Kisau Photography

Meet Paul Tocatlian

Hi, I’m Paul Tocatlian, the author and photographer behind The Melbourne Portraits Project: A Photographic Ode. Photography is how I celebrate what makes us bold and inspires us to dream bigger. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, my camera has been my passport to explore five continents, collaborating with creatives from around the globe.

For me, home is wherever inspiration strikes, whether I’m wandering through Melbourne’s vibrant streets, navigating the electric fashion scenes of New York and Paris, or stumbling upon the unexpected beauty of a quiet moment in Bali or Vietnam.

What drives me most is connection. Whether working with brands, designers, models, or creatives, I’m drawn to the stories that unfold beyond what the lens can capture. Every photograph is a story of individuality, authenticity, and self-expression. Fashion, style, and personality blend into a larger narrative. A moment in time that feels alive and powerful.

The best part of this journey? It’s the collaborative spirit that fuels every project. Photography is never a solo endeavor. It’s a partnership. A creative dance between designers, stylists, models, and everyone behind the scenes. Whether I’m covering the rush of New York Fashion Week or directing an editorial shoot in the San Francisco Bay Area, each project thrives on spontaneity and intention working in harmony.

At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to connect, to inspire, and to remind you to embrace boldness and dream bigger. Whether capturing the magic of a runway or weaving a fashion and editorial narrative, my goal is always to create something meaningful that resonates far beyond the moment.

About The Melbourne Portraits Project

The Melbourne Portraits Project: A Photographic Ode invites you to see Melbourne in a new light. Through a series of photoshoots scattered across the city’s streets, alleys, and hidden spots, Paul Tocatlian captures the creative pulse of Melbourne and the people who make it thrive. This book celebrates a community that inspires creativity and encourages everyone to dream bigger. Accompanying this photo book is a companion website that offers additional insights, including articles like this one, further exploring Melbourne’s inspiring spirit and the collaborative energy behind each portrait.

Finding Purpose

“Be Bolder.
Dream Bigger.”
Paul Tocatlian

Finding purpose has taken me down many paths, some planned, others entirely unexpected. These words shape how I live my life and how I empower others to find their own boldness and dreams. This ethos is at the heart of everything I do, whether it’s through photography, leadership, or philanthropy.

As a fashion and editorial photographer, empowering others means creating opportunities for diverse voices to shine. It’s about supporting emerging talent, providing them with space to explore, and celebrating their unique strengths. Few things compare to the joy of watching someone flourish after a photoshoot, knowing you played a part in their success.

Empowering others to be bolder and dream bigger is about empathy, vision, and creating a ripple effect of positivity. It’s about recognizing strengths, fostering creativity, and making space for everyone’s voice to be heard. Together, we can create a world filled with innovation, where boldness inspires the next generation to dream beyond what they think is possible.

Clarence The Clown’s Final Hooroo

The final image in The Melbourne Portraits Project is Clarence The Clown, standing on Saint Kilda Beach and waving “hooroo.” This photograph embodies the creativity, humanity, and the unexpected connections formed along this journey.

In Australia, “hooroo” is a colloquialism that means “goodbye.” For me, “hooroo” is a heartfelt farewell to the photo book and a warm welcome to the next chapter in this shared creative journey.

Clarence The Clown is the creation of Stuart John. Stuart, who I first met through Jay, brought his character to life during the pandemic. Our first encounter was on Saint Kilda Beach, where Clarence, with his colorful costume and boundless joy, turned a quiet shoreline into a vibrant stage.

Later, I met Stuart in his true self at Anton Venoir Interiors during the photoshoot featured in Chapter 11: Le Petit Palais. Seeing Stuart as himself offered a rare glimpse into the person behind the character. He then transformed into Clarence, and we captured some unforgettable photos. His warmth and creativity left an indelible mark on me.

In December 2024, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Stuart over crepes and cider at Roule Galette in Melbourne. During our conversation, Stuart introduced me to the story of Clarence. Before Clarence, there was Spider-Man. A character Stuart passionately brought to life, spreading joy across Melbourne’s streets in between lockdowns. However, after a knee injury and subsequent surgery left him unable to perform the high-energy leaps Spider-Man was known for, Stuart decided to reinvent himself. That’s when Clarence, a whimsical clown, stepped into the spotlight. While Clarence may not leap, he carries the same mission: to brighten someone’s day, one smile at a time.

Clarence became a beacon of joy for those struggling with isolation during the pandemic. Stuart, a psychology student at the time, used Clarence to bring light during some of Melbourne’s darkest times. Today, Stuart is a practicing psychologist, continuing to make an impact in a new way. I can’t wait to see what Stuart does next. I hope one day he writes a book about Clarence’s stories. There’s so much beauty in the joy he brought to others.

Join the Conversation!

As we bring this photographic ode to a close, I leave you with this thought: everyone has something to share. Be bolder. Dream bigger. And let your creative journey touch the world around you. Collaboration and resilience have been the beating heart of this project, reminding us that our shared stories hold the power to inspire and connect us all.

© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.

The Melbourne Portraits Project