, look no further than Maisonnets.

I’ve been shooting for some time now the various properties that become available under the Maisonnet banner. Maisonnets is a company that manages properties for owners in the short-term rental market. They manage a concierge, cleaning and maintenance service, a kind of middle man between the owner of the property and the various clients decide to rent the properites.

It has been interesting to see the interior of all the homes I have photographed.

December 3, 2020March 10, 2021

Master Builders Association awards Re:form Construction

The Australian Master Builders Association has awarded Re:form Constructions, lead by Gerard Murphy, as the 2020 National winner in the category of projects (alterations/additions) over 1 million dollars for this Balmain residence.

Designed by Brian Zulaikha of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, this multi-storey house features warm wooden panelling, windows incorporating underwater views of the pool and a monumental mosaic by Janet Laurence.