HARRY CUNNINGHAM

Shot under flash at Fridays Studio, this portrait series captures Jonathan Keys - a man who’s spent a lifetime chasing wind, swell, and open skies. A traveller, windsurfer, kitesurfer, and soul searcher, Jonny carries the kind of perspective that only comes from moving with the elements and sitting still with yourself.

Hong Kong, a city of contrasts. Towering skyscrapers loom over narrow alleyways, neon lights buzz above aging facades, and markets spill out onto the streets in vibrant chaos. The city’s rapid transformation reveals a layered urban landscape where old and new coexist, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in tension. Faded tong lau buildings, scarred by time, weather, and typhoons, rise like ghostly monuments amid the steel and glass. Their crumbling balconies, exposed wiring, and bamboo scaffolding, a testament to Hong Kong's unique construction practices, evoke an almost apocalyptic mood, reflecting a city shaped by its history, yet an uncertain future awaits. In the streets, the scent of incense mingles with the smoke of Pai Ling rituals, where people burn offerings of paper money and joss sticks, honoring ancestors and invoking blessings. Yet, just moments away from the crumbling urban chaos, the mountains rise, cloaked in a dense jungle of subtropical foliage. One minute you're in the heart of the bustling city, and the next, you're lost in the quiet embrace of nature. These transformations reveal the city's hidden depths and its enduring allure.

"The World’s Longest City" is a contemporary documentary photo series that explores Perth’s rapid suburban expansion and its implications. Stretching over 150 kilometres from Mandurah in the south to Two Rocks in the north, Perth exemplifies the effects of urban sprawl. Photographer Harry Cunningham travelled this vast corridor, documenting the sprawling suburbs and examining the visual and environmental impacts of unchecked growth. What does sprawl look like at ground level, and what are the consequences of such expansion? Through symbolic urban imagery of barren streetscapes, mass-produced houses, and endless roads, the series challenges viewers to rethink Perth's everyday, often overlooked, scenes. As an issue deeply intertwined with Perth’s identity, "The World’s Longest City" raises broader concerns about the city’s development, priorities, and long-term livability. Cunningham’s work encourages reflection on the values shaping Perth’s growth and the consequences of its current trajectory.

Charly, a Californian expatriate, has spent 27 years building a life on the coast of East Bali. After leaving behind a successful career in America, he came to Bali for surfing, founding Bali’s first chocolate factory 14 years ago. Since then, he’s expanded into surf wax, zinc sunscreen, and handmade soap. “My neighbor came to me and said, ‘Hey, you know, nobody makes chocolate in Bali. They grow so much cacao, but all the beans are sent to Java for processing.’ That’s when I thought, ‘Hey, it would be a good thing for the locals to process it here and create jobs.’” Among his many ventures, Charly also created one of the island’s pioneering Bali swings, which at its peak has attracted up to 3,000 visitors in a single day.

Portals represent gateways to transformation, reflecting the constant motion and evolution of life. There is an unrelenting need to move—physically, mentally, and spiritually—shifting through dimensions of the self. Japanese folklore speaks of koi fish transforming from beings of water into dragons, symbolizing a profound metamorphosis. Ponds and pools represent the cycles of life, while cherry blossoms, with their brief yet brilliant bloom, encapsulate the fleeting nature of existence. Whether as emblems or everyday moments of life, these symbols serve as reminders that change is inevitable and beauty lies in impermanence. In life, we all drift through portals, from reality into dreams, constantly evolving, shedding the past, and embracing the new with each fleeting moment.

Known for being one of the driest capital cities in Australia, Perth faces critical water scarcity, making borewater stains a defining feature of the suburban landscape. These stains, caused by the high iron content in the region's groundwater, can be seen on houses, bins, walls, and sports ovals, marking the spaces where childhood memories were made—where kids played sports and families gathered in their backyards. The presence of these stains reflect the environmental conditions that shape daily life.

Exploring the fusion of heritage and hypermodernity with Ines, a model hailing from Chengdu, one of China's tech capitals. Styled by Gervo By Bella, the shoot drew inspiration from both Chengdu's technological landscape and Inés's love for games like Dark Souls 2, resulting in tech-inspired styling that incorporated traditional Chinese colours, particularly red. We juxtaposed these elements against a suburban Australian backdrop, creating a striking contrast between Inés's futuristic urban roots and her current surroundings. Hair and makeup by Sabrina Makeup & Hair completed the vision, blending portrait documentary and fashion to capture a unique narrative of identity and place.

Perth is often known as the sunny city, celebrated for its perfect beaches, blue waters, and bright skies. In this photo book, I challenge these familiar portrayals by exploring a different side of Perth—the one that comes alive after dark. Through cinematic nighttime photography, I transform ordinary environments into visually compelling narratives. This collection captures Perth’s urban landscapes, diverse people, and vibrant subcultures that thrive under the glow of artificial light. Some moments are carefully staged, while others are spontaneous, blending fantasy and reality to reveal a lesser-seen side of the city. Focusing on the interplay of shadows, neon hues, and architecture, I’ve created a moodier, more evocative vision of Perth. This work invites viewers to uncover the hidden depth and complexity of a city often defined by its sunshine.

This series WIND RIDERS (2024) explores the spirit of Perth's wind enthusiasts. Defined by its highly consistent winds, uncrowded shores, and endless coastline, Perth is a world-class destination in the sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing world. From the yacht racers of the Swan River to the kitesurfers, windsurfers, and foilers along the coastline, photographer Harry Cunningham captures the freedom, energy, and spirit of Perth's Wind Riders.

An evening in the studio with Alyssa, testing flash setups for portrait and makeup work. A little shy in front of the camera, but there’s something in that quiet - soft glances, honest presence, and a natural grace that didn’t need to be directed.