Couple embracing on sandstone stairs in golden light

thirtysixframes

Engagement & travel photography · Sydney

Every frame tells a story.

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Engagements · Portraits · Travel · Sydney

Let's capture yours.

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Just keep scrolling, the story unfolds as you go
Ryan Chong, the photographer behind thirtysixframes, laughing on the Sydney Opera House steps in a flannel shirt and sunglasses, a film camera in hand
that's me!

Behind the camera

Hi, I'm Ryan!

I'm a Sydney-based photographer, and honestly, my favourite part of any shoot is the bit in between: the laugh after the kiss, the inside joke, the moment you forget I'm even there. thirtysixframes is all about capturing your story as it naturally unfolds, the real moments that make you, you. So we'll keep things relaxed and fun, I'll probably try to make you laugh, and together we'll figure out what feels like you. If you're even a little bit curious, say hi. I'd genuinely love to hear your story!

— Ryan Chong, Sydney

Chapter I

Dave & Kim

An engagement across the city — from the first step to golden hour. Full story

Dave and Kim climbing a sandstone staircase in the city, Dave looking back over his shoulder with a smile
01 It starts on the stairs
Kim in an off-the-shoulder white dress smiling at Dave on the stairs
02 The first real smile
Dave lifting Kim off the ground in front of a heavy dark door
06 Doorways make everyone brave
The couple walking away through a sandstone archway into golden afternoon light
09 Under the arches
Close-up of the couple's hands, Kim's engagement ring and Dave's band catching the light
13 The reason we're here
The couple holding hands across a city street as the sun bursts between buildings
15 The sun breaks through
Dave twirling Kim in front of tall windows, her dress swinging
16 Someone started dancing
Black and white reflection of the couple kissing in a glass-walled lobby
20 A quiet minute
Looking down on Kim and Dave at a balcony railing above a red-carpeted arcade walkway
24 From the balcony
The couple kissing beneath Kim's veil, backlit so the veil glows
27 Under the veil, ten minutes of perfect light
Black and white portrait of the couple in deep shadow, Kim's face lit by a thin strip of light
04 Out-take, but my favourite
Kim looking back over her shoulder with a smile as Dave climbs the stairs ahead
36 …and it ends on the stairs
12 of 36 framesSee the whole roll
Chapter II

Damon, Christina & Marlo

A park, a lake and Marlo, a very good boy who stole every third frame.

0 / 8 frames
All 30 frames
Damon and Christina sitting on the grass in a sunny park with their fluffy white dog, Marlo
the three of them
The couple kissing on the grass under the trees with Marlo in Damon's lap
a kiss, supervised
The couple both kissing Marlo's head, Marlo grinning at the camera
he insisted
The couple kissing in the background while Marlo lies in the grass in front
sit. stay. good.
Christina laughing up at Damon as he wraps his arms around her in the garden
just us for a sec
Damon hugging Christina from behind on a wooden bridge as she holds Marlo
the bridge
Damon and Christina seen from behind on a park bench by a lake
by the water
Damon and Christina on a lakeside bench, foreheads touching, Marlo peeking out between them
last light ♡
Chapter III

Japan, on foot

Kyoto by day, Osaka by night: two cities, one camera. Postcards & prints from Japan

Stop 01

Kyoto

Autumn. Temple bells, paper umbrellas, and alleys that go quiet the moment the sun drops.

Temple with traditional umbrellas in golden light
Umbrellas at the temple gate
Historic street with pagoda in Kyoto
The pagoda at the top of the hill
Narrow alley in Gion at dusk
Gion, after dark
Stop 02

Osaka

After dark. Neon, grilled beef, and a giant crab that has seen things.

Glowing lanterns in the night market
Lanterns
The famous giant crab sign at Dotonbori
The crab
Good to know

The details.

Based in
Sydney, NSW
Photographs
Engagement photography, Portrait photography, Travel photography
Contact
ryan@thirtysixframes.com

Questions couples ask

How do we book a shoot?

Just reach out! Send me a message through the form on this page or email ryan@thirtysixframes.com. Tell me a bit about you, what you're celebrating and any dates you have in mind, and I'll get back to you so we can chat it through.

How much does a session cost?

Every session is a little different, so I don't list set prices here. Reach out with what you have in mind and I'll put together something that fits you.

We're awkward in front of the camera. Is that okay?

Totally okay, and more common than you'd think! We'll work together to understand your style before the shoot, and on the day I'll guide you gently and keep things light. Most of my favourite frames happen when you're just being yourselves.

How do we plan the shoot and choose a location?

We'll work it out together. I'll ask about your style, the places that mean something to you and the vibe you're after, then help shape a plan so the photos feel like you.

Where are you based?

I'm based in Sydney, Australia.

36 / 36

Frame 36

There's always one frame left on the roll.
It's yours.

Tell me about you two: the date, the place, the story.

Sends your message · I'll reply within a day or two

or email ryan@thirtysixframes.com