Michael Kennedy Photography - Iconic, Experiential Portraiture

Burlesque Ball 2011

2011-10-30T15:31:00.001-07:00

Burlesque Ball 2011, a set on Flickr.

The Burlesque Ball 2011...what a great night..

The Xperiments are coming - Teaser 2

2011-03-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Xperiments are coming - Teaser 1

2011-03-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

Wall of Hands....Together we raised over $210,000!!

2011-02-06T02:03:00.000-08:00

Together we raised over $210,000 to help bridge the Indigenous literacy gap. Thank you.
http://www.wallofhands.com.au/

Three months ago we asked a simple question: Hands Up who cares that only one in five Indigenous kids in remote communities can read?

The response has been overwhelming and with your help the ALNF Wall of Hands Appeal has raised over $210,000. Thank you!

I am a Hasselblad Masters 2010 finalist!!

2011-02-02T17:12:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it...I am a Hasselblad Masters 2010 finalist.
Visit http:http://www.hasselblad.com/Masters/2010/Finalists/michael-kennedy.aspx
to see my work...
I entered the following sections...
Portrait ...with some images from the "Faces of Surf" series

Wildlife...this is an ongoing project with Taronga Zoo

Fashion Beauty...a collaboration with artist Shannon Crees

Editorial...a series I shot at WBC MuayThai Fight Night...smell the liniment and blood

Wedding Social....late one night at Qbar...you had to be there ;-)

Thankyou to everyone for your support and encouragement throughout the year....MK

Manly Festival of Surfing "Faces of Surf" Exhibition

2011-01-18T19:43:00.000-08:00

Sending out a Huge "Thankyou" to everyone who came to the Manly Festival of Surfing
I would especially like to thank everyone who participated in and took the time to have a look at my exhibition "The Faces of Surf"

The event & exhibition was a huge success and we're looking forward to making it bigger and better next year!!
Images from 2009 & 2010 MFoS Events can be viewed here... http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael_kennedy/

Fine Art Prints & High-Resolution Digital Files can be ordered directly from me ...please contact me via email on michael@michaelkennedyphotography.com

I also have available, for a strictly limited time, the actual exhibition prints from this years event at below cost prices....
The prints are mounted on foamcore 100cm x 71cm and the actual images are 88cm x 66cm. and would look fantastic framed or hung "as is".

The prints cost between $100 and $200 depending on condition...contact me via email on michael@michaelkennedyphotography.com

regards
Mike

Jah Bar Manly Shots

2011-01-11T02:19:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite bar/restaurants, Jah Bar Manly offer the most mouth watering tapas with dangerously delicious sangria.

Chef at work

Chef Scottie's signature Creme Catalina

Muddling the sangria (and one's head).

Anton Corbijn - Inspirational Work

2010-12-31T15:17:00.000-08:00

Miles Davis © Anton Corbijn

U2 © Anton Corbijn

Captain Beefheart © Anton Corbijn

David Bowie © Anton Corbijn

Watching the obligatory New Year's Day "Rage" on ABC, I saw a promo for "Shadow Play" about legendary photographer Anton Corbjin, airing on Monday 3rd January on ABC 1. A an absolutely luminary photographer, film maker, and DOP, thought I'd add a post to show some off his black and white photographic work, and usher in 2011 with some inspiration.

(From Wikipedia) Anton Corbijn (Dutch pronunciation: [kɔrˈbɛin]; born 20 May 1955) is a Dutch photographer, music video and film director. He is the creative director behind the visual output of Depeche Mode and U2,^[2]^[3] having handled the principal promotion and sleeve photography for both for more than a decade. Some of his works include music videos for Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" (1990) and Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" (1993), as well as the Ian Curtis biopic Control.^[4]

Two sisters at Manly Beach

2010-12-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

Black and White

Colour

Joyeux Noel

2010-12-24T22:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing all my supporters, clients and suppliers a great break over summer (and to my European colleagues a festive winter celebration). Stay safe, wear sunscreen and I look forward to working with you in 2011.

It's been a huge year for me and my work and I'm really launching into 2011 with gusto and enthusiasm. Got some inspiring projects coming through and in development, can't wait to show them off.

