Damaged Goods

As I opened the fridge, there it was—
my pear, bruised and staring back at me.
We locked eyes, or so it seemed,
each of us worn, each a little scarred.

I knew exactly how it felt,
damaged, but somehow still whole.
Not perfect, no—marked from its journey,
a little beaten, a little bent.

In its quiet way, it understood me too,
how we carry on despite the scars,
still sweet, still whole in our way,
not flawless, but enough.

Inspired by my pear, this photo project sought to juxtapose how some of us feel. A little worn, scarred, bruised, but that doesn’t stop us from throwing on a patch and cracking on.

Our scars are proof that we are stronger than the challenges we have faced. If you have scars, you’ve likely had adventures, challenges, high highs and low lows - a life worth living.

I hope you can relate to my damaged goods and next time you see a beat up apple, just say ‘me too friend’.

Luke

The Cadbury Chronicles: Tales from the Fridge

When we were little snappers, there was always a shimmering Cadbury treasure tucked away in the fridge, just waiting for Dad to claim. Oh, but did he know the fridge had other, far sneakier visitors—my brother and I! By nightfall, the kitchen transformed into our playground, where we'd tiptoe like mischievous burglars, hearts racing, and snatch our golden loot from under Dad’s nose!

“Cadbury is God's chocolate! Everything else is pure rubbish!” Dad would bellow with conviction, his eyes ablaze with devotion. And who could argue? Inspired by Dad’s unwavering loyalty to the almighty Cadbury, this shoot is a sweet tribute to his favourites, captured in my bold, raw, and minimal style.

Got a wild idea bubbling in your brain? Let’s make it something extraordinary! Get in touch, and together, we’ll whip up something magic.

Fun Food!

Who doesn’t love fun food! I’m talking burgers, chips, wings and sando’s. This month I took my bold, raw, minimal style and worked with Tippler’s Tap on some bright fun food images.

I have been very inspired to shoot some poppy food pictures the last few months so when the opportunity to work with Tippler’s came about I was ecstatic!

To achieve this look I used harsh light. A lot of photographers are scared to use direct flash and rather go the safe option with soft light... Not me. Turn that bad boy on 100%, point it at the subject and let’s get some glistening highlights and crisp shadows.

This kind of set up lends itself nicely to simple backgrounds allowing the subject to pop and be the centre of attention.

What made this shoot so fun for me was the subject matter. It’s not junk food, but it’s not your fine dining experience either. It’s the kind of food that you know your eating when your out with friends just having a great time!

Head chef Jake did a great job preparing the food, styling and even lending his hand for some modelling. (the other hand has fallen victim to chef life a few to many times 😅)

I’m excited to work on more food projects (not just for the post shoot treats 😁) so if you have a client or brief that wants to stand out I’d love to hear about it!

'On Camera Flash is for Amateurs' - Personal Project

I was recently triggered by another photographer proclaiming that, ‘on camera flash is for amateurs’ , so naturally I grabbed some friends and went out to prove that they were wrong.

I wanted to bring that ‘on camera flash look’ to my sports work as it brings a fresh but nostalgic feel to images. We all remember when our mums would bring the point and shoot and set to auto to our soccer and basket ball games!

Bringing that memory and applying a commercial lens to it was the idea for this shoot. (and to prove him wrong 😜)

As talent for this idea I had brothers Attila and Adam throw down some hoops and have some friendly competition.

I’m weary of anyone that paints any creative tools or mediums with such a broad stroke as it’s not about the tools but how you use them.

I’m stoked with how this set turned out and think I have achieved my point. 😁

I’d love to hear what you think! Do you agree with the statement that ‘on camera flash is for amateur’ or that it’s how you use your tools as a creative?

Double Denim - Erik & Phoebe

Two of my favourite humans Erik and Phoebe joined me for a personal shoot titled ‘Double Denim’ and damn they look cute!

Rolling up in West End with my 64 Impala we shot a series of couple portraits while dodging traffic through the streets.

I decided to shoot this series on my Fujifilm camera system because in my opinion Fuji’s colours are the most vibrant, classic and superior straight out of camera which lends itself nicely to my style of portraiture.

