Brought to you by…
Summit Butter was created by Grace Kessels, photographer for 16+ years, professional moment-hoarder, and certified “you had to be there” translator.
Her work’s shown up in Marie Claire, backstage with touring artists, and inside brand moments that needed to look as good as they felt (and sometimes better). She’s helped Suncorp keep its spark alive post-acquisition and helped Techstars Sydney Demo Day level up 350% in impact while pulling in $35K+ in sponsorships.
She’s also worked on partnerships with global SaaS teams from companies like Carta and Deel, turning in-person events into drivers for brands.
Summit Butter exists for one reason: to make your event look epic while driving real commercial impact (without taking ourselves too seriously).
A note from Gracie
A lot has happened since the first wedding reception I captured in 2015. When asked what I’ve photographed, I often say, “I’ve photographed almost everything, other than a Bar Mitzvah and a funeral”. However, I did get the chance to do a very special photoshoot for a Rabbi and her family at her Synagogue in the Netherlands. Too much information?
But seriously, working as a photographer over the last 10+ years has allowed me to work with incredible artists, teams, people and even make some real friends along the way. I value building long-term working relationships with my clients (I’m like the substitute personality teammate!) and have loved seeing them go on to find new heights in their careers and lives.
I created the carousel below because I believe, when you hire a media team, you are hiring someone who you may end up (if you like them), collaborating with for years. If I am helping you capture your behind-the-scenes (better than people capture mine), why not share? On the days when you might not have the energy, my team and I are here to help give your people the confidence boost they need, ask them how their day was and help them say, “Gracie, I normally hate taking photos, but you are the only one I trust to get a good photo of me!”, that to me is a job well done.
I built Summit Butter because I love working with marketing teams. I think the corporate world deserves more fun, while still being taken seriously. And I genuinely love sitting in on the talks at events; it often feels like a live podcast I get a front-row seat to.
I did hesitate before sharing a peek into my camera roll but at the end of the day, you’re not just choosing a photographer. You’re choosing someone to collaborate with. Often, these relationships last for years.
So here’s a little look behind the scenes of my work, and the moments that got me here.
If we haven’t met already, I look forward to meeting you and your team!
Gracie
In 2016, I started working professionally as a photographer for the first time.
Between 2016 and 2017 I was enrolled in a course called 'Stones for David' where I worked with two pro-marketers who had helped launch Nando's in Australia. This experience helped me realise I could combine my interests in art, entrepreneurship and social impact. I knew from this moment I wanted to start my own creative business.
From 2017, I worked as an event photographer for UQ Union (and ended up becoming the Head Photographer). I didn't like snakes, so this party trick became a bit of a joke! Neither of us (admittedly) wanted to take photos near the snake so we took turns. One of the friends I'd made while working for years at UQ thought it would be funny to get me a bit too close for my liking to the snake!
In 2020, I printed my first photo ever. This was from a trip to the Himalayas where we were on a multi-day hiking trip in Nepal. I loved the feeling of holding my art in my hands.
I love taking photos for loved ones and people close to me. I felt honoured to be asked to photograph Belle and Isaac for their engagement where we went to a local hinterland and took some playful natural photos that reflected their love for the great outdoors.
In 2022, I went to visit a friend who lived on a remote farm in Canada. This was my first time properly playing with a disposable camera. I love seeing the impact different tools have on how an image comes out. When I vision board with my clients, I always like to focus on what their vision is first to make sure we are aligned on the end result.
I did a photoshoot in Hope in Canada that shows the difference between a disposable camera and a real professional. Both are great but honestly it depends on your creative vision!
Getting clients their photos back with a beautiful view of Magnetic Island in Townsville!
When I was first getting into running my first business, I did lots of different kinds of photography but found I loved working with businesses.
I feel very privileged to have been able to be a part of many different special milestones in people's lives from proposals to Eid to 21st birthdays to first dances and gender reveals.
I always love being able to help capture photos for the CGEN kids during their annual performances. I think they are so talented!
