During my professional photographic career of 16-years, I still love the diversity of being a photographer in Sydney, one day I'm shooting an architecturally designed building to the next day a Barrister or CEO.
I photograph all forms of Architecture, including residential homes, public architecture, theatres, interiors, office fit-outs, educational learning centres for universities and schools. As well as some of our cities wonderful new redevelopments and re-use of space like Quay Quarter in Sydney and Central Park at Chippendale.
The other side of the business is people in all their shapes, forms and roles. I'm usually in Sydney's CBD photographing corporate portraits for all types of local and international businesses. Often law firms and lawyers. Happy to be on the right side on them.
Back to the diversity of what I do is cool. This time last year just before international lockouts and the crazy pandemic of Covid-19 hit the Australian coastline. I had the privilege of shooting BTS (behind the scenes) of the luxury Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruise Liner. An amazing ship, with a stella international crew who were humble, positive and funny. Having never really been into cruising or been on such a massive ship it was truly incredible how they organise and provide for the passengers and crew of approximately 3000 people.
You can see the architectural heritage of the interiors and exterior of this ship. With beautiful grand staircases with timber panelled walls. The details are extraordinary. The company has a connection to the White Star Line. This was the name of the Titanic company and it’s followed through to this day with similar style and heritage. Minus the icebergs and 109 years. Omg, it was that long ago!
The photography brief was perfect, shooting to my strengths not stiff and formal. Cunard (a subsidiary of Carnival Cruises) was looking for a photographer to shoot various crew at work in a very relaxed, natural, reportage style without looking set up. The shoot involved a detailed shooting schedule with the ship making sure crew were available in each location. The day was very busy with around 8 locations onboard with 2-3 scenarios in each location, shooting in both landscape and portrait with wide and tight options. With the right preparation and experience, it was thrilling with some pressure to make sure you nailed it.
Naturally, we did!
