The Ringer - BTS

Amongst the rolling hills and red dirt of the outback near Speedwell, I had the honour of working with an Australian icon.

Kelly Dixon has written countless award winning country classics and bush poetry in his career, including some for the aussie legend Slim Dusty. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with him on a music video for ‘The Ringer’, which is a bush ballad based on his retirement.

96 years young, Kelly has retired to his little farm of 150 acres in the beautiful countryside of Speedwell. The serenity shooting in this bushland oasis was so relaxing, and helped lend itself to the slower pace filming tempo I have tried to bring to this film clip.

Keep an eye out for the music video release of ‘The Ringer’ next month and the possibility of getting Kelly one more golden guitar!

Updating Mr. Graeme Connors Image

When I was contacted by Graeme’s son Damien about updating the country music legends image I nearly exploded. I’m not a country music guy but it’s Graeme Connors! I was super stoked and set up a meeting with Graeme to see how I could help him.

Upon meeting Graeme it was immediately clear that this was a man of old school class, deep thought and charm. A true artist and gentleman. Being from the same town we exchanged some stories and connected over our mutual love of different art mediums. Learning about his music and how it is a ‘thinking man’s’ country music, it gave me a new appreciation for his approach to his musical craft.

I suggested to Graeme that I was exploring a new Bold, Raw, Minimal style and thought that it would suit his sophistication and charm in these later years of his career. He was immediately in board.

We shot a collection of images in studio here in Brisbane and at a cool old rustic fishing shed in Mackay. I was stoked with the results and was humbled with Graeme’s response to our shooting session and outcome. ‘I’ve done a lot of photoshoots in my time, but this was the first time I felt truly comfortable and at ease with my photographer. I see these images and they a truly me’.

It was my absolute pleasure to shoot with Graeme and his wife Lyn.

Have a ripper day!

Luke