Best wishes,
Mike

Shannon Crees Fashion and Art

2010-12-12T15:26:00.000-08:00

"Animals are people too" Project featured on Photography Served

2010-12-02T12:58:00.000-08:00

Just some recognition for a small personal project, but something of note.

This project was designed to shoot aminals, images traditionally relegated to the "happy snap pile, in a formal was to show their character, dignity and personality, using innovative beauty/portrait lighting. They say never work with animals or children, but I'd say that pig, emus and goats are the most difficult, as we discovered what screaming like a stuck pig actually means. Goats are probably the most unintelligent animals on the planet, and will literally eat anything.

Visit photographyserved.com to give it the "thumbs up"

Best Ads on TV - Sony DVD Amnesty No. 2 Interactive

2010-12-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

From bestadsontv.com

Action movie legend Jean-Claude Van Damme declares an Amnesty on Australia's unwanted DVD's via Iris Sydney.

Play with JCVD on the homepage, shame a 'mates' collection using Facebook connect, and check out the Wall to see the culprits. "Send in your DVD's, or we send in Van Damme."

Client:	Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Agency:	Iris Sydney
Production Company:	e-Strategy
Date Uploaded:	2010-11-19
Creatives:	James Griffiths ( Digital creative) Alasdair Roberston ( Account Director) Tom Hoskins ( Creative Director) Kennedy Conspiracy (Photographer) Ian Connor ( Retoucher) Morris Rojas ( Designer)
Country:	Australia

Indigenous Literacy - Is Your Hand Up?

2010-11-30T12:12:00.000-08:00

The Governor: Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO

Natalie Barr

David Koche

Melissa Doyle

Think about the fact that if you bought one less bauble for that Christmas tree this year, and went to wallofhands.com.au, you could donate the money to a gift of literacy to indigenous children in remote areas, 4 out of 5 of whom cannot read at an acceptable level.

Michael Kennedy donated his time, energy and talent, including driving all the way to Tennant Creek (500km north of Alice Springs) to photograph children and elders in these communities. Kennedy saw first hand, that in this lucky country, there are children who lack the basic resources for gaining an education. Literacy brings hope and a brighter outlook for the future of these children.

These people have their hands up to show support for the Wall of Hands. Hands up how cares...

wallofhands.com.au

Soul Theft - Brazilian Style

2010-11-29T01:04:00.000-08:00

Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project - More Images

2010-11-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

Layers and Colour

2010-11-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project - More Images

2010-11-27T14:22:00.000-08:00

Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project - Sneek Peek pics.

2010-11-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

What a party, incredible Brazillian party atmosphere, bands crazy. Loving crazy Brazo party starters (comment from Kayla - and their bodies).

Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange project - capturing the faces of the party

2010-11-27T03:15:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned - bringing the images to you from this epic event.

http://www.facebook.com/SmirnoffAustralia

Blokes From the Manly Festival of Surfing

2010-11-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Manly Festival Of Surfing More Images

2010-11-24T00:12:00.000-08:00

Press Images from Manly Festival of Surfing

2010-11-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of the Manly Festival of Surf 2010 Facebook Page

Manly Festival of Surfing 2010

2010-11-22T13:14:00.000-08:00

Mike Baird NSW Shadow Treasurer

Andrew and Lochie Daddo

Layne Beachley - 7 time World Champion

Tony Abbott MP

Manly Festival of Surfing 2010

2010-11-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

Manly Festival of Surfing 2010 Exhibition

2010-11-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

Festival of Surf Exhibition - Sneak Peek

2010-11-14T20:05:00.000-08:00

Pete Evans - Hugo's

2010-11-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

Lochie Daddo from last Year's MFOS

2010-11-14T13:35:00.000-08:00

Layne Beachley and Andrew Daddo Manly 2009

2010-11-14T02:27:00.000-08:00

Manly Beach Portraits

2010-11-12T21:24:00.000-08:00

More fight night images

2010-11-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

New DVD Amnesty Video (a plummer/kennedy collaboration)

2010-11-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

This is the third in the series for The Great DVD Amnesty

Client: Sony
Agency: Iris Nation
DOP: ThePlummer Kennedy Conspiracy
Location: Brussels

Ophelia

2010-11-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

Collaborative work by Smasha, Michael Kennedy, Billy Plummer and Shannon Crees

Fight Night - Luna Park Sydney

2010-11-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

Before and after.

