FAQs
Who am I?
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My name is Simon Harsent. I’m a photographer and director with more than three decades of experience making portraits and visual stories. Having lived and worked in London, New York and Sydney, my photography has taken me around the world. Along the way I’ve had the privilege of photographing an extraordinary range of people from many different walks of life.
My work has been recognised internationally by organisations including American Photography, Communication Arts, PDN, D&AD and the Head On Awards, and I’ve been a three-time finalist in the National Photographic Portrait Prize. In 2011 Australian Creative named me among the most influential figures in advertising photography, and in 2018 I received Best New Director at Adfest.
My photographs have been exhibited widely, with more than ten solo exhibitions and over twenty group shows. Work I created for ACON is held in the permanent collections of the Powerhouse Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery.
In 2024 I was invited to speak at the Art Gallery of New South Wales as part of its Artists in Conversation series. Most recently I was honoured to receive Photographer of the Year at the 2025 Australasian Writers and Art Directors Awards, along with a Highly Commended in the 2025 Olive Cotton Portraiture Award.
Who is the sitting room studio for?
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The Sitting Room is for anyone who values the idea of a portrait made with care.
People who want something more considered than a quick photograph, a portrait of themselves, a partner, a parent, a child, or someone important in their life.
Some sittings mark a milestone or a transition. Others happen simply because it feels like the right moment to have a portrait made.
How should I prepare for the sitting?
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There is very little you need to do to prepare.
Simple, comfortable clothing tends to work best. Neutral tones and understated textures often photograph beautifully, but the most important thing is that you feel like yourself.
If you would like professional hair and makeup, this can be arranged as part of the sitting.
The most important thing to bring is simply a little time and an openness to the process. The sitting is designed to unfold at a natural pace, allowing space for the portrait to develop without pressure.
What makes the sitting room studio different?
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I combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what I do, it’s how I do it that sets me apart.
Where will the sitting take place?
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I’m based in Sydney’s Inner West and have access to several studios in the area. Portrait sittings take place in one of these studio spaces, which are selected to provide the calm, controlled environment that works best for making a considered portrait.
Depending on the nature of the session, I choose the studio that I feel will provide the most suitable setting for the sitting.
Occasionally, people prefer to be photographed in their own home. This can sometimes be arranged, although I generally recommend the studio environment, as it allows us to focus fully on the portrait without the distractions that can come with working in a domestic space. When home sittings are requested, a prior visit is usually required to assess the light and location, and this may incur additional costs.
The aim is always to create a quiet, considered space where the portrait can unfold naturally.
How Much does a sitting cost?
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A portrait sitting, including the session, a selection of ten images to choose from, and one 40 × 50cm archival print, from $2,500AUD.
The final cost can vary slightly depending on the scope of the session and whether professional hair and makeup are included.
The easiest thing is to send an enquiry. I’ll reply with a short PDF that explains the process in more detail, much of which is outlined on this website, along with a clear guide to the options and costs involved.
There’s no obligation at all. It’s simply a way to learn more about how the sittings work and what might suit you best.
Do you do corporate portraits?
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Corporate portraits aren’t something I actively promote, as they require a different approach from the portrait sittings offered through the sitting room studio.
However, over the years I have occasionally worked with clients on this type of project, and I’m always happy to have a conversation about what you’re looking for to see whether it might be a good fit.
If it feels that the brief would be better suited to a photographer who specialises in corporate portraiture, I’m also very happy to recommend colleagues whose work I respect.
How can I contact you?
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You can reach me anytime via the enquiry page. I aim to respond quickly, usually within one business day.