about

Based in Sydney, Thomas is an Australian freelance photographer, specialising in news and portraiture.

Thomas’ work explores current social issues; combining his passion for creative storytelling with a desire to inspire positive social change. Working closely with local NGOs, charities and communities, this work has taken him across the world where he has founded projects and campaigns with refugees, environmental agencies, religious groups and education programs.

His photographic journey began in 2016 when he spent 6 months documenting the north of India as part of his project ‘Oh India’ which, after first being released as an exhibition in Sydney, has since become his first photobook. The project was founded to support a remote education program Thomas visited in West Bengal and has so far raised over $10,000.

In 2018 he attended the Speos International Photographic Institute in London, obtaining his diploma in professional photography. Parrish then went on to document the Camino del Norte, an 850km pilgrimage across Spain, raising money through sponsorship and prints sales for Amazon Watch as part of his project ‘Camino for the Amazon’. This project raised over $4000 for indigenous communities most affected by the fires in the Amazon in 2019.

Thomas has since returned home to Australia where he has collaborated with his father, Mark Parrish, for his next fundraising project ‘Prints for Afghanistan’ which has so far raised over $2000 for AfghanAid through the sales of his father’s images of Afghanistan from 1977.

He now works as a freelance photographer as both a portrait photographer and news, contributing regularly to The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian.

Thomas’s work has featured in multiple international photographic publications such as The Guardian, Suitcase Magazine, Lodestars Anthology, Australian Photography Magazine, Dodho Mag, Stade and more.

“With my work I try to emphasise our responsibility as humans to care for the world, and to express the importance of compassion and identity, through engaging storytelling. I hope I ensure a positive impact for humanity and the natural world and that my photographs can act as an instrument for inspiration and change.”

Clients:

“Upon first interaction with Thomas, I was immediately inspired by his dedication to protect the earth and impressed with his ability to take initiative to protect the climate in creative ways."
                    - Katherine Rothschild, Amazon Watch

“Top notch photographer. Tom combines a plucky, get-stuck-in approach with an artistic eye. He captures a sensitive moment with the skill of a studio portraitist while nailing that instant of opportunity, like a veteran photo-journalist. Highly recommended young talent.”
- Roland Vernon, Award winning author

“All the makings of a great photographer.”
- Kathryn Greiner, AO (Order of Australia recipient)

“It’s easy to fall in love with Tom’s work – the colour, the light, the fact that he can make something so familiar, so close to home, feel worlds away. It’s a joy to be able to collaborate.”
- Liz Schaffer, Editor

Exhibitions

Oh India Booklaunch and Photography Exhibition - Abstract Thoughts Gallery, Darlinghurst Sydney, 2022

Manly Beach, Australia - Home

Manly Beach, Australia - Home