Portrait Session with Former Rugby International Ben Toolis

One of the best parts of being a portrait photographer on the Gold Coast is the chance to meet people with incredible stories. Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph former Scotland international and Edinburgh Rugby lock, Ben Toolis, at his home in Palm Beach. It was a chilly winter morning, but the warmth of Ben’s personality quickly took the edge off.

At 6’7”, Ben is every bit as imposing in person as he was on the rugby field, yet he is also a true gentleman — humble, welcoming, and easy to work with. That’s what I love about portrait photography: capturing not just a strong image, but the essence of someone’s character.

From Rugby to Reinvention

Ben’s sporting career speaks for itself. Born in Brisbane, he rose through the game to become a key figure for Edinburgh Rugby and went on to earn over 25 caps for Scotland. Known for his lineout expertise and tireless work rate, he built a reputation as one of the most dependable locks in the modern game. Alongside his twin brother Alex, he made history as part of a rare sibling pairing in Scottish rugby.

But professional sport doesn’t last forever. In 2020, during the uncertainty of COVID, Ben began searching for ways to prepare for life beyond rugby. That journey led him to partner with Pav Masutes and co-found Fifty Twenty-Two (FTT) — a platform designed to help athletes and high performers build sustainable, long-term income through short-term rental property and alternative investments.

Building Beyond the Game

What started as Ben’s personal mission has grown into a structured model that supports other athletes. FTT, part of the rebranded @masutesgroup, guides clients through the full investment lifecycle: sourcing opportunities, financial modelling, purchase facilitation, and long-term property management via @mystayinn. This approach not only helped Ben retire in a stronger position, but it is also shaping a new generation of financially secure athletes.

Through the FTT Club, Ben and Pav are also building a private community where athletes, coaches, and performance professionals can share knowledge, prepare for life after sport, and support one another on their journeys.

Photographing Ben Toolis

Spending the morning with Ben reminded me why I love my work as a Gold Coast photographer. Every portrait is a chance to go beyond the surface and tell a story. Ben’s story is one of resilience, foresight, and reinvention — from scrums and lineouts to strategies and investments.

It was an honour to capture him at home in Palm Beach, relaxed yet purposeful, a man who has successfully transitioned from life on the pitch to a new chapter as an entrepreneur.

Gentleman on and off the field. Legend in front of the lens.

Professional Headshots and Website Photography for Dr. Tom Chalk, Anaesthetist & Pain Specialist

As a Gold Coast-based portrait and headshot photographer, I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Tom Chalk, a respected anaesthetist and pain specialist. Dr. Chalk required professional headshots for LinkedIn, social media, and hospital websites, along with images for his new website, still under development.

Capturing Expertise in Action at Gold Coast Hospitals

To ensure the photos accurately represented Dr. Chalk’s professional environment, we photographed him in both his consulting room and operating theatre. These settings highlight the full scope of his practice—showcasing his approachable nature in consultation and his precision and skill in the theatre. The images demonstrate his medical expertise and compassionate care, crucial for building trust with potential patients.

Versatile Photography for Online Platforms

The photos we captured are designed to work seamlessly across various platforms, including LinkedIn, social media, and Dr. Chalk’s website. Each image is carefully crafted to reflect his professionalism, creating a trustworthy online presence for prospective patients and colleagues alike. As a portrait and headshot photographer on the Gold Coast, I specialize in producing images that elevate professionals’ personal branding.

About Dr. Tom Chalk

Dr. Tom Chalk is a highly regarded anaesthetist and pain specialist who works at several leading hospitals on the Gold Coast. With his extensive experience in pain management and anaesthesia, Dr. Chalk is known for delivering personalized care using the latest medical techniques.

These photos will significantly enhance Dr. Chalk’s online presence, ensuring he stands out in the competitive Gold Coast healthcare market. By showcasing both his clinical expertise and caring approach, these images are an essential part of his professional branding.

Capturing the Heart of Our City – Portraits of the Gold Coast

As a professional photographer specializing in portraits and headshots on the Gold Coast, I’ve spent the last 10 years helping individuals and businesses put their best face forward. But recently, I felt the need for something more—something personal, meaningful, and deeply connected to the community I love.

That’s why I started Portraits of the Gold Coast—a project dedicated to capturing the diverse and inspiring people who shape our city. Through black & white portraits, audio, and video interviews, I will document the stories of everyday locals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders who make the Gold Coast what it is today.

Why This Project?

Over the years, photography became a job, and I wanted to reconnect with what truly drives me—meeting people, hearing their stories, and capturing their essence through my lens. This project allows me to do just that while also giving back to the community by preserving a snapshot of contemporary Gold Coast life for future generations.

How It Works

I’m reaching out to interesting, inspiring, and influential Gold Coasters—whether well-known or everyday heroes—inviting them into my photo studio in Robina on the Gold Coast to create powerful portraits. Alongside the images, I’m recording their voices and stories to add depth and emotion to each session.

This is more than just a personal project; it’s a growing archive of our city’s people and culture. If you know someone with a great story—or if you’d love to be part of it—reach out! Let’s celebrate the Gold Coast together, one portrait at a time.

📸 Stay tuned for more stories and follow along on social media!

Gold Coast Headshots for Aspiring Actors

Headshots for Aspiring Actors Gold Coast Actors

For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working with The Actors Club, an acting school on the Gold Coast, providing high-quality headshots for their students at an affordable price. A professional headshot is an essential tool for any aspiring actor—it’s their first impression, their profile photo for casting directors, and a key part of their portfolio.

As a Gold Coast photographer specializing in portraits and headshot photography, I focus on creating images that showcase each actor’s unique personality and talent. Using professional lighting and expert direction, I ensure every student walks away with a headshot that meets industry standards and helps them stand out.

Many of the students I’ve worked with have used their headshots to secure auditions and roles in film, television, and theatre. Seeing their success is always rewarding, and I take pride in knowing that my photography plays a part in their journey.

If you're an actor looking for a headshot or a standout profile photo for your portfolio, get in touch! Let’s create something that represents you at your best.

Case Study: JFS Engineers – A Consistent, Professional Headshot Style

JFS Engineers, a Gold Coast-based firm with offices in Canberra, Sydney, and Brazil, approached us to develop a unified and professional style guide for their staff headshots. To ensure consistency across all locations, we designed a precise black-and-white photography setup, complete with a detailed lighting diagram, recommended camera settings, and a preparation guide for staff.

This comprehensive approach allows any photographer to replicate the look, maintaining a strong and cohesive brand identity across multiple offices. With a standardized headshot style, JFS Engineers now has a timeless and polished visual presence that reinforces trust and professionalism. If your business values consistency and brand impact, we can help you achieve the same results.