Fuji’s glass (lenses) is also absolutely beautiful. A lot of modern cameras are clinically sharp, which takes away from the organic look that great portraiture entails. Fujifilm’s lenses are not excessively sharp and have a gorgeous contrast to them that brings a timeless feel to images.

I am excited to shoot more of my personal projects that I are in the pipeline over the next few months so keep your eyes pealed!

That Was Close! - Karl Herman

I was about a meter away when Karl came screaming past on the mega rail feature, grabbing his board and giving me a quick glance before grinding his landing and boarding off for another lap around the wake park.

An extreme life enthusiast, Karl is a high level wake boarder, skydiver, wing suitor and base jumper and probably the most genuine bloke I know.

We spent a rainy afternoon in Mackay capturing these bangers for some of Karls sponsors.

I highly recommend checking out Karls Instagram because not only are his crazy antics very entertaining, but he is all a real inspiration taking life by the horns, not taking anything for granted and is in constant pursuit of his purpose.

'Caught Back Stage'

‘Caught back stage’ Kia and Cam are a super stare couple of dancers that helped bring my idea to life.

The theme was; a wild singer/dancer duo that where ‘caught back stage’ for a quick photoshoot before a show, flexing their designer sunnies that they are never seen without.

As someone myself that is never seen without his sunnies, I love how bold this set has come out, emphasising their cool shades.

Kia and Cam’s chemistry really added to this shoot and I hope to see them when they are back from Europe for another shoot!

I Am Stoked - Emerging Photographer Awards

There was some absolutely insane work submitted this year in Capture Magazine ‘Top Emerging Photographer Awards’ of which I submitted 5 of my own projects.

I was lucky enough to have 4 of my 5 pieces of submitted work make it through rounds of judging which blew all of my expectations and am very stoked about the result. Coming away with two top 10 rankings and two commended.

My entires where from 3 different personal projects; Fire Fire Fire, Immortals and Good Morning Vietnam.

For Fire Fire Fire I linked up with the gentleman from D Crew at my home town fire department and shot a series of portraits in their different kit outs.

Rogan Dean is a crossfit athlete I shot for my Immortals project and Good Morning Vietnam was from a holiday earlier this year.

Im excited for my next opportunity to submit in competitions later this year.

Colours of Autumn - Queenstown/Glenorchy New Zealand

Every time I visit the New Zealand countryside it reminds me why it is my favourite place in the world.

I feel like I’m am on the edge of the globe. A far away settlement surrounded by a harsh but beautiful land with many adventures to be had.

Unlike Australia which has 2 seasons (hot and slightly less hot) NZ takes its landscape through the full colour spectrum and Autumn being one of the most spectacular.

With golden hour almost the whole time the sun is up, even the most simplest scene transforms into a painting of shadows, colour and light.

If you have not visited Glenorchy before, at the other end of lake Wakatipu I highly recommend it. There isn’t much there… and thats the point. This gorgeous sleepy little town of 500 people is so quaint with its couple of home baking cafes, lone pub and stunning mountain views.

The crisp stillness in the autum air always brings a calmness over me. It’s hard not to be extremely present when wandering through the many walking tracks and hikes.

I can not wait to visit again.

That Time Up North

In the crispness of my morning walk I found myself day dreaming of this little town at the foot hills of the Eungella range in North QLD, Finch Hatton. On our December holidays last year my girlfriend and I spend the morning exploring this growing hamlet.

This historic little town from the early 1900’s is peppered with relics form a bi gone age and the early morning light was glorious to walk through.

Making our way up the Eunngella range the view from the steep road of the gnawing hillside is spectacular under the mist.

Hidden away down ‘The Diggings’ track is a secret cafe called Eden. Which is easy to see why its named for the amazing countryside surrounding 😍.

Enjoying a coffee and breakfast burger we then played on the giant swing and watched the other adventures play some of the games on the hill.

Some of the iconic buildings in Finch Hatton are the old general store, Criterion Hotel and RSL buildings.