I feel very fortunate to have been able to capture some incredible performers and be able to bring that same vibrancy to the business world!
In 2022, I got to do my first shoot in a helicopter where we went across the range in Toowoomba after the bridge and groom got married. This was a really fun shoot to be a part of!
In 2021, I went out to a farm in Longreach. This period of time brought me into the world of outback rodeos that I have since always loved to capture!
This is my favourite rodeo photo ever!
I truly feel like when I capture expression and movement of any kind, it's quite similar. You need to be observant, quick on your toes and always ready. I've heard the difference between being a portrait photographer and a candid photographer is the difference between farming and hunting. You are either cultivating the image or capturing it.
In 2023, I did my first behind the scenes shoot at the Queensland Ballet. I love photographing people in action and turned around to the person behind me in absolute aw. I got to meet Li Cunxin at the afterparty who was so inspiring, I had read his book, 'Mao's Last Dancer', as a kid and found it to be a full circle moment!
Another fun shoot!
In 2023, I got to work with Suncorp and Jonathan Thurston on a project. As a Queenslander, I loved being able to capture an Origin legend!
In 2023, I worked at Splendour in the Grass for the first time where I got to capture artists like Lizzo and J Balvin. My client kept sending me to capture dance performances and celebrity shows because the photos helped with engagement for the social galleries.
Over time, I was able to start photographing celebrities as they came to Brisbane because the photographs helped build online engagement with the newspapers.
I loved being able to capture my favourite artists. I see a fusion between my work with artists and my candid business work because I feel like I bring the actual life of the party to corporate photography.
When you capture performances - you really do see everything!
I'm not a fan of snakes but I love camels!
Watching the view after a big day of photographing at The Big Red Bash in Birdsville (aka. outback Queensland!)
In 2023, I got a text from a client (my clients love to text me), asking if I wanted to go capture the Big Red Bash for a week. I re-arranged my week around it and was soon on a plane with the creative team heading out to capture the festival. It was cold but so much fun!
Enroute home from the Big Red Bash in a chartered plane, loved being silly with the PR crew!
Hiding my camera under my scarf on a trip through Istanbul (I love Turkey!)
It makes me chuckle when my camera makes an appearance in my travel photos!
In 2024, I collaborated with Friends on Purpose where we ran a 'Sip & Shoot' for women at a local studio. It was a beautiful way to come together, create some art and connect.
In 2024, I photographed a Tattoo Expo and met one of the world's most tattooed women. I love how through working as a photographer, I get to meet people from all walks of life.
In 2025, I did my first photoshoot at Parliament House. This is me taking a little art break at a local gallery.
In 2025, I moved to Sydney and ended up doing a shoot for CAST in collaboration with the Sydney Swans and loved hearing the COO talk about their approach to community.
2025: I did a trip to Timor Leste where I ended up taking photos for a local NGO that ended up in Marie Claire. I was very proud to be able to walk through Woolies and find my images in the store.
Outside of work, I love doing a dinner party with friends and family.
No really, I love doing a dinner party. This one is from my birthday this year where my friends and I all cooked in the kitchen.
I started doing dinners with people in Sydney where we would come together and discuss ideas.
Running dinners in Sydney has been a great way to meet people!
I love going for a long walk through Sydney.
I love spending time with my family, getting fresh vegetables from my Aunty's garden and cooking them up.
I have travelled quite a bit (here's me going on the back of a motorbike around Kathmandu)
Don't get me started talking about food - I make a whacky green smoothie!
I love spending time with friends meditating, reading, journalling, going on runs together and cooking together.
I went camping this year and ended up making friends with people under the stars. We played a game called trenches.
More veggie picking!
cooking
In 2025, I was working between Brisbane and Sydney. Operations for a VC during the week and a wedding in Queensland on the weekend (twice!!!). I feel very excited to be able to combine everything I've learned about business and art to help you achieve your goals when promoting your events and businesses.
Let’s Capture Something Awesome!
Ready to turn real-life moments into wow-worthy photos? Send an inquiry, and we’ll start planning your shoot today.