Dive into this incredible conversation with one of Australia’s most accomplished photographers. Below is a list of clickable timestamps to guide you through the biggest themes and takeaways from the interview, covering everything from the competitive world of AIPP to chasing the Aurora and building a dedicated studio space:
- 00:00 - Introduction & The Birth of Sunburst Studio
- 03:06 - The Canon Collective Legacy and Founding The Photography Workshop Co.
- 04:44 - Ending the 'Lone Wolf' Mentality and Building Community
- 07:24 - Why Wedding Photography is a 'Young Person’s Game'
- 10:10 - The Journey to Double Master Photographer Status (AIPP)
- 13:46 - What’s the Next Medium for Sharing High-Quality Images?
- 26:42 - Discussing the Evolution of Camera Lighting Systems
- 44:23 - Starting at Canon and Founding the Photo Video Helpline
- 01:30:00 - The Excitement and Frustration of Chasing the Aurora
- 02:02:13 - The Challenge and Joy of Studio Portraiture
- 02:22:04 - Greg’s Philosophy for Running Transformative Photo Tours
- 02:48:42 - Final Thoughts and Advice (Living Your Own Truth)
Greg Sullavan is a name synonymous with photographic excellence in Australia. A true master of his craft, Greg's career spans 25+ years of intense involvement in the industry, from commercial photography and studio ownership to spending two decades working for Canon Australia. He is also a respected photo educator, co-founding The Photography Workshop Co. alongside his colleagues Jay Collier and Scott Stamic, after years of running the highly successful Canon Collective programs.
His impressive accolades include achieving the coveted status of Double Master Photographer (or Master One) through the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP). Today, he operates out of his own Sunburst Studio in Brisbane, a dedicated space he built with the goal of fostering his own creative potential, and where he focuses on what he considers his greatest strength:
Studio lighting is probably my superpower.
Click to hear this quote at 00:50
The Pursuit of Mastery: Inside the World of AIPP Competitions
Greg’s journey through the competition circuit is a masterclass in dedication and perseverance. He details the excitement of winning his first Silver Award and the years of training required to transition from competitor to judge. For Greg, the AIPP was crucial for self-development, placing him alongside industry heroes. He offers a powerful reflection on the internal motivation for entering awards in the first place, citing the drive to feel competent enough to simply belong in the elite ranks.
Why the 'Lone Wolf' Mentality Must End
A key theme discussed is the evolution of the photography community. In earlier decades, the attitude was that of a “lone wolf”, where trade secrets were closely guarded. Greg credits initiatives like the Canon Collective and his current workshops with helping to dismantle this mentality. The collaborative spirit, focused on “growing the entire pie”, raises the industry standard and allows professionals to command higher prices. This upskilling benefits everyone:
As an industry, if we get better and we improve, we can charge more.
Click to hear this quote at 06:38
Mastering Light: From Studio to Location Adventures
While Greg built a successful wedding photography business, he ultimately stepped back, explaining that it’s a “young person’s game” that requires intense personal energy and rapport with a generationally shifting client base. He now finds a unique passion in studio portraiture, particularly the challenge of photographing people with character, such as middle-aged men who are often reluctant subjects. For any professional, knowing when to step away from a lucrative but taxing niche is vital for career longevity. Greg offers his clear metric for when it was time to transition:
You gotta want to be there.
Click to hear this quote at 09:01
The true joy, he notes, comes from technical challenges in lighting, such as photographing a massive wedge tail eagle on location, and mastering the complexity of mixing sources:
Even just balancing ambient light with studio lighting on location, it’s good fun.
Click to hear this quote at 02:03:44
The Greg Sullavan Workshop Philosophy: Develop Your Own Style
Greg's extensive experience running workshops has refined his approach to education. His tours are specifically designed to foster personalized guidance, creating an environment where clients can have “your own little adventure within our adventure”. He believes the role of a great instructor is not to generate carbon-copy images, but to equip students with the necessary technical and creative foundation to find their own photographic voice.
I’m going to teach you how to develop your own style.
Click to hear this quote at 02:22:52
Camera Gear and Lighting Evolution
While Greg’s current camera body and lens lineup were not detailed, the discussion emphasized the critical evolution of portable lighting technology—a key area for a master of on-location and studio work. The shift has moved away from older systems like the Canon 600RT wireless speedlight setup to newer, more reliable, and more flexible systems like those offered by Godox. The key technological change driving this evolution is the advent of integrated lithium batteries, which dramatically improve power and recycle times, making location lighting more robust and practical for professionals.
Connect with Greg Sullavan and Sunburst Studio
To see Greg’s incredible work or to book one of his acclaimed workshops, use the links below:
- Greg Sullavan's Studio: Sunburst Studio (Brisbane, AU)
- Photography Workshops/Tours: The Photography Workshop Co.
