Tom Greenwood Photography Blog

Images and thoughts from Australia and the Asia-Pacific

Welcome to my blog!

I'm Tom Greenwood, a photographer based in Sydney. This blog is dedicated to my editorial/commercial/development/personal work. I do a range of things so if you'd like to see my wedding photography or family portraiture, please be my guest.
 I'm originally from the UK. Before the move to Oz in late 2008, I lived in Southeast Asia, first Vietnam and then Laos, as a journalist and then photographer. As you can see Asia-Pacific is still a strong influence and I try to get back to that part of the world when I can. I'm lucky enough to get the odd assignment with international NGOs. 
What else? I'm a proud dad, twice over; a seemingly life-long surfing beginner; and a lover of Test cricket and Mongolian throat singing. Enjoy the blog!

October 6, 2011

Band Camp on the South Bank

When I was back in the UK a few months ago I had the pleasure of hooking up with some old friends and shooting their band, ‘Band Camp’ on the South Bank of the Thames. Jake (bass) and Andy (guitar) and I go back to the glorious days of gin-fueled rockin’ in Hanoi. With Pushing Rugs, Mandarin Boom Box and Band Unit #33 we helped kick off what is now a thriving expat music scene. It was lots of fun.

Speaking as someone (happily) submerged in a world of nappies and broken sleep, it’s good to see there are still a few of my ilk cranking it up. I look forward to seeing a shot from the session on an album sometime soon. And more to the point, giving it a listen. Nice work, fellas!

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September 25, 2011

{video} Stone on the belly – maternal health in rural Cambodia

This is my first video! I shot it in Cambodia a few months ago on my Canon 5dII and edited it on Final Cut Pro 7. I have to say until recently I was reluctant to enter the world of video (heaps of extra gear and knowledge), but since taking the plunge I’ve found I absolutely love it! It’s wonderful to be able to tell a story, however simple, in such a full, well-rounded medium. While being a photographer helps, it’s great to be able to draw on my years as a journalist for the story-telling element both in terms of shooting and editing.

The video looks at maternal health in rural Cambodia and the varied experiences of mother-of-three Srey Pov. Many thanks to her as well as to Save the Children, Khun Chanpha, Nim Sinin and my wife Grace for doing the voice over.

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August 31, 2011

Oxfam Trailwalker 2011

I have to confess, despite doing a fair bit of work for Oxfam, until a month or two ago I hadn’t heard of Trailwalker. It’s quite something. This year, just north of Sydney, some 2,200 hikers donned lycra and head torches for a gruelling 100km walk through the bush – in the name of charity, of course. As a volunteer photographer/videographer I hiked precisely none of it but I was full of awe and admiration for those who did, not least those at the front who RAN the entire distance!

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May 30, 2011

On a mission

This is the second job I’ve done for Mission Australia. It’s an organisation I have a great deal of respect for. In a city as (at least superficially) prosperous as Sydney, it supports those who aren’t so fortunate, the homeless and aged – and many of whom are both.

The first set covers a sod-turning ceremony for an aged care facility in Redfern with two federal ministers: Tanya Plibersek, Human Services and Social Inclusion, and Mark Butler, Mental Health and Ageing. Tanya Plibersek is also the local MP. It’s not often I say this about politicians but she strikes me as someone with real heart, intelligence and integrity (and not just because on arrival she had a lengthy chat with a fellow photographer and I about babies and sleepless nights).

The later images are shots of clients and carers at Charles Chambers Court aged care facility in Surry Hills. It’s a place with a superb location and a very warm, friendly atmosphere.

Keep up the good work Mission Australia!

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April 17, 2011

Sok Dii Pi Mai – from Campbelltown, NSW

Sydney’s Lao community got together at the pleasantly bushy Wat Buddhalavarn in Campbelltown yesterday to welcome the new year, splash water, Lam Vong and generally make merry. It’s 35 years since Lao’s first refugees set foot on Aussie soil (thanks to an act of decency from former PM Malcolm Frazer – Gillard and Abbott take heed!). In honour of the anniversary a curious monument was unveiled – a traditional stupa flanked by steel girders, no doubt representing Australia’s iron support for the Lao community.

Once the official bit was out of the way a splendidly adorned ute (pick-up truck) lead a raucous procession around the temple complex. It was nice to see the local falang dignitaries let their hair down, wave their hands around and pose for snaps with exotically attired transexuals.

But no beer! It must be something to do with licensing laws but it’s a damn shame since the amber nectar is such a strong common bond between the cultures (along with utes). Both un-Lao and un-Australian. Speaking personally I miss the ‘sober to staggering in ten minutes’ principle of Lao party drinking – it’s just not quite the done thing at dinner parties. But mai pen lai – such is the Lao appetite for fun that, booze or no booze, a rollicking good time was had by all!