You’re currently visiting from LA, how has your trip back been so far?
This trip to Australia is like ALL my trips to Australia… GREAT! I love it here and have been coming here since 1988. I love my friends, the city, the food, the fun and of course the banana bread.
How did you originally get into photography?
That’s a long story, but here’s the short version… I saw the movie Funny Face when I was 10 years old. I loved Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. I saw him playing a photographer and I said I want to do that for the rest of my life! I fell in love with photography after I shot my first roil at 10 and started my business at 12. Photography has given me the best life ever and I can prove it… I got the photos!
You’re launching your Greatest Hits exhibition next week at Room 205, 205 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney December 7 – 11, 2022 – what can we expect to see?
This is gonna be super fun. This is my 3rd exhibition here in Sydney!!! The first one was Greatest Hits: George Michael in 2018. In 2019 I did Greatest Hits: Grunge and Greatest Hits: Michael Hutchence. I love Australia and sharing my two biggest passions… music and photography. This exhibition is ALL about 30+ years of Music Photography… it’s the best of my best covering ALL genres of music. I want people to see that I’ve done it all and more. Behind the Gallery and I have come up with some fun and entertaining events for the 5 days. It’s more than an exhibition, it’s ALL about celebrating!
How and why did the Greatest Hits exhibition come about?
It’s been 3 years since I was in Sydney cuz of life and the world. I wanted to get back ASAP and have some fun. I felt it was the right time to share my “Best Of’s”! I talked to my friends, asked for some help and started moving forward back in August to make Greatest Hits happen.
The exhibition is running over a few days, which music artists are performing and when are they playing?
The schedule is great! The basics…
SCHEDULE:
December 7th, Wednesday – Opening Night from 7-10pm
December 8th, Thursday – MMAD Performance night with Ella Powell and D Minor from 7pm to 8pm.
December 9th, Friday – Photo Talk hosted by photographer Peter Collie from 7pm to 9pm.
December 10th, Saturday – Artist Talk hosted by Michelle Grace Hunder & performance with Sam Baker from 1pm to 4pm.
December 11th, Sunday – Closing day. 12pm to 3pm
You worked with the late/great Michael Hutchence, what was that experience like?
I get asked this a lot in Australia. Simply put… GREAT! He was the best of the best. We had a blast shooting the first time in 1988 and the second in 1993. He was ALL that and more. He made me look good.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
My favs these days are Lauren Ruth Ward, The Struts, Sam Baker, Siiickbrain, Grandson, Isabella Amarga and ALL my old High School music… which is 70’s R&B & funk!
What do you like to do away from photography?
Rest and sleep. I’m a workaholic. I’m blessed to do what I love and love what I do. I’m not getting any younger and I have so much more that I need to do. Creating is everything to me, not matter what the medium is. Go big or go home!
What’s planned for 2023 and beyond?
Well, after Australia I leave for New Zealand and I’m having Greatest Hits in Auckland this February!!! My first time ever in NZ and I’m SO excited. I can NOT wait to share my passion with New Zealand.
Favourite food and place to hangout in Sydney?
This is tough!!! First and foremost… Banana Bread at Gusto! I always stay in Bondi Beach when I’m here. It’s my home away from home. The people, the food, the energy and course the beach!!! I wish I lived here cuz I probably would live 10 years longer. 🙂
Socials – @chriscuffaro
Insta – @thecuffarophoto