Personal one - Lawrence Furzey interview
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey as a photographer? My name is Lawrence Furzey, and I’m a Sydney-based lifestyle photographer. I’ve been working commercially for over 20 years, though my journey has taken some interesting turns along the way. I initially wanted to be a sports photographer, but I was fortunate to land a traineeship with one of the country’s top food photographers, Paul Austin. From there, I developed my skills in food, beverage, and product photography. A few years later, I started shooting celebrities like Yoko Ono, Charlie XCX, Michael Bublé, and Elyse Taylor. I’ve always had a passion for landscape and water photography as a hobby, which has helped shape my style. I love crafting scenes that bring together people, products, and places to tell a compelling story—blending my various interests into my work.
“ Hugh Stewart summed it up perfectly when he said that in the past, we aimed to stay behind the lens. Now, to stay relevant and get work, you need to be constantly in front of the camera
How would you describe your style or approach to photography? My style is pretty straightforward. I tend to keep my compositions minimal, focusing on clean,
simple frames. I like to create drama and mood through lighting, which helps set the tone and brings the story to life. It’s all about making a strong impact with a subtle touch.
When did you first hear about this exhibition? I first heard about this exhibition when Selena reached out to me. I was a bit bummed when TTIP stopped, so when I got the email about this, it honestly made my day!
Is this your first time participating, or have you been part of it before? I've been a part of this for the last three years. It’s definitely one of my favourite events of the year.
If you’ve attended in past years, what’s your strongest memory of the exhibition? My strongest memory was definitely the year when 'The Chris O'Brien Lifehouse' was the charity. My mother was battling pancreatic cancer at the time, and sharing that experience with her made it incredibly special for me.
“ For me, the process of planning a shoot is incredibly important because it sets the tone for the results I want to achieve.
How did it feel to see all the works displayed together on the wall in past editions? That’s what I love most about this exhibition—seeing everyone’s work displayed together. It’s fascinating to see what each of us is passionate about shooting personally. It really highlights how much our personal styles come through in our commercial work. It’s such a great outlet for us artists to share the imagery that we are
passionate about.
What does it mean to you personally to be part of this collective exhibition? I feel privileged to be selected to showcase my work alongside peers I respect deeply and look up to for inspiration. Being part of this collective exhibition is a real honour and a great reminder of the creative community we’re all part of.
What do you hope audiences will take away from experiencing your work here? I hope viewers can sense my love for the ocean, my passion for the outdoors, and most importantly, my deep appreciation for the environment. I want my work to inspire a connection and respect for nature.
How do you see the photography scene today, especially with younger generations coming through? The photography scene has definitely shifted with social media’s rise. Hugh Stewart summed it up perfectly when he said that in the past, we aimed to stay behind the lens. Now, to stay relevant and get work, you need to be constantly in front
of the camera. It sometimes feels like how you got the shot matters more than
the shot itself. That said, I think the community is much more open and connected now — sharing tips, organizing meetups, and more events that bring everyone together.
Has the exhibition influenced or inspired your perspective on photography in any way? Absolutely, it’s been a real inspiration for two reasons. First, learning about the exhibition motivates me to go out and work
on a new project to submit. With my busy schedule these days, I don’t get as much time for personal shoots, so it’s a great incentive. Second, I really enjoy seeing what everyone else creates — it keeps me inspired and looking forward to next year’s exhibition.
What projects have you been working on recently (If you can tell)? Recently, I’ve been working on a series of dog portraits that I’m really excited about. The idea is to link specific dogs to the look of a distinguished older man, creating a playful and intriguing contrast.
Looking back, is there a past project you consider a milestone or turning point in your career? I’d say a milestone for me was when I first made a cold call to a producer at DNSW—which, 13 years later, is now my producer. It was just three weeks before my wedding, and they ended up booking me for a job two days before the wedding to shoot portraits of Yoko Ono. That was a real turning point in my career and showed me what’s possible with a bit of perseverance.
What inspires you right now—whether in photography or beyond? I’d say my photography has become much more deliberate and detailed compared to when I first started. In the early years, it often felt a bit rushed. Over time, I’ve developed my own style that sets my work apart, which is something I really value. It’s all about putting more thought and personality into each shot Lately, film has been a big source of inspiration for me. I’ve started directing, which has opened up a whole new avenue for creative expression. It’s given me a fresh perspective on the process and motivated me to explore new ways of shaping my art.
What equipment are you currently using, and why? I'm currently using the Canon R5 for stills. I’ve been with Canon since my 20D and have always appreciated their image quality and functionality. For video, I rely on the Sony FX3. Both cameras offer excellent versatility and build quality, which helps me achieve the look and flexibility I need to bring my creative visions to life.
How does your gear shape your process or the kind of results you aim for? Lighting plays a huge role in my work. When I get a brief, the first thing I consider is the source of light and the light modifiers I’ll use. I see this as the foundation of the shoot. The logistical aspects come next. For me, the process of planning a shoot is incredibly important because it sets the tone for the results I want to achieve.
Is there a photographer, work, or experience that has been especially influential in your path? Definitely my mentor, food photographer Paul Austin, who I spent four years assisting. His lighting techniques were truly second to none, and working alongside him was incredibly influential in shaping my approach. In terms of inspiration, ocean photographer Ray Collins played a big role in encouraging me to shoot in the ocean. His work sparked a passion in me, transforming my photography and giving me a creative outlet outside of work, a true release I still enjoy today.
Anything you want to add? I’d say, take it all in. Not just the stunning work on display, but also see this as a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders, pick their brains, and start building your own network. It’s a valuable experience on many levels. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Selena and the team at LUNAR for keeping this exhibition alive. It’s so important to our industry as a community.
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