About Us
Hi, my name is Peter Hawke. I am a wedding, portrait and commercial photographer located in Beacon Hill on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. I’m a Sydney-based photographer who operates Australia-wide, creating an effortless photographic experience for wedding couples and portrait clients. In the corporate space I create photographs for small business, private and public organisations, and government agencies alike.
With over 14 years of photographic experience across a wide range of genres and sectors, I understand the importance of authentic photographs that represent our clients, and their requirements.
Peter Hawke,
Professional Photographer
I am a creative who practices candid & natural wedding photography.
My journey with a camera started when I was 18 years old. Before I started in wedding photography, I was a nightclub and lifestyle photographer. My previous experience as a nightclub photographer was challenging, with a steep learning curve. Capturing photographs in a dark environment under flashing strobe lights is not the most ideal of photographic situations. The experience taught me how to balance flash with dim ambient lighting, and freeze motion whilst also preserving the chaotic nature of clubs. I got to see some of the most amazing live acts up-close, such as The Presets, Prodigy, and my all-time favourite, Daft Punk.
I grew up near Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and in summer you can usually catch me in the water at Dee Why or Freshwater Beach. I’m tall / a coffee lover / a gin drinker / an Australian outback explorer / an ex-geologist and map-maker / and I like to travel.
My approach to natural wedding photography
I’d regard myself as an Environmental Portraitist. I find inspiration in the environment. For many years I benefited from travelling across Australia as a geologist and environmental consultant, visiting remote and disconnected places. These locations have unique attributes that are generally not found elsewhere. I search for this uniqueness or ‘defining’ attribute and try to showcase these attributes in my photographs. These life experiences and environmental processes influence the way I approach natural wedding photography, and projects of all types.
I encourage moments and spontaneity rather than static images. I promote individualism and uniqueness. I choose interaction and connection over technicalities, any day of the week. I would much rather have you enjoy yourself on your wedding day, taking the time to have some fun with your new life partner, and forget all about me. The less your wedding is about capturing photos, the better your wedding photography will be!
I’m a bit of a “run-and-gun” shooter. I use multiple cameras, and I always have a camera at the ready to capture the unexpected – your partner helping you climb a fence, or helping you with your wedding gown. Spontaneous moments sometimes make the best memories – the ones that represent how you both interact with one another. I tend to get the shots I need by observing and documenting what I see. That smirk, laugh or tear… Just be yourself and have fun – remember that I am here to make you look great!
Clients love our work
I am all about capturing your wedding day with relaxed and genuine imagery that reflects who you are as a couple. I like to think that my photographs are fun and fresh. I am organic in my approach. It’s only natural to be uncomfortable in front of the camera – don’t stress, I make the experience enjoyable and relaxing.
As an independent creative, I am able to put more time into my client’s wedding preparation that other studios. I am the type of wedding photographer that is more than happy to provide tips, advice and ideas in the lead up to your wedding day or portrait session that helps to make your day unique and special. Have a look at some of our 5-star Google reviews that my lovely clients have left me, here. I always go the extra mile for my clients!
Experienced visual communicator
With over 14 years of photographic experienced across photographic genres including entertainment, lifestyle, corporate events, corporate portraits, environmental portraits, e-commerce, branding and advertising, architecture, technical photography, and weddings; I draw upon a wide variety of experiences in delivering high quality work for my clients.
We help new businesses create and represent their new-found brand image and convey their style and aesthetic though photographs. We help established businesses engage with their buyers and market, and help you engage with your customers in the right visual way.
I have worked in a range of industrial settings, and have captured images that are featured in corporate reports, and development applications. I have experience in capturing technical photography used to construct photomontages and technically accurate visual representations for Development Applications and State Significant Development.
Additionally, I uphold safe work values, and have licenses including a NSW WorkSafe Construction Induction White Card, Rail Industry Worker Card (RISI) and Access Corridor Safety (ACS) rail training.