Swim Between the Flags
Bondi, Sydney
2020
Edition of 50
Reflection
The red and yellow flags are among Australia's most familiar symbols. They represent far more than a safe place to swim. They reflect a tradition of community, volunteer service and respect for the ocean that has shaped generations of Australians.
Print information
- Edition
- Limited edition of 50, plus artist proofs.
- Archival pigment print on museum-grade fine art paper.
- Sizes
- Available sizes and presentation options provided on enquiry.
- Certificate
- Signed, numbered and supplied with a certificate of authenticity.
- Framing
- Framed, mounted and print-only options available depending on destination.
- Shipping
- Secure domestic and international delivery quoted individually.
Behind the Flight
Swim Between the Flags was photographed during an aerial assignment along Sydney's coastline, flying from the Northern Beaches to Coogee. As we approached the iconic Bondi Beach, I began photographing a series of images that celebrated one of Australia's most recognisable coastal landscapes.
It was a warm morning and the beaches were beginning to fill. The ocean was exceptionally clear after weeks without rain, revealing the brilliant turquoise shallows that make Bondi so distinctive. From directly overhead, the beach became a simple composition of golden sand, clear water and the unmistakable red and yellow patrol flags.
Of the entire sequence, this frame stood out. The swimmers were perfectly positioned between the flags, enjoying calm conditions while the beach gradually came to life around them. It captured something that felt unmistakably Australian—not crowded or hurried, but relaxed, welcoming and connected to the ocean.
The image carries a personal significance for me. I've been a volunteer surf lifesaver since 2003, spending more than two decades patrolling Victorian beaches. Over that time I've worked alongside dedicated teams to assist countless people in difficulty and have developed a deep respect for the ocean and the responsibility of keeping people safe within it.
The more I look at this photograph, the less I see Bondi Beach and the more I see something that feels uniquely Australian. It could just as easily be a quiet country beach somewhere along our coastline. The red and yellow flags, the crystal-clear water, the relaxed atmosphere and the simple joy of spending a summer morning by the ocean represent a way of life that generations of Australians have grown up with. I think that's why this image resonates with me. It isn't really about a place. It's about a culture.
