Hi there
Firstly, I would like to dedicate Newsletter #170 to my dear dad, John Brownbill, who passed away on 27 April 2026 at the age of 96.
He was my greatest supporter, and while planning his funeral I have heard so many wonderful stories about his life and how proud he was of me. It has been a meaningful reminder of how important it is to let the people we love know how much they mean to us.
I would also like to acknowledge the incredible creatives featured in this newsletter. I am so proud of the work they are doing and the impact they are making.
I hope you enjoy reading, watching, and exploring the inspiring work shared below.
Love,
Sally
NEW CREATIVE DIRECTORY MEMBER
JAMES BELLORINI | PHOTOGRAPHER
I'm thrilled to welcome the wonderful photographer James Bellorini to the Creative Directory!
James is a commercial and editorial photographer who specialises in beauty, fashion, and portraits. After working in London for over a decade, James moved to Melbourne in 2025 and hit the ground running, shooting campaigns for Myer and Howatson & Co. Shooting both in studio and on location, James works with brands, designers and creatives across all manner of projects. On set, James brings everyone in! Talent, crew, the whole room; they all show up in the frame. The brief shapes the approach, but the standard doesn't move: precise, considered, and made to last.
James has been doing this work for thirteen years, and is still genuinely curious about what a photograph can do.
To see more from James, check out his profile on the Creative Directory. Welcome aboard!
CONVERSATIONS - NEW EPISODE
In my latest Industry Convo, I sit down with Toni Newman, owner of Toni+Co, and a dear friend!
Toni’s career has been an adventure in shifting, diversifying, networking, and staying open to any possibilities. From starting as a secretary, moving through advertising, production and casting, to running her own production company for many years, each chapter built toward something more meaningful. That led to Toni+Co, an interior design, decorating and styling studio grounded in truly understanding clients (their needs, their lives, their budgets; the whole picture!) to create spaces that not only work and are beautiful, but genuinely improve how people live.
One of Toni’s driving forces has always been to say yes and work out the details later. Knocking on doors, leaning on her network, and learning from every experience; she’s a real powerhouse, and her story is a reminder of where backing yourself and saying yes can lead!
This episode is a ripper! Watch it on YouTube, and see more from Toni on the Creative Directory!
FROM OUR CREATIVE
DIRECTORY MEMBERS
MICHELLE WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHER
You may know Michelle Williams for her stunning architecture photography, you may know her through her work as an educator, but today I'm sharing her beautiful triptych Ritual, which was featured in the Lorne Community Centre Photography Prize.
Ritual was shot over return visits to Kalimna Falls, Lorne. Using expired large-format Polaroid, Michelle's work embraces material unpredictability, reflecting the fragility of memory and environment. Through marks, streaks and imperfections, Michelle explores how connection to place evolves over time, where landscape and observer leave lasting traces on each other.
Beautiful work from a very talented Creative Directory member! See more from Michelle on the Creative Directory.
HARRIET HARCOURT | PHOTOGRAPHER & FOOD STYLIST
More exciting news from the Creative Directory: Photographer and Food Stylist Harriet Harcourt has been shortlisted in the food portraiture category of the 2026 World Food Photography Awards for this glorious celebration of colour! This image was captured by Harriet for a book project she worked on with Rachel Lindsay - the board was the icing on the cake, built over a period of weeks using leftover icing from cupcakes they were shooting!
Congratulations Harriet on this delicious achievement! See more from Harriet on the Creative Directory.
WATCH & LISTEN
Many of you have tuned in to the photography podcast I cohost with Harriet Tarbuck - When Harri Met Sally. The exciting news is that we're back with season 3, and this time we've filmed the entire season! We've had a blast making this season, and you can now watch all the shenanigans unfold as we talk photography (and more) with a huge range of wonderful guests. This season we've turned things on their head, and instead of interviewing photographers, our guests are all people who employ photographers. We ask them all what they look for when they're seeking a photographer. From creative directors to fashion designers and so much more, there's so much to learn and enjoy! Episodes are being released weekly on YouTube and everywhere you listen to your favourite podcasts.
TESTIMONIALS
HENRY NGUYEN (NGUYỄN KIM HÙNG) | EMPLOYMENT TESTIMONIAL
"Working with Sally was an outstanding experience from start to finish. Her efficiency, professionalism, and deep understanding of the industry truly set her apart. She quickly matched me with a full-time graphic designer role that perfectly suits my skills and goals. Sally delivers real results, and I couldn’t recommend her more to any creatives who is seeking to enter or further their career in the creative industry. Thanks Sally!"
JEMMA HUNT | EMPLOYMENT TESTIMONIAL
"I can't even begin to describe how thankful I am for Sally. After a tough journey trying to find my path in the creative industry, it felt like a miracle when I connected with her. In just a week, she helped me land a full-time position in a role I never imagined I would love so much. Sally is not only incredibly smart, but she’s also genuinely caring and takes the time to truly understand you. Her support has been a true gift, and I’m beyond grateful to have had her by my side. Thank you Sally, you are the best!"
KEEP ON CREATING!
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