Movember

Photographically, I've always enjoyed the portraiture of the era between wars. Subjects seem more self aware and early photography made the notion of having one's picture taken a glamourous status symbol if done to a professional standard. DIY photography was in its infancy of course.

In contrast to this I found some haunting images from the National Archive taken from plate glass negatives captured purely for the purpose of record by the record keepers at Long Bay Gaol.

I was inspired by these beautiful portraits of the inmates from all levels of criminal practices, shot seemingly informally but carrying undeniable gravity.

With that as the base inspiration, the whole Movember thing got me noticing how many twentysomethings actually committed to their facial hair growth art with conviction far beyond the hype that comes round every November.

Considering that Movember is also known as contraception month because the significant partners do not always embrace the facial sprouting with the same enthusiasm, I was impressed that there are gentlemen young enough to not even be sporting a wrinkle, that wholeheartedly subscribe to the moustachioed and bearded code.

This got me onto a concept which I'll revisit later, but as these things go, the plan evolved. I went on to discover some gents from a Newtown barber Hawleywood's that go beyond a few period styling cues and live the look and lifestyle as much as modern times allow. No effort is spared in the details and these blokes don't just live the lifestyle, they carry it off with style.

By the way, only one of the subjects in these portraits is styled to the era, the others are wearing what they arrived in. They live the look full time.

You gotta admire the conviction and the effort in that.

So, after an initial false start due to our talent dudes cancelled on the morning of the shoot (in their defence they work 6 days a week and didn't fancy spending a seventh in a stuffy studio) ...deep breath, exhale...I got my shots of the dudes from Hawleywoods.

Much obliged and grateful to the stylist (Jan Edwards) and MUA (Hilary Ho) for their time, and of course the unique Gentlemen from Hawleywoods who gave their time.

Dad RIP

This is the most personal image I have shot in my life, and it is the way I shall remember him.

I will always be grateful to my wife for telling me to pick up a camera at that moment, as he soothed his pain in the pool.

Foxtel Gingerbread Men

Nice way to start the year with a shoot with my old mate Nick Bonney, now in a senior creative role at Clems.

I had quite specific ideas for the bakers display cabinet and gave the location scout a bit of a headache.
It still wasn't exactly what I was after but deadlines dictated we settle for this one in a little cafe in Marrickville.

The Gingerbread men were very good in the footy kit detail, not sure if that comes across in the web jpeg. Sally Parker styled the shoot.

Ian Thorpe

Got 90 seconds to shoot this. Ian was nice. Massive feet, all the better to churn water with I suppose.

Would have loved the opportunity to craft it better, but we work with the time we have.

NEC PA301

I've spoilt myself with a gorgeous (if a screen can be) NEC 30 inch hardware calibrated monitor to replace my ageing Eizo. I've done the research, and finally took the leap.

What I found truly amazing is that after the purchase, like a month later, I got an email from Jeremy at +Image Science to say there had been a price drop and he would credit me the difference. That is amazing and he has secured me as a customer for the future.

Jeremy also writes a hugely informative Knowledgebase on his site http://www.imagescience.com.au/pages/Knowledge.html

Hungry Jacks Menu Board

For the third time in my life I've embarked on a massive overhaul of a QSR (Quick Service Retail)( fast food) brand.
The previous times these month long shoots involved the famous Chicken, but this time its for that great Aussie brand Hungry Jacks.

Got involved in the development of the photographic style which we carried through, and got better as we went along.

We shot burgers, sundaes, fries and all things nice for a bleary eyed 29 consecutive days.

It was EPIC. We grew beards. And got a little fatter. And older.

Had a fantastic team in the unflappable Ben Masters (food) Leesa Murray (stylist), Jan Edwards (stylist), my trusted assistant Craig, and Senior Creative Baz Baker from Clemenger.

My fantastic producer Penni deserved a medal for her tireless work behind the scenes.

Feast Magazine

I enjoyed the experience of shooting for SBS Feast Magazine. It was a high paced shoot and I was in a hired studio, which can be challenging, but I got a shot which I'm happy to put in my book.

Its not about the money when shooting for the editorials, as once the agents cut, studio, assistant and file handling time is factored in, we come out with about $40 an hour, but editorial is still an opportunity for creative exploration, and trendspotting.