Our Photographers
Mark Strachan
Founder & CEO
In 1982, Mark founded artist photographer after working as a press photographer for the Herald and Weekly Times Newspaper Group.
Beginning his career in ‘old school’ film and darkroom disciplines, he embraced exciting new digital technologies in the mid 1990’s, where he was the first photographer in Australia to partner with Kodak in using the PhotoCD system.
In 2000, Mark moved to digital capture, but still keeps a museum of over 50 of his film cameras. One of those cameras, a Leica M3 was owned by famed portraitist Arnold Newman’s whom Mark met in the 90’s, photographed some of the last living portraits of Marilyn Monroe. He is also a passionate collector of photographer’s original works including Annie Leibowitz, Lewis Carroll, Nick Ut and Richard Avedon.
Images created by Mark have been published in numerous magazines and books, including two coffee table volumes which have featured his work exclusively.
In 2013, Mark was appointed as a Leica Ambassador, and in 2014, he tested the new Leica M camera in Germany and Africa. Recent years have been filled with assignments throughout Europe and the US as well as workshops and portrait commissions throughout Australia.
Amanda Hyland
After receiving a camera on her 12th birthday, Amanda’s passion for photography was born. It has seen her spend many hours chasing beautiful light, waiting for the perfect moment, and capturing images that tell a thousand stories.
For the past 25 years, Amanda has run her own wedding photography business and worked with other photography studios where she managed a team of photographers. She has also exhibited her still life artwork in a number of galleries.
Amanda’s experience working with children and families in a studio setting is extensive, with many families commenting on her ability to put their children at ease in an unfamiliar environment.
Most enjoyable for Amanda is finding the connection and emotion in families and conveying it through her art.
Shara Henderson
Shara is an award-winning photographer with over 20 years’ experience working across portrait and documentary practices. She’s worked locally and internationally for a diverse range of editorial and commercial clients, approaching both her personal and professional work with an unassuming and empathetic manner, enabling her to capture intimate portraits of her subjects in their most natural state.
Shara gained a Bachelor in Photography at RMIT University in 2003, then upon graduating headed to New York to undertake an internship at the studio of Mary Ellen Mark. In 2005 Shara moved to London where she won the coveted National Photographic Portrait Prize and subsequently launched her freelance career. She worked as an editorial and commercial portrait photographer in the UK for 9 years capturing a diverse range of subjects. In 2012, Shara returned to Melbourne to continue her career and to start a family.
Shara is a proud mum of two and has been sharing her life of adventure with her partner for the past 19 years. She loves working with and capturing families as she understands the importance of documenting these moments in time, and the joy these artworks bring into the future.
Tara Lambourne
Tara has over 25 years professional photographic experience, specialising in portraiture and photojournalism. Her photographic journey has been a unique blend of her passion for nature, and the art of capturing timeless moments for families, both domestically and internationally.
For five years, Tara embarked on a maritime adventure as a photojournalist, working across Western Africa and Europe with various conservation and humanitarian organisations. As a result, her imagery was published in numerous online articles, magazines, and newspapers.
Prior to this time, Tara delved into the world of commercial photography in the Americas. Amidst her busy schedule, she explored the world extensively, always with her trusty camera in hand, capturing the essence of her travels.
A recent highlight in Tara’s career was having her work showcased at the prestigious 'Visa pour l'image' photojournalist exhibition in Paris, a testament to her extraordinary talent.
Returning to her roots, Tara has reignited her passion for studio portraiture, where she excels in putting families at ease and skillfully capturing their unique personalities.
Brett Rawlings
In his early twenties, Brett received a precious gift—an Olympus OM10 film camera—and with the very first click, he fell in love. Travelling extensively throughout Asia and Europe, Brett carried his trusty OM10, documenting his unforgettable experiences along the way. Despite maintaining his roles as a university lecturer and health professional, Brett eventually made the life-altering decision to pursue photography as his career.
Formalising his craft, Brett enrolled at the Photography Studies College in South Melbourne, drawing inspiration from the works of esteemed photographers like Platon, Dan Winters, Mark Mann, Lindsay Adler, and Annie Leibovitz.
Brett's artistic focus revolves prominently around portraiture, where he derives immense satisfaction knowing he played a role in creating and capturing a moment that will generate discussion and invoke emotion for generations to come.
Beyond his lens, Brett and his partner Zoe share their home with their beloved fur babies, Bailey the Golden Retriever and Maya the Ridgeback —testaments to Brett's unwavering love for animals.
Richard Lowe
Richard, a professional photographer with over 15 years of expertise, originally hails from the United Kingdom. He honed his skills in portrait photography at the prestigious St Martin’s School of Art & Design in London and spent a number of years living in different countries capturing family portraits, headshots and commercial imagery.
Currently based in Australia, Richard has expanded his repertoire to include unit stills, behind-the-scenes, and key art photography for film and TV productions. His recent projects showcase a diverse range, from commercial campaigns for renowned brands like Kathmandu to capturing the hero portrait of the esteemed chef and TV Presenter, Stephanie Alexander OA for her latest publication, "Fresh."
Richard is known for being a warm and personable photographer, making his subjects feel at ease; whether that be adults, children or animals! He loves the opportunity to craft special moments with his clients to ensure their portraits, and experience, is something that they will truly treasure for a lifetime.