Portrait Articles
Famous Of Mosman A Graham Monro Exhibition coming soon
1 February 2012
Who am I?
I was born 29 June 1940, in Sydney, and left school at 14 to enter the National Art School in East Sydney. After 5 years study, I commenced a highly successful career as an art director and designer in New York, London and Sydney. My first solo exhibition was held in Sydney in 1980. Since then,I have held over 50 one-man shows, including major exhibitions in Australia, Europe, Japan and the USA. My work has been described as the most original style to come out of Australia, and his paintings are in collections throughout the world. See me revealed at the “Famous of Mosman” exhibition soon…
Get ready for an exciting new exhibition by Graham Monro featuring local Mosman identities.
Being located in the village of Mosman has allowed us into the many lives of Mosman locals. We are privileged to photograph their families, homes, and pets and along the way.
”The idea for Famous of Mosman is to celebrate all the great people that live in Mosman. There are so many wonderful and talented people that I have met over the years here. Ken Done is my first portrait for this series. He is an absolute gem. A warm hearted charismatic artist! Ken is a dream to photograph- candid and engaging.”
Graham has embarked on a new personal project which will feature some prominent faces that you will know and also the other faces you may not know- that are famous amongst only the locals.
The exhibition will be shot throughout this year.
Who do you think should feature in this exhibition…who is your Mosman Famous choice? Send us an email and let us know to info@gmphotographics.com.au
Stay tuned as the journey continues and as we release more details soon…
Graham Monro on Portrait Photography (Canon EOS Master)
9 January 2012
Have you seen Graham’s Portrait Photography tutorial? As an EOS Master and Professional Commercial Photographer Graham talks about learning how to shoot great portraits in this guide for photographers. Here he talks about his tips on taking portraits, the gear he uses such as the Canon 5D Mark II, his experience in the domestic field of photography as well as the importance of lighting and composition.
Join in, find the inspiration for your photography and share at www.canon.com.au/worldofeos.
Or if you’re interested in getting gm photographics to photograph your family please visit our portrait page for more information.
Celebrity Photographer Graham Monro is interviewed by Career Confessions
10 November 2011
Here is a recent article written by Monica Kade on Career Confessions
Celebrity Photographer – Graham Monro
Graham Monro is a Sydney based professional photographer and the founder of Australia’s leading wedding and portrait studios gm photographics.
Graham has shot the likes of Brooke Shields, Princess Diana, Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth II. gm photographics was also the chosen wedding photographer for many Aussie celebs including Guy Sebastian, Lizzy Lovette and Ada Nicodemou.
A Canon user from the beginning, Graham has recently been granted the elite title of Canon EOS Master, winning numerous awards from the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP).
After one career as an advertising, design and editorial photographer, Monro now heads up Australia’s premier wedding and portrait studio gm photographics.
Graham is a prolific photographer with work published extensively throughout Australia and internationally.
Graham’s extensive career has seen him gain many accolades including:
• Master of Photography II Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP)
• Fellow of Photography New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP)• NSW AIPP Landscape, Advertising and Wedding Photographer of the Year
• Rated in top 4 Best wedding Photographers in CAPTURE Magazine 4 years running.
• Finalist in 2009 Head on Awards for Australian Portraiture
• Finalist in Fresh Milk International
• Photos published in nearly all major Australian magazine titles
With passion and enthusiasm Graham gives back to the photography industry and has been commended for his work in many of the professional organisiations including Elite ACMP Collections, the AIPP and NZIPP.
Describe yourself in 3 words: Fun, energetic and enthusiastic.
What is your life motto? I’ll be there soon. This is based on if you keep at it you will get there, it’s just a matter of time. Keep plugging away at what you love and you will succeed.
When did you start pursuing your career and how long did it take to become successful? When I was 14 I had my first photo published and by 16 was the Sydney rep for a little known motorcycle newspaper called AMCN. I used to catch a train all the way to Liverpool from Killara and then hitch hike to Oran Park or catch a train to Pennant Hills and hitch to Amaroo Park depending on race day. The next day would wag some lessons at school and print photos in the school camera club darkroom, write the story in the library and express post it to Melbourne for Tuesday night’s deadline. I was so keen that I would have paid them to publish my photos. Seeing my photos published was a huge buzz. I feel it was ten years later in my mid twenties that things really started rolling for me in professional photography.
