Konichiwa from Tokyo

Well, I am currently in Tokyo on a job, leaving Australia with only seven hours notice. A British girl working as an English language teacher in Tokyo was found murdered with her body disposed of in a bathtub full of sand. Very mysterious, and to date the killer is still at large. The British Ambassador to Japan spoke at a press conference today and pleaded, on behalf of the father of the victim, for information on this horrific killing.
On a lighter note it is the most perfect time to be in Tokyo, one of the most incredible cities of the world (in my limited experience!). I have landed here just as the cherry blossoms are blooming, something that occurs for only two weeks and is a major highlight of the Japanese year.

Nice thrashing of the Roosters!

What a super start to the season - very reminiscent of 2006... (ummm, maybe I shouldn't have said that!) Anyway, the team looks very slick and providing JT and Matt Bowen can stay off the injured list it looks very promising. After losing Jason Smith to a 'severe ankle sprain' in the second half the Cowboys powered on to a 43-6 win and didn't even appear to miss their star five-eighth.

See my pics from the game at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467/14/138416656#138416982

Will we rout the Roosters?

The Cowboys face their first home game challenge against the Roosters tomorrow night. After a week of quality training they are short-priced favourites and should win comfortably but.....
Anyway - my money says Cowboys by 12

See todays training pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#137995883

Bowman back to play the Roosters

After a super start to the NRL season inform centre Mark Henry has had to make way for Paul Bowman's return to first grade. Bowman trained strongly this afternoon and will run out against the Roosters on Saturday night.

See todays training pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#137612110

Ashley Graham at the top of the NRL ladder!

Nice way to start the season eh? Two tries in the Cowboys impressive win over the Broncos means Ash retains the No. 3 jersey for their clash with the Roosters and puts him at the top of the NRL tryscoring ladder. Super start Ashley!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#137617971

Serious start to the season!

Well, this has never happened at the start of a Cowboys season before. Media were only allowed 15 minutes of access to training this afternoon, normally this only happens during crucial finals series games. The Broncos barred all media from their session today so I figure that the Cows are only matching wits with Bennett and his staff. Roll on Friday night!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#135703772

Thurston announced as Cowboys captain

The 2007 NRL season kickoff is really closing in now. Today the North Queensland Cowboys announced that Johnathan Thurston will take on the role of captain for the upcoming season. Play well JT, I've got a good feeling about this year!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#135434412

Oh, What A Feeling!

You guessed it, Toyota campaign photography. Did a bunch of pics of a few of the Cowboys players today against a chromakey television background. Look out for them in upcoming advertising!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#135435746

I'd like to have a beer with Jason

I was assigned to photograph incoming Cowboys five-eighth Jason Smith for a "One for the Road" feature in the Sunday Mail. Thanks heaps Jason for being so accommodating and best of luck for the season. What an awesome backline we now have!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#135434810

Matt Bowen is pumped

A much bigger Matt Bowen bench presses in the Cowboys gym. Matt has really changed his upper body strength during the off-season and is ready for a big 2007.

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572467#135432849

Baz hits Bowen

I spent a couple of nights in Bowen this past week looking at how the town is changing and its preparation for the upcoming Baz Luhrmann movie "Australia" starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Got a nice two page spread in the Sunday Mail and this front page exclusive of Baz on Flagstaff Hill, Bowen. I thought I would grab a coffee from the cafe on top of Flagstaff Hill before I drove home and Baz happened to be there having a production meeting. He was busy as a beaver but managed to spare a couple of minutes out of his schedule for a few photos. Well done Baz!

Flooding in the North

I travelled down to Giru yesterday to cover flooding in the area. This tow truck driver had a big job on his hands attached his chain to a stranded vehicle just off the road at the A.I.M.S turnoff. Along with a crew from Channel 9 we made our way into Giru via helicopter, the only means of transport that would get us there. The tiny township was seruisly flooded but, like always, they took it in their stride as it is nearly an annual occurrence.

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2580161

My renewed interest in the Goldfield Ashes!

I have been to heaps of Goldfield Ashes, mainly to cover them for the Sunday Mail newspaper. This year however, it was a bit different. This year there was something that was really worth photographing. A team of girls from Townsville called "Got No Balls". Thanks to Arianna, Angela, Bree and the rest of the girls for their co-operation!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2462778

Sun & surf with Tara Reid

This afternoon I spent an hour or so with actress Tara Reid photographing her exclusively on the private beach at Gerry Harvey’s resort “The Byron” at Byron Bay, NSW. She truly was a nice girl. Thanks Tara!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2572230

Nice Christmas pressie for me!

What a treat! London's "The Sunday Times Magazine" (probably the finest newspaper magazine there is) ran a big photo of mine from the Gary Glitter trial in Vietnam. I am pretty damn chuffed about that!

Jason Donovan hits the surf!

Got a nice spread in OK Magazine today of Jason Donovan and partner Angela with children Jemma and Zac relaxing after Jason's appearance on UK reality show "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!". Jason is a great guy and very 'down to earth'. Thanks heaps Jason!

Phew, tough job...

Tough job today! I spent an afternoon with UK model Hofit Golan at her condo at the Palazzo Versace, Surfers Paradise. She was super to work with and we were both pretty really happy with the results. Thanks heaps babe!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/2162563

INXS are back!

I was pretty chuffed to be commissioned by the Sydney Morning Herald to shoot the first INXS concert in Australia with JD Fortune up front. I must admit, I have never been a super fan of INXS but I thoroughly enjoyed the band and JD really rocked. Must say, I dragged out my wife's INXS discs the next day and they spent quite a while in the car!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/1819800

Across Australia on horseback!

What a feat! Brit Anna Hingley and her Aussie cowboy boyfriend John Ostwald have just completed a west-east crossing of Australia on horseback. I was sent to Cairns to meet them after their lengthy ride from Broome and along with Daily Mail reporter Richard Shears we toasted them on their amazing journey. Well done Anna & Johnno!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/1743750

Crocodiles in the studio

Had all the Townsville Crocodiles in the studio today for their headshots and poster photos. What a great bunch of guys, let's hope they have a stellar season!

See the pics at http://www.cameronlaird.com/gallery/1710182