If you are ever up that way the Finch Hatton and Eungella area are worth a day trip with other attractions like Finch Hatton Gorge, Pinnacle Pies, Mt Dalrymple hike and the newly built Finch Hatton MTB track.

Good Morning Vietnam

On my latest trip I headed to the rich cultural realm of Vietnam.

My journey started in the wet north experiencing the street food of Hanoi, the still waters of Hạ Long Bay and the cultural streams of Ninh Bình. Although we had inclement weather while we were in the north, this only added to the ancient feeling of cultural Vietnam.

Our trip then took us to the tropical island paradise of Phú Quốc where we enjoyed dinner on the beach, drinking Vietnamese coffee while riding around on scooters and the amazing European inspired Sunshine Town.

Finally our journey ended in the nations capital Ho Chi Minh City known to the locals as Saigon. Where the highlight was the historic war museum and Củ Chi tunnels.

Although there was ample scenic vistas to photograph I really wanted to capture the human element of Vietnam. I hope you enjoyed this snippet from my trip and you can see the full gallery here or my travel portfolio on my website.

Fire Fire Fire

I had the privilege of capturing portraits of the legendary members of D Crew from my home fire department. These individuals are true heroes, yet their humility and down-to-earth Aussie spirit shine through.

Working with them on these portraits was an absolute pleasure, and I am thrilled with the final results. To view the complete set, be sure to click into the blog post.

Speed - Pain - Adrenaline!

I LOVE ADRENALINE. Always have and always will. I have loved riding motorbikes, flying in choppers, combat sports, and snowboarding my brains out ever since I was young child… and nothing has changed 😅.

It excites me to no end to bring my passion of photography to my love of adrenalin sports and capturing those intense split second moments, that if you blink you’ll miss them.

Adding sport back into the portfolio I am excited for some shoots I have in the pipeline for next year including Trophy Truck off-road racing, Surfing, and Freestyle Motocross.

Some Favourites from the year

Reflecting on some of the sets and individual images I have created this year, I believe I have produced some of my best work to date. Of these I have narrowed down some of my all-time favourites and the reasons that I like them.

Jimmy Fkn Thunda

This image of Jimmy is the epitome of my style. Bold. Raw. Minimal.

Bold - Big sunnies, chopper moustache, zero cares. Jimmy is gunna do as Jimmy does.

Raw - The rugged cold gaze through his classic shades, coupled with his mou and unkept hair.

Minimal - No distracting backgrounds or fancy light set ups. Straight on single light, straight on framing, black & white.

Phoebe in Pink

The whole set from this shoot is some of my favourite work but this image is just so fun quirky and eye catching. Phoebe’s inquisitive expression combined with the closeness of the wide angle shot makes you feel like she is inspecting the pimple on the end of your nose.

Ahrie

The comfort and calmness that Ahrie presents here, leaves me locked in but comfortable in his gaze. I like the shape that hi body is making. Also the first time I got do you my new custom apple boxes!

Maia

Little Maia’s innocent face also expresses an air of confidence, which matches here beautiful personality. Again the effect of a wide angle lens leaves you feeling like her hand is 10cm from your face. (Which it almost was!)

Jamón

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Monetez . Calvin Klein

Montez is one hell of a specimen of a human. Probably the most well conditioned bloke i’ve met, the contrast of the light as it hits his body leaves in you in awe at a human in peak physique. Almost like looking at a marble statue. I love the way the front on light is then compliments the shadows hugging him.

Jayo Archer

Complete confidence. This portrait of X Games athlete and free style MX lunatic Jayo was taken in my make shift portable studio at the motocross track. The side lighting creating a beautiful contrast of light across his face and the contrasting colour pop of red and blue, emphasises his confident demeanour. Also a top dude.

Courtney

Courtney’s cold, hollow, confident gaze draws you straight into her eyes. It’s quite polarising to see someone so pretty have that emotion.

I love the gorgeous front on lightning and how it hits her face, the messiness of her long hair and the discipline of her uniform and bow.

I have many others, and am blessed to have had some incredible humans sit for their portraits. I hope they have enjoyed the experience of shooting with me as much as I have, and that I have been able to create an image of them that when they look upon it they truly see themselves.