Quote of the day...

2010-11-04T23:26:00.000-07:00

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will.”

George Bernard Shaw

More Media Regarding the literacy campaign for indigenous kids in remote areas

2010-11-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

AdNews

B & T Magazine

SMH Media - Spoken by R. Hawke, campaign for literacy

2010-11-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

Media for campaign for literacy (ALNF) in this morning's Sydney Morning Herald - Shot of Former Prime Minister R Hawke by Michael Kennedy.

Hands up who cares?

2010-11-03T02:47:00.000-07:00

4 out of 5 indigenous kids in remote communities can't read. Hands up who cares?

www.wallofhands.com.au

Jean-Claude Van Damme in Action

2010-11-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Great DVD Amnesty Photography

2010-10-29T23:14:00.000-07:00

Visit the site at: http://www.dvdamnesty.com.au/

John Claude Van Dam - Behind the Scenes

2010-10-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

2010-10-29T22:38:00.000-07:00

Smoke Screen - Black, White and Square

2010-10-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Black, White and Square

2010-10-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

Intense Gaze

2010-10-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Crashing Bricks - Editorial

2010-10-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Seal - Editorial

2010-10-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

Surfer Chic

2010-10-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

Angel from Q Bar Last Halloween

2010-10-26T02:32:00.000-07:00

“In heaven an angel is nobody in particular.” George Bernard Shaw

Todays Images

2010-10-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Mad Mike

2010-10-25T04:21:00.000-07:00

From the editorial shoot in the Australian outback.
"They say people don't believe in heroes anymore. Well damn them! You and me, Max, we're gonna give them back their heroes!" Mad Max

Sometimes when you fall you fly...

2010-10-25T03:47:00.000-07:00

Campaign Brief Article: Iris set to launch integrated campaign for adidas in lead-up to the FIFA World Cup

2010-10-21T16:21:00.000-07:00

"Next week, adidas will launch a new nationwide integrated campaign in sports stores across Australia for its 118PRO boot.

The campaign will position adidas at the forefront of football boot technology, style and comfort, owning the retail space during this key boot-selling time of the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup. The campaign aims to leverage adidas' association with the event itself to drive the brand's local sporting credentials.
118PRO

adidas tasked iris Sydney with creating a new identity for the adidas 118PRO football boot to launch the boot into adidas own retail and wholesale retail environments.

The campaign is based on the insight that there's one thing that all football codes in Australia have in common: the hard surfaces on which the sports are played. No matter what level you play at, all football pitches are like concrete. But with its EVA wedge, adiPRENE heel, and TRAXION sole, the 118PRO has been designed to protect and support the foot in these conditions. "

Credits
Creative Team: Tom Hoskins and Jon Kelly
Designer: Ronald Acevedo
Photographer: Plummer Kennedy Conspiracy, Getty
Retoucher: Cream
Account Team: Katie Jenks and Douglas Harakal

Source: Campaign Brief

Shannon Pontin - Aussie Biggest Loser Trainer

2010-10-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

Shannon Pontin, Manly local and trainer for Australian Biggest Loser.

Performing Seals

2010-10-21T05:11:00.000-07:00

Water

2010-10-21T03:35:00.000-07:00

Water Shot - Ophelia 2

2010-10-21T01:28:00.000-07:00

Sexy Galexy

2010-10-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Another 1950's Character

2010-10-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

1950's Fair At Rose Seidler House

2010-10-20T02:21:00.000-07:00

Australian Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke for ALNF

2010-10-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Dancer at Multicultural Festival

2010-10-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

1950's Fair - Caravan Lady - Aged treatment

2010-10-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

Kiss Me Quick

2010-10-15T03:27:00.000-07:00

Surf Lifesaving Australia

2010-10-15T03:22:00.000-07:00

Horticulture Australia Banana - Super Food Ads

2010-10-13T18:28:00.000-07:00

Australian Beauty

2010-10-13T03:16:00.000-07:00

Images taken of Manly locals on the beach

War haka (peruperu)

2010-10-12T04:39:00.000-07:00

"War haka (peruperu) were originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition. Today, haka constitute an integral part of formal or official welcome ceremonies for distinguished visitors or foreign dignitaries, serving to impart a sense of the importance of the occasion.

