He swears like a trooper, but captures forms and shapes like a poet.

He’s never going to win an etiquette contest, nor would he want to. Instead, this self-described larrikin photographer has built a massive reputation for his still-lifes, vignettes, whimsical narratives and, of course, those notorious aerial nudes.

A craftsman, with an impeccable eye for composition and detail, John is equally at home shooting with his Canon or iPhone, lately more so the latter. His bewildering range of subjects includes weddings, commerce, architecture, portraits, in locations ranging from Tokyo to Taranaki, reflecting his deep passion for design, form, animals and the unexplored.

In addition to a steady stream of commercial work, John also shares his thinking and experience with artists and like-minded photographers across the world as a teacher and keynote speaker (Don’t attend if you’re easily offended. Do – if you’re looking to understand what it takes to transform the easily-missed into the must-see).

His Homeless project is the latest in a long line-up of projects, challenges and commissions that have seen John embark on a long-form study of people and things. Shot over three years, this latest work captures the images and stories of those who society has turned its back on. Through the lens and narrative, John transforms those too easily labelled as outcasts into people with lives, families, tragedies … It’s another example of his commitment to tackling familiar topics with a fresh, bold and characteristically colourful perspective.

– Mark Di Somma