Sharpfocuspics

Hi I'm Stephen Thomas.

 

I started my career working in marketing and advertising management while completing degrees in Marketing & Communications then Psychology. The relevant experience in my corporate career, included supervising production for multinational television and print campaigns involving model selection, agency liaison with creative, copy and design.

After some part-time teaching in these areas at two leading Sydney Universities, I set up my own company as a market research consultant focussing on the booming consumer magazine industry where I worked with lifestyle, sport and fitness titles. A highlight was the launch of Inside Sport in 1991, where I was a major contributor to the development and ongoing success of Australia's leading sports magazine.

An opportunity to oversea the redesign of Swimming Australia's monthly magazine, not long after the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, opened an opportunity to expand into journalism and sports photography. I was offered a position as Australian Correspondent for US Swimming World magazine, accredited at Olympic and World Championship level over the next decade.

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With the decline in the magazine industry and ongoing encouragement from media associates, I decided to venture into portrait, fashion and art photography. However, I continue as an active sports photographer with regular ongoing international publication via Swimswam.com

I love working with the composition of nature and the human body, natural light and shadows looking for that unique capture. I will work to a clients specifications but if your looking for a portfolio build or some unique captures I prefer a natural look, light makeup, style focused, black & white preference, portraits, fashion, swim/beachwear and artistic themes. I have done business headshots and team group photos, to pregnancy and family mementos.

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I also have considerable experience in creative design and as a stylist from my years in magazines and distributing swimwear in Australia. 

I am based on the Tweed Coast, about 20 minutes from the Queensland border and Coolangatta Airport. I have set up a beachside home / studio but I will continue to travel within Australia and overseas.

Please contact me for more specific details for your needs and my rates which start at A$125 per hour, minimum two hours, for non-commercial work.

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I occasionally consider TFP if the model and concept interests me or where I can help kick-start promising new talent. 

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I love working with the composition of nature and the human body, light and shadows - preferably a natural look, light makeup, style focused, black & white preference, portraits, fashion, swim/beachwear and occasionally art nude. Disgraced British cult photographer David Hamilton was an early influence on my style but Australian photographer Peter Coulson is also an influence. I have much experience in creative design and as a stylist from my years in magazines and importing swimwear. 

I am based on the Tweed Coast 15 minutes from the Queensland border. I have set up a beach side home / studio but I will continue to travel in Australia and overseas regularly.

My standard rate for a non-commercial shoot in and around my studio is a very reasonable A$125/ph, minimum two hours shooting inclusive of producing the best retouched images from the shoot. I will consider TPF is the model and concept interests me and particularly to help kick-start promising new talent. 
Note this rate is for personal/portfolio work NOT commercial work, ask for a quote.