How many hours did you dedicate to pursuing your dream? All hours. I have been extremely fortunate that photography was my first love and my hobby. If I weren’t working so much on the business, I would be doing more photography – definitely shooting more and doing the less of the business stuff.
Describe how difficult the business really is? Photography is extremely competitive. When I started it was film days (unlike today where everything is digital) and many people thought photography was difficult and very technical. Nowadays every one has a camera; but I think all that is irrelevant. If you really want to do something just do it. It’s as simple as that. You can make whatever excuse you want to not do something and of course you never will. In all businesses the ones at the top do well by doing what they love and working really hard, the ones in the middle spend too much time competing with each other rather than just going out and winning clients and the ones at the bottom are too cheap, drive themselves broke and undermine the industry. So you need to decide which one you want to be.
What is the mistake that taught you an extremely valuable lesson? Early in my career I wanted to get sponsored for a trip to Outer Mongolia. I pitched to the company’s second in charge and he then went to the big boss for me. It failed. He did not have my belief or enthusiasm. Motto: Always pitch to the big boss!
What is the best piece of advice you have been given to date? “Go with your gut” – A great photographer, Greg Barrett said that to me in the late 70s. I was his assistant at the time. Your gut instinct is your best advice. Listen to others but most of all go with your own instincts. Whenever I have gone against it I was wrong.
In your mind, is formal training essential? I was not formally trained at art college or photography college but today I am always going to seminars, workshops, lectures and seeking advice and education from my peers. Photography and the creative fields (like all fields) require ways to improve yourself, and as you get older they keep you inspired and invigorated. Otherwise doing the same ol’ same ol’ gets boring.
However if I was starting out today I would go to PSC or RMIT in Melbourne and I would have a part-time job in photography. Formal training is a great way to ensure you develop a good technical understanding. Photography and cameras have developed to the point where there is not as much difference between an amateur and a professional due to the auto functions of cameras and the availability of great software. However, a professional should be able to produce results that their client’s cannot do for themselves.
The great thing with photography is you can always shoot. Too many wannabes sit around talking about doing things rather than actually doing them. Talk is cheap.
Do you think having a mentor is important? How would you go about getting one for this industry? Having a mentor is great! I have several heroes in photography and with the internet you can keep up with them very well. But nothing beats meeting up face to face and listening! Peter Eastway is a photographer and publisher and many other things too and I often seek advice and mentoring from him. Many times you can think that you are the only one with a problem but so many of your peers have had these problems and even worse than you. It’s when you talk to others and communicate openly that you learn a lot. This comes from being in your industry associations and I am in the AIPP in Australia.
If I wanted a new mentor I would just look around and find who I liked and approach them. Be generous when you seek people out for advice, do something for them. Many possible mentors are sort by others too so think of what you can offer them to pay you attention. Take them to lunch, write a letter (not an email; a letter). Enthusiasm, honesty, humility and respect usually always wins someone over. Dare to be different when you approach them.
What are some steps emerging talent can take to start/further their career? Get published. Get your work out there.
Pursue work experience with a great photographer who is also a great businessperson. Give your time for free if necessary to gain the valuable experience. Have great technical ability first and then develop and hone your skills creating your own style – there are so many photographers you want to stand out from the crowd.
Photography is all about personality and making people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Ensure you are always well presented and engaging when working with your clients.
What kept you going when you felt like giving up? The thought that I will get there soon. Often when you are pushed against the wall you come out fighting hard. It is amazing what you can get done in a day if you really try. Refusing to give up and trying different ways of solving problems is good. Once I was doing a difficult job and it keep failing. After the third reshoot I went to the lab to check the film and I was not impressed with it. The film technician offered some advice as to how to correct the rest of the shoot and I went with it. Two hours later after clearing my head by going to yoga I returned and all was good. I also realised after that yoga session that I needed to chill out more and change my thinking and deal with certain clients in different ways.
