Hi, my name is Julian Orbach. Welcome to Hat Line Photography.
I am a photographer who specialises in performers and their performances.
I’ve been taking photos of performers, on stage and off, for three decades, including circus, cabaret, variety, comedy and burlesque – any sort of production in a theatre, in a tent, on the street, or in a field… or in a nice, warm studio.
I am available for your photographic needs, whether they are live productions, dress rehearsals, behind-the-scenes, workshops, headshots, posters and other promo material, festivals and conventions… or maybe you have something a little out-of-the-ordinary to try?
Have a look around at my portfolio, and when you are ready, contact me to discuss what I can do for you.
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Portfolio
Here is a selection of photos and videos to give an idea of what we can do together.
Promo Video: Hats
Promo Video: Clowns and Jokers
Stand-Up Comedians
Static, Swinging and Flying Trapeze
Services
We can chat about exactly what you need, but here are some of the typical photography services on offer.
Show Time
For all types of performances
Need photos of your production to help get bums on seats?
I can come along and sit with the audience, or roam the aisles to get a broader mix of shots.
Dress Rehearsal
For stage productions
I love doing this – I will come to the tech run at your venue, and shoot while you rehearse. That way, I can stand wherever I want. We can pretend it was the final show.
(Don’t forget your costume and makeup!)
Behind The Scenes
For all sorts of projects
Let people see how the magic is made. I will hang around while you work, capturing candid photos to give your customers a peak behind the curtain. Perfect for giving your social media followers a sense of community.
Elegant Basic Portraits
For performers and non-performers alike
I have a home studio in the Inner West of Sydney, suitable for headshots and medium shots. If we just need the basics, we can get it done quickly for a good price.
Full Studio Portraits
For people who deserve promotion
Wanna get fun and creative? I have access to full-sized studios, where we have the room for wider shots and more specialised lighting – plenty of room to include your circus apparatus or other props. We can also organise a hair and makeup artist, and anything else you need to get the shot just right.
Festivals & Conventions
For events
Panels, lectures, town halls, presentations, booths, stalls… let me capture the atmosphere, the facilities and the fun at your big event.
FAQ
What does Hat Line mean?
Buskers (street performers) can’t sell tickets before the show. They have to rely on patter and rapid-fire jokes near the end of their act to persuade the audience to drop money into their hat. Performers often hone these speeches, known as “hat lines“, for years to better suit their character and appeal to the local crowds.
Where are you based?
I live in the Inner West of Sydney… but we can work around that if it is a problem.
Get in Touch
I would love to discuss how I can capture the essence of your performance and personality. Contact me through any of the channels below:
News
Find the latest news on Instagram.
Morgan James in One Man Circus at the 2025 Sydney Fringe
@morganjamescircus @one.mancircus
#platespinning #circus @sydneyfringe #ringmaster #plates #tophat
Kurt, from The Bubble Laboratory, performs in @bubbleshowforadultsonly at the @sydneyfringe 2025.
#bubbles #bubbleshow #BubbleLaboratory #stagesmoke
I was lucky enough to catch a sneak preview show of “Jimmy Fingers: In Too Deep” on its journey to the Melbourne Fringe.
@thezostar #dragking #onepersonplay #jimmyfinger #comedy #rockabilly #authenticity