Various actions are employed in the course of a performance, including facial contortions such as showing the whites of the eyes and the poking out of the tongue, and a wide variety of vigorous body actions such as slapping the hands against the body and stamping of the feet. As well as chanted words, a variety of cries and grunts are used. Haka may be understood as a kind of symphony in which the different parts of the body represent many instruments. The hands, arms, legs, feet, voice, eyes, tongue and the body as a whole combine to express courage, annoyance, joy or other feelings relevant to the purpose of the occasion." - Wiki

2010 Hands Across the Nation Indigenous Literacy - Road Trip

2010-10-12T04:26:00.000-07:00

After arriving home it is brought into sharp focus the divide between city folk and the indigenous people of Tennant Creek. I wanted to post, while it is fresh in my mind and heart.

Four out of five Indigenous children living in remote communities can't read at the accepted minimum standard. It's a simple but shocking statistic that every Australian should care about. And now there is something you can do about it.

By supporting the work of ALNF you'll be helping give Indigenous kids the fundamental literacy skills they need to build successful and fulfilling lives.

Scottie

2010-10-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Scottie portraits - Image at the top was a finalist for the Olive Cotton Portrait Prize.

On Location - Happy Snaps at Devils Marbles

2010-10-10T18:50:00.000-07:00

Well here we are in the middle of Australia, literally. Gazing at The Devils Marbles. The traditional landowners believe these are the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent. The traditional landowners of this area are the Warumungu people.

Manly Beach

2010-10-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

More work with Smasha

2010-10-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

2010 Hands Across the Nation Indigenous Literacy Appeal

2010-10-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

Some of our work on this project (above) and below

Short Film from Australia Literacy and Numeracy Foundation

Thank you to Keir Suggett, Rajan Rai, Peter Kaldor, John Layton, Warren Day at Video Australasia, Tony Gardiner at Engine and Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Language Centre for making this film possible.

Important Warning for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.

Hollis Brown Thorton

2010-01-14T03:37:00.000-08:00

Hollis Brown Thornton from South Carolina works with magic markers and felt tip pens, acrylics and photo pigment transfers and "sketches on the computer". He's getting busy: endless editorial commissions incl. front cover of Vice magazine, album artworks and high profile exhibitions all over the States. Details PLUS prints, t-shirts, even iPod skins at http://www.hollisbrownthornton.com/ plus more HERE!

Smasha/Conspiracy

2009-12-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

Imagery @ random (artwork crops/graphics/film shots) from project "2026".

Loving this Smasha...next?

The Bubble

2009-12-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

We've been collaborating with stencil artist Smasha on another project about life in the bubble (that's Bondi if you're not from the hood). This is some of the first stuff to come out of a whole lot of fun work. Part documentary, part street art, part suck it and see mayhem, it's all coming out in some pretty nice bits. The project is called "2026", it's ongoing and we expect to see it out and about in a few galleries soon, in fact there's some pieces in Urban Uprising on Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney.

Join facebook page '2026' for updates from Smasha. More here soon.

Historic Houses Trust: 1950s Fair/Rose Siedler House

2009-11-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

more - www.krop.com/conspiracytheory

Shannon Crees

2009-11-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

Shannon is a painter, a street artiste and a fashion designer all rolled into one - from

the Northern Beaches of Sydney. We're conspiring together on projects and can't wait

to get started...soon Shannon, soon. More...www.shannoncrees.com

Tony Abbott - Leader of the Opposition.

2009-11-14T14:26:00.000-08:00

Fresh out of the water after a surf and into the studio 10m away on the beach...and a top bloke too (honestly!). Cheers Tony (1st name terms).

Irving Penn (June 16 1917 – October 7 2009) - a belated R.I.P.

2009-11-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

Famous for his awesome and groundbreaking fashion work, Penn is also undersung as a

pioneer of location studio photography being one of the first to take his studio to

subjects in jungles, deserts and cities all over the world.

It's a long time since Irving did this, since anyone did this seriously - we believe location studio photography

offers endless unexplored opportunities today, in all kinds of areas.

Red, white and blue...

2009-11-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

One of three fantastically flame-headed folk we shot recently. Couple more...www.krop.com/conspiracytheory