Case study - Margot McKinney - World of wonder

Case Study: Margot McKinney — World of Wonder, Museum of Brisbane

This project involved photographing jewellery for World of Wonder, the retrospective exhibition of Margot McKinney’s work at the Museum of Brisbane. Alongside the exhibition, the imagery was also created for an accompanying publication, requiring the photographs to function across both spatial and printed formats.

Margot McKinney is a long-standing client, and this body of work reflects a shared understanding of quality, process, and precision. The pieces—opals, pearls, and exceptionally rare gemstones—represent the highest level of contemporary jewellery craftsmanship.

The Creative Approach

The approach was guided by respect for both the jewellery and its context. These were not simply objects to be documented, but works with scale, presence, and narrative weight. The images needed to honour the individuality of each piece while remaining cohesive within a retrospective exhibition.

Particular care was taken with colour and surface detail. Opals demanded sensitivity to light to preserve their natural play of colour, while pearls and rare gems required refined contrast to convey depth and lustre without exaggeration.

The Shoot

The jewellery was photographed with exhibition and publication in mind. Lighting was shaped to reveal form and material honestly, ensuring clarity at close range while maintaining elegance when viewed within the broader exhibition space.

Each piece was handled as a singular work, yet considered as part of a larger visual story. Consistency across the series was essential, allowing the images to sit seamlessly within the Museum of Brisbane exhibition and the accompanying book.

The Outcome

The final images were used throughout World of Wonder, supporting both the physical exhibition and the printed publication. Together, they formed a visual record of Margot McKinney’s practice—one that reflects the rarity, craftsmanship, and enduring quality of the work.

This project stands as a continuation of a long creative partnership, built on trust, precision, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Services

Based in Brisbane, I work with jewellery designers, museums, and cultural institutions to create exhibition-ready and publication-quality imagery for high-value works.