Case studies and projects

Creators - Master Jeweller
Tom MacDonald Tom MacDonald

Creators - Master Jeweller

Photographing Pete, a master jeweller in Brisbane, was a study in contrast and concentration. His well-worn bench, scattered with fragments of gold and tools polished smooth by years of use, told its own story. The black dermographism on his fingers spoke of long hours at the bench, a tactile record of dedication and repetition. Against this rawness, the elegance of the pieces he creates feels almost ethereal: delicate forms shaped by practiced precision and an instinctive understanding of balance.

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Case study - Rare Rabbit
Tom MacDonald Tom MacDonald

Case study - Rare Rabbit

Case Study: Creating a Cohesive Catalogue & Lifestyle Campaign for Rare Rabbit

Rare Rabbit engaged me for a full-day shoot in and around Brisbane, to create a new collection of imagery spanning both studio catalogue content and lifestyle images on location in Brisbane. Known for their playful, design-driven accessories, Rare Rabbit wanted photography that felt polished, warm, and true to their brand personality.

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Case study - quality foods
Tom MacDonald Tom MacDonald

Case study - quality foods

Case Study: Capturing the People and Process Behind Quality Foods’ Distribution Network

Quality Foods approached me to create a library of images that would highlight the strength of their distribution chain and the people who keep it running. As a leading supplier for restaurants, cafés, and retail food businesses, they wanted photography that showcased both their operational efficiency and the human element behind their service.

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Case study - National projects
Tom MacDonald Tom MacDonald

Case study - National projects

Case Study: Showcasing Premium Office Design for National Projects

National Projects approached me to capture a recent commercial fit-out in the Brisbane CBD—an office space designed to reflect refined craftsmanship, thoughtful planning, and a strong sense of brand identity. Their goal was to build a visual library they could use across proposals, marketing materials, and digital platforms to demonstrate the calibre of their work.

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Case study - Botanical Plumbers
Tom MacDonald Tom MacDonald

Case study - Botanical Plumbers

Case Study: Capturing Authentic Brand Storytelling for Botanical Plumbers

When Botanical Plumbers approached me for a branding photography project, they wanted imagery that would show their team in a real-world context—professional, approachable, and genuinely connected to the people they serve. Their aim was to build a visual identity that felt warm, trustworthy, and reflective of their everyday work.

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Hong Kong - Shops
Tom MacDonald Tom MacDonald

Hong Kong - Shops

Before COVID, I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time shooting in Hong Kong. The energy of the streets, the density of life, and the contrast to my home city of Brisbane created an extraordinary sense of visual tension. Where Brisbane is spacious and open, Hong Kong is layered, intimate, and overflowing with character. Over time, I found myself drawn again and again to its small shops and the people who ran them, craftsmen, traders, makers, and keepers of a rapidly changing world.

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Raven
Tom MacDonald Tom MacDonald

Raven

The inspiration for Raven was born from the idea of contrasts—light and shadow, strength and fragility, mystery and openness. The black dress, delicate and sleek, echoing the grace of its namesake bird. Against the pale sand and driftwood, the styling created a natural monochrome palette that allowed the textures of fabric, wood, and water to shine through the lens.

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Creators - The Playwright
Tom MacDonald Tom MacDonald

Creators - The Playwright

In a world where creativity is increasingly outsourced to AI, this series continues with those who remain devoted to the act of making. People who sit with ideas long enough to let them take shape, and who understand that creation is as much about process as it is about outcome.

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