We first became captivated by Boyfrombeyond's work after seeing his night-time shots of local spots in Broome. His images reveal a haunting, yet beautiful side of familiar places, offering a fresh perspective (pun intended!).
In Broome, the Staircase to the Moon draws visitors to view the natural light reflecting off Roebuck Bay that forms a magical optical illusion of steps to the moon. This enchanting spectacle, along with the growing 'dark sky' tourism trend, has sparked a fascination with Broome's night skies.
We love Boyfrombeyond's ability to transfix the viewer by presenting interesting visuals of places that locals and tourists might drive past or overlook during the day.
The Broome Visitor Centre is thrilled to share the work of local photographer Phil from Boyfrombeyond and his 2025 calendar based on his Broome After Dark series.
We delved a little deeper to find out more about Phil’s passion for photography and his love of Broome and the Kimberley…
Tell us a bit more about yourself...
Like many photographers I kind of fell into photography. It began with a love of the outback and remote area travel in my early 20’s. Back then camera phones didn’t exist, so I was always carrying a camera to capture my road trip adventures. This was before social media and the only people that saw my pics were family and friends, but I just loved the art of photography and kept on shooting at every chance.
As social media started to develop, I welcomed this new avenue to showcase my work, albeit as a self-taught hobby photographer. My career in those days was in hospitality, specifically as restaurant owner of Sydney Cove Oyster Bar. Photography was still a hobby and my work was improving, so I decided to purchase my first full frame professional camera. From there, I was shooting everything from chef’s specials, cocktails and all the action of a busy restaurant service.
My photographic journey has moved on to fashion, lifestyle, travel and products. I began shooting family portraits and elopements over the next few years. It is magical to capture those special moments for my clients. I also worked with a range of companies that want to have their products showcased in remote areas.
I feel incredibly lucky to be able to call photography my second career and full-time job.
How does the natural environment of Broome inspire your work?
Broome and the surrounding area is close to my heart, and it is an incredible place to be a photographer. The stunning beaches, the red pindan cliffs, the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay, the crystal clear skies of the dry and the intense clouds of the wet are every photographer’s dream.
How did the concept for Broome After Dark series come about?
Broome After Dark came about after doing a series of urban architecture shots in Sydney, essentially just for my social media feed. One night, I thought I might try the same thing in Broome. I headed out with my tripod and camera to a few of the iconic buildings in Broome to see how the town looked after dark. I knew the moment I downloaded the images that this was something quite special and unique.
How did you select the places you would include in this photographic series?
To begin with it was just the older iconic buildings, but when I started posting the results on social media, many friends, Broome locals and followers kept suggesting other locations to try. I ended up shooting 42 different places.
You have a talent for capturing the emotion and essence of local events in Broome, what do you love about the art and culture of the Broome community?
I love the people and I love going to events with my camera, whether it be music, a street performance or a stage production, and trying to capture the energy of the event. Capturing those candid moments, where people immerse themselves in what’s happening in front of them and the performers who give their all to the crowd, are what I enjoy the most.
Broome is producing more local design and fashion, including Aboriginal clothing and products. What do you love about working with upcoming local brands and supporting local enterprise?
Being involved in any business’ journey is incredibly rewarding. The photographer's job is to interpret what the business is after in terms of imagery and deliver high quality photos that do justice to their creations, both through social media and websites. The real buzz comes when they start sharing the photos and their websites get updated. When those businesses grow, such as Broome Beach Co or Unfurl Clothing, it’s nice to think I’ve been a small part of their success story.
What is the most recent event you have photographed?
It was an on-country fashion shoot for Yarn Marketplace.
What would be your favourite place near Broome to spend a day, whether you are taking photos or just enjoying yourself?
Reddell Beach with a high tide swim is pure magic. Then settle in under an umbrella with a beach chair and watch the sunset across the ocean at Cable Beach. Life just doesn’t get any better than that.
Tell us more about your new print calendar?
The most interesting thing about the calendar was how involved the Broome community got with the pics on social media. People started commenting on the buildings, offering little bits of history or family connections and then suggesting other locations. It really did seem to capture attention, which was when I decided that a calendar was a great idea.
How to purchase
The new Broome After Dark 2025 calendar can be purchased at the Broome Visitor Centre.
Come in and see us at 1 Hamersley St, Broome (near Male Oval).
You can also order direct from Phil by sending him an email.
Follow Boyfrombeyond Photography on socials to explore more of his work.
Insta: @boyfrombeyond
FB: @Boyfrombeyond