Potts Point – John McRae Photography & Studio

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.

In February 2025, I had the privilege of capturing two distinct photographic sessions for the Hayes Theatre Co’s production of “The Pirates of Penzance” (playing in Sydney through March 16). The first was a studio-based shoot designed to produce new promotional images for the marketing campaign for this reimagined classic. The second involved taking swash-buckling production shots during the dress rehearsal, providing a special glimpse into the performance’s dynamic energy.

Directed by Richard Carroll, this adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta offers a fresh and inventive take on the original work. This production includes a standout performance by Brittanie Shipway in the twin roles of maid Ruth and love interest Mabel. Critics have praised the show for its modern twist and engaging performances. According to Broadway World, the production is “an inventive escapist expression of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera.”

The promotional images I created aim to capture the vibrant and contemporary essence of this adaptation, highlighting the performers’ madcap expressions and the show’s lively atmosphere. We follow the dreamy and not-particularly-bright young Frederic (played with amusing earnestness by Maxwell Simon), a piano-playing Major-General (Trevor Jones), a pirate/policeman/maiden who also plays the keys (Billie Palin) and a ukulele-playing, quick-changing Pirate King and Police Chief (Jay Laga’aia), who sometimes wears a ridiculous, over-scaled leather pirate’s hat. The heightened silliness, adventurousness and comic musical timing is aided by the onstage stage manager (Sheridan Simson) who rings the ship’s bell and keeps the action moving briskly. I think that my images help to convey this production’s modern sensibility.

During the dress rehearsal, I focused on capturing candid moments to showcase the performers’ interactions and the intricate staging, plus some of the hilarious costuming and prop gags. The intimate setting of the Hayes Theatre Co allowed for close-up shots to emphasize the comedic timing integral to the performances.

New adaption of the Guilbert & Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzance, at the Hayes Theatre, until March 16th

With witty lyrics and new jokes, this collaboration with the Hayes Theatre Co has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to be part of the visual storytelling of a production that reimagines a beloved classic for a new generation.

Recent Reviews of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ at Hayes Theatre Co

The Pirates of Penzance; or The Slave of Duty is playing at Hayes Theatre Co, Potts Point, until March 16.
For information and to book tickets go to: The Hayes Theatre Co

Tag: Potts Point

A new corporate profile for Adrian Bartels

The Pirates of Penzance (Hayes Theatre Co)