My Most Iconic Beach Shoots (So Far)
A look back at the film frames that changed the way I work
Some shoots just stay with you — whether it’s the model, the light, the location, or something that can’t be named. These are the sessions that shaped how I shoot, built momentum for my work, or still sit among my most viewed galleries. Shot entirely on 35mm film, this is the shortlist of editorial and swim shoots that continue to define what I do.
If you’re new here, this is a good place to start.
1. Emily Feld at Elephant Rock
We met on the Gold Coast just as a storm threatened to roll through — but the clouds cleared enough to give us a perfect tropical sunrise. Emily is a total pro and a powerhouse in front of the camera, and this shoot still stands as one of my most shared to date.
2. Ella Cervetto in the Fog
Ella and I go way back, and I owe a lot of my early visibility to our work together. She might have 1.8 million followers now, but when she first reached out, she had 20k — and the work we made back then still floats around the internet. This foggy morning shoot remains one of our most beautifully understated.
3. Megumi at Little Bay
Shot under a full moon with Megumi McKenna from Viviens, this shoot captured one of the calmest and most cinematic mornings I’ve had at Little Bay. There’s a softness and magic in these frames that I’ll never forget.
4. Georgia Roche at Chinamans beach
Georgia and I have worked together for years, and this rainforest shoot was a full-circle moment — she wore the same dress from one of our first shoots. The location, the light, and the timing made it feel like a quiet reset for both of us.
5. Zoey Cocks at Balmoral Beach
Shot with Zoey from Vivien’s, we arrived at first light and found ourselves with perfect water and sky. It was a quiet kind of morning, which always makes for stronger photos.
6. Eden Cotterell at Noosa Heads
This was my third time shooting with Eden from Chic Brisbane, and she’s also the cover of Issue Two of ONLINE. Her ability to hold a frame with stillness and strength makes her an absolute joy to work with — and Noosa gave us the softest light possible.
7. Emily Deyt-Aysage at Maroubra
We caught this just before Emily left Sydney. Between storms and travel, we got lucky with a calm sunrise window — the kind that just asks you to shoot quietly and let it unfold.
8. Genny Shawcross at Turimetta
Genny (yes, from Love Island USA) reached out before arriving in Australia. We ended up paddling out at sunrise, shooting between two beaches, and swimming through rock pools before most people had their coffee.
9. Dominique Elissa at Clontarf
Dom from IMG and I work quickly — and this shoot was a perfect example. We wrapped up something beautiful in less than two hours with zero stress. That winter light, combined with her presence, gave us everything we needed.
10. Jayde Pollard in Cabbage Tree Bay
Not many models would paddle out before first light with a camera pointed at them, but Jayde from Bella Management did — and made it look easy. Dolphins, swimmers, perfect sunrise — this was one of those mornings that just worked.
11. Alisa Rudnev and Summer Hart in Noosa
I was five days into this trip and still chasing light through bad weather. I’d just wrapped a studio day with Que Models and wasn’t sure this would go ahead — the clouds were teasing rain, and Noosa was packed. But we got lucky. The light held, the beach opened up, and Alisa and Summer delivered. We kept shooting past the original plan, and Summer—freezing by the end—still held it down like a pro. These frames became some of my favourite from my first shoot in Noosa.
12. Kushi Leggo and Emma Hedley on Clontarf Beach
I’d worked with both Emma and Kushi separately. Kushi brought Emma along last minute, and what was meant to be a solo shoot turned into something far better. Their natural chemistry as two good friends, the afternoon light, and the rhythm of shooting at one of my favourite local beaches made this a standout. Shot entirely on 35mm, it’s everything I love about beach editorials: playful, unpolished, and full of connection.
13. Stepping into with Jennifer Lamb
Sometimes the universe lines things up. I saw Jennifer in a shoot with Amadeo and thought I’d love to work with her — and a few weeks later, she found me on Instagram. She was in town with Chic Management, and we shot just as spring was coming in (though she’ll tell you it still felt like winter). Jen braved the cold, brought such presence, and we wrapped with some of my favourite images this year.
14. Connie Ou at Bronte Baths
Don’t let the sun fool you — it was 14°C out of the water and maybe colder in it. But Connie from IMG trusted me enough to get in, swim, and make something bold. She’s got presence, sure, but more importantly, she’s got guts. I’m grateful for that. These shots are some of my favourites — full of contrast, clarity, and her quiet confidence.
15. Luisa at Voodoo Point
There are some shoots that shape the work that comes after. This one with Luisa from Chadwick Models was exactly that. We shot it before this location became the go-to for every beach photographer in Sydney. The light did everything I could’ve asked for, and the images from that afternoon still feel like a benchmark. Quiet, golden, and right on the edge of perfect. You can find more about my favourite spots to shoot here.
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