For more than a century, the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai were part of the Golden Triangle, where many hill tribe communities relied on opium poppies for their livelihood. In the late 1960s, the Royal Project introduced alternative crops, including coffee, tea, fruit and flowers.

Today, those same hillsides that were once covered with opium now bloom with flower farms, coffee plantations, tea fields and tourism.

Through the transition of time, these hills have evolved, but their traditions, their simple way of life, and the love of their culture remain.

This became the beginning of Daughters of Opium.

I’m incredibly excited to announce one of my recent images from my personal series shot in Thailand has been shortlist for the tenth edition of the Australian Photography Awards!

From the APA website - Marking the tenth edition of the awards, this milestone year also introduced a single open category for the first time – a change that has enabled an especially broad and compelling range of Australian photographic work to come forward. The collection reflects the strength and variety of practice across the country, and we acknowledge all shortlisted photographers for their achievement. We also extend our thanks to every participant who contributed work to this year’s awards.

Exhibition of the images - The Store gallery at Abbotsford Convent on August 1st to celebrate the 2026 APA Event, with artist talks and additional programming to be shared soon. Finalists will be announced ahead of the event, with their work exhibited in print, and winners will be announced on the day.

https://photocollective.com.au/apa-2026-shortlist/

colourful moment with profoto lighting and model Marcus in the Stef King Studio

The Creative Process

The work began with a self-portrait created in the studio, which was then re-photographed onto Polaroid film. Before the image fully developed, the emulsion was carefully separated from its backing and transferred onto another surface — a process known as a Polaroid lift. The fragile image is released in water, allowing it to float, fold, stretch and take on a life of its own.

The final image was then turned upside down, creating a visual divide between the outward appearance of happiness above and the darker, uncertain world that lies beneath.

Absolutely blow away and Thankyou @luerzersarchive for having our photo from our @artgallerywaARTBALL campaign on the cover of issue 231.

Issue 231 - Issue 231 out bumps the bumper! It’s a big read, controversial and provocative. Also … stunning. In a more soothing form of inspiration, tuck into the colourful experience of our Food and Drink report. Oh, and let’s not forget all the great new winning Work – the most creative advertising from around the globe – that has found its way into the Archive …

https://www.luerzersarchive.com/product/issue-231/?srsltid=AfmBOorVO2-FrXfZZt7edT5m_UMkZKJI6DYgQu_SCcxltKEHgdpstPOu

ARQE skincare - Rooted in Australia and born from a desire for something exquisitely different, This is skincare without excess. Potent. Sensory. Intelligent. Beautiful. photographed in beautiful Ubud. Model - Milena Scheller @ BaliStarz / Hair+MAkeup - Deborah Brider

Project 3 in my Makers of Tomorrow series.

From Food Waste to Fashion…

Makers of Tomorrow series with Uluu

Fed up with excuses and failed campaigns, Tony Armstrong is on a mission to tackle racism in Australian sport in ABC three-part documentary End Game. 

come behind the scenes as I photograph the key artwork for ART BALL at the Art Gallery of WA

New work for Northern Star Resources - I’ve been working with Northern Star Resources for over six years now, and every project brings something completely new to experience and photograph.

Photography can be fun! and this shoot was pure joy. The creative team dancing on set to 1970’s bangers could only result in what call magic moments.

Thanks for having me.. Art Gallery WA

ARTBALL 25 creative photographic work

Nikon ask me to put their new NIKKOR Z 24-70 mm f1.2 S II to the test! Built lighter, faster and sharper than ever, it’s made to keep up with the action, no matter how quick it moves. Shot by Stef King for Nikon Australia

FLINT WELCOMES PHOTOGRAPHER STEF KING - We’re so excited to welcome Stef King to the Flint roster. Stef moves between beauty, lifestyle, portraiture, and sport— bringing energy, elegance, and a feminine touch to her images.

New personal work exploring the fire in ones belly when lit with desire and ambition.

“She moves with strength, a fire inside, A force of nature, unbroken, untied. On molten gold, she stands her ground, Girl on fire, rising higher”

Photography - Stef King
Model - Abuk Majok - viviens models
Makeup - Nadia Duca
Retoucher - Adam Hayes

Introducing The West Australian Ballet Season 2025 campaign

Get acquainted with the characters of Romeo & Juliet.

The West Australian Ballet production showing at His Majesty Theatre Perth

Oscar Valdes Ballet dancer by photographer Stef King

This year for IWD I am delighted to team up with Stella Athletes to photograph three Western Australia professional athletes.