Thomas Oliver

Thomas Oliver Local Brisbane photographer who specialises in portraits, editorial, and lifestyle photography.

Hello!So as you know, I only somewhat dabble with social media at an arms length, when required. Yet the desire to share...
06/03/2026

Hello!

So as you know, I only somewhat dabble with social media at an arms length, when required.

Yet the desire to share is always strong. So, I'm starting a monthly-ish e-mail out blog type of thing.

It will just be a small chosen selection from the month prior of music and films I found interesting; and photos and prose I made and wrote that I think are worth sharing. Less is more, punchy not bunchy, ya know.

It's all via my website, so you don't need to join or subscribe to any service.

Keen? Pop your email in the link below!

https://www.thomasoliver.photo/sub

(5 of 9) Community Heroes cont. Elyse ‘Fishpatrick’ and Kristy ‘Capstanfield’ accompanied by their renowned accordion ‘M...
21/11/2023

(5 of 9) Community Heroes cont.

Elyse ‘Fishpatrick’ and Kristy ‘Capstanfield’ accompanied by their renowned accordion ‘Moni’ are the creative forces behind The Salty Sirens.

This dynamic duo has earned a reputation as swashbuckling heroes for their contemporary sea shanty singalongs, performed at local venues and folk and shanty festivals throughout Australia. Their performances provide a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where people unite to celebrate q***r joy, liveliness, and creativity through spirited singalongs.

What truly sets The Salty Sirens apart is their modern reinterpretation of sea shanties. They transform these traditional tunes into q***r-friendly, sex-positive, community-supporting, LGBTQIA+ educational experiences while maintaining the debaucherous and raucous spirit of the original songs. The Salty Sirens' nomination recognizes not only their kindness and boundless energy but also their remarkable contribution to creating a space where q***r individuals and their allies can thrive joyfully.




A massive thank you to for producing this project.

(4/9) Community Heroes cont.Brodie McAllister is the visionary behind Made Now Music, an independent Brisbane record lab...
20/11/2023

(4/9) Community Heroes cont.

Brodie McAllister is the visionary behind Made Now Music, an independent Brisbane record label and concert series dedicated to authentic and exploratory music.

Since 2017, Made Now Music has collaborated with numerous local artists, hosting numerous gigs and releasing albums featuring 27+ local talents. The core values of MNM revolve around community building, support, and providing a platform. The concert series, currently situated at local artspace KEPK, serves as a testament to this ethos.

Brodie's multi-faceted approach includes nurturing artists' creative visions, teaching, fostering connections within the music industry, and building a self-sustaining community. His commitment extends to Talkin' Jazz, a program engaging high school students in jazz.






A massive thank you to for producing this project.

Community Heroes cont... Sammy Leone, the founder of The Boss Boxing since 2019, has established an inclusive and cultur...
18/11/2023

Community Heroes cont...

Sammy Leone, the founder of The Boss Boxing since 2019, has established an inclusive and culturally sensitive space for individuals of all ages and abilities, highlighting Aboriginal culture through the sport of boxing. His primary goal is to empower and educate the next generation to assume leadership roles within their families and social circles, promoting cultural exchange through mentoring and boxing.

Sammy's own life was transformed through boxing, earning him regional, state, and national titles. Yet, his true achievement lies in his work at The Boss Boxing, where he dedicates himself to reducing crime, preventing su***de, and fostering positive mental health and well-being among marginalized communities and the broader Brisbane Northside community.




A massive thank you to for producing this project.

Mike Diezmann, a dedicated netball coach for over 25 years, found his passion when he stepped in as a coach for his daug...
16/11/2023

Mike Diezmann, a dedicated netball coach for over 25 years, found his passion when he stepped in as a coach for his daughters' local club, addressing the shortage of coaches. Under his leadership, Wavell Netball Club, which initially had 6 teams and 48 players, has now expanded to 20 teams with 176 players in just three years. Mike's warmth, focus, and unwavering enthusiasm have propelled the club to the top ranks of the Brisbane Netball Association. Beyond coaching multiple teams, he organizes trivia nights, fundraisers, and mentors budding coaches and umpires. On game days, Mike's contagious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment make the club a thriving hub for young people to grow, make friends, gain confidence, improve their skills, and enjoy.


In August I was commissioned by to photograph local community heroes who were nominated by the public. Over the next fe...
14/11/2023

In August I was commissioned by to photograph local community heroes who were nominated by the public. Over the next few posts I'd like to share their stories.

Amy Gomes, a dedicated critical care paramedic, showcases her boundless compassion through various initiatives. While on maternity leave, she penned "What Paramedics Do," a forthcoming children's book shedding light on the 000 emergency service and raising funds for Heart of the Nation, an organisation working to expand access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in communities. Amy's commitment extends beyond her profession as she also serves as the president of the Queensland Ambulance Service Legacy Scheme Incorporated, offering invaluable support to the families of departed staff members. Her altruistic endeavours and community leadership embody the spirit of selflessness and care.
one.little.heart

A massive thank you to for helping produce this project.

Is there someone in your community who deserves to be celebrated? and have teamed up to recognise everyday Brisbanites ...
28/07/2023

Is there someone in your community who deserves to be celebrated?

and have teamed up to recognise everyday Brisbanites doing extraordinary things in the community.

They might be a volunteer, a young changemaker, or someone who is making a significant contribution to your neighbourhood and leaving a positive impact on the lives of others.

Well, you can nominate them for Brisbane Festival’s 2023 Community Hero Program!

And as a part of this project I will be photographing some of the selected Community Heroes, where the images will be displayed in an outdoor gallery at the South Bank Festival Gardens.

Application and more information can be found in Brisbane Festival’s and my bio

Applications close 31st of July

Photo credit:

Henry’s idea for this portrait was to show the alternative sides of finishing a PhD–the frustrations that often get over...
12/02/2023

Henry’s idea for this portrait was to show the alternative sides of finishing a PhD–the frustrations that often get overlooked with the institutional ceremonial celebrations that go along with graduation. Each tag on his handmade ‘necklace’ represents a failed genetic experiment that he or his team conducted to get to the finial results of his research. ⁠
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And in Henry’s own words: 

⁠
⁠
“As I prepare to leave Australia after completing my PhD, I'm reflecting on how I made it against all odds. One day on my way to school [in Medellín, Colombia], a 15 years old cousin told me: "Study to not end up like me." A few months later, he was killed.⁠
⁠
Ever since, education wasn't optional for me. 

While celebrating this achievement, I acknowledge that getting here has been bloody painful. From skipping bullets on the way to school to postponing dreams for not speaking English. Science is tough for folks from underrepresented backgrounds and it shouldn't be romanticised.⁠
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I don't know where academia will take me next. Regardless, I'm committed to transform this frustration into actions and bring opportunities to people like me.” Henry Arenas-Castro 

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Henry has moved overseas (again) to continue his research in evolutionary biology.

Who’s dressing up for Halloween 👻??I’m keen to take some spooky portraits at on the 29th and 31stSend me a message if y...
21/10/2022

Who’s dressing up for Halloween 👻??

I’m keen to take some spooky portraits at on the 29th and 31st

Send me a message if you or your ghouls are interested!

Image: Still from ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’ (1920) Directed by Robert Wiene, Cinematography by
W***y Hameister

Address

Moorooka, QLD

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