Do you believe that ‘making it’ is about luck and being in the right place at the right time? Sometimes it is, but most of the time you make your luck by putting yourself in the right place at the right time with the right people. Working hard and working smart are the two things to combine then add in fitness and time to have a life and take time out to appreciate the things you have in your life already like family and friends and love.
For more on Graham, check out www.gmphotographics.com.au and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/gmphotographics
lifestyle.com.au article with Simona Janek from gm photographics
17 October 2011
Have you always wondered how celebrities manage to look so great and comfortable posing on the red carpet and magazine covers?
Wonder no more…. our gm photographics Portrait Couture Photographer Simona Janek has shared her tips with the world in the article on lifestyle.com.au giving all the best advice on how to pose for your photographs.
Click here to see the full article
Gold & Silver awards at APPA 2011
30 June 2011
gm photographics had a great weekend at at the Australian Professional Photographers Awards (APPA) where we were awarded a gold award in the family portrait category by the Australian Institute of Professional Photographers (AIPP). That’s kinda a big deal for us seeing there are so many incredible photographers in the awards and every year the competition gets that much harder!Professional Photographic Awards.It’s certainly one of the most prestigious and also one of the toughest awards a photographer can enter. Each year only a very small number of GOLD awards are handed out. The Canon awards received a record number of entries,with more than 850 photographers Australia wide submitting 3,000 images.
Graham’s image is of former Mosman Councillor Andrew Brown and his family shot at their family portrait session at Chinamens Beach. Andrew’s idea was a spoof of the old TV show Greenacres where the city guy goes country with his family. Not a sea change a farm change. Andrew and co rocked up to Chinamens Beach with his prize rooster , pitchfork and favourite items of all the kids.
Photographer Monro commented “It’s always great to go into a family shoot with a theme and styling, the whole family adapt to the role playing and really have some fun.Of course we still shoot all the normal type of family shots but you’re jazzing it up with a lot of crazy shots too.And when everybody’s laughing everyone is having fun and getting the best most natural photos too !”
Our other image of “breakfast time”was awarded Silver
gm is going to Greece!
22 March 2011
Graham will be speaking at the exclusive Grand Workshop held by Yervant & Anie in Corfu, Greece! To be held later in the year, the workshop is a great opportunity to learn from 7 internationally acclaimed MASTERS of photography.
This is what they’re saying about Graham… “Graham Monro keeps a low profile down under in Australia. Graham is one of the best kept secrets of Australia! This crazy artist is UNIQUE in every possible way!! Was a succesful commercial photographer who followed his heart and became one of the most astonishing wedding & portrait photographers in Australia. Graham is also the funniest guy on earth! Watch out… we will LAUGH with Graham every minute of the week!”
Download the PDF for more information, excited!
Moran Prize Semi-Finalist 2011
15 March 2011
The award news keeps getting better. Graham’s image below has been nominated in the first round of the Moran Prize 2011.
The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize is one of the worlds richest prizes for excellence in photography, particularly portraiture. See more info on the prize here.
Here’s our image listed in the Semi-Finalist gallery. Fingers crossed for the second round!
Awards at WPPI Vegas
14 March 2011
gm photographers did well at the WPPI (Wedding Portrait Photographers International) Awards.
The annual Awards of Excellence Competitions for outstanding images and albums won us 5 Silver Accolades of Excellence! Below are Graham’s images and one of the 3 high earning albums entered.
Local family Kellie & Stew with their 3 gorgeous kids at a portrait shoot at Balmoral Beach in Mosman:
gm photographics travel to WPPI in Las Vegas
28 February 2011
We were lucky to be able to spend a week in Las Vegas for the WPPI (Wedding Portrait Photographers International) annual world wide convention. There were brilliant speakers, a great trade show and the annual awards. Very inspired!
Here are some fun shots we took while there.
Capture your family- with gm photographics
17 November 2010
What better way to spend an afternoon than a walk in the park with the family and dog.
While you are enjoying the sunshine why not get gm photographics to come along to capture
one of the simple joys that you and your family love to do together. Like a walk in the
park, swim in the sea or even a family picnic.
