photography by NATSKY ~ Ph 0410 490 949

Website Illustration

2012-01-28T17:16:00.001+11:00

Working on the new website...very different look to the old one...much more simple and clean. Trying to finish it in between photo shoots and editing may mean it won't go live for a wee while yet!

However...my cuties as I called them when first created daydreaming years ago, will feature on the new site...

If you haven't already, meet Lilly & Paco!

These lovebirds were a doodle I created when feeling all loved up, not long after I was married 8 years ago. I still love them all this time later. Still love my hubby too!

Photo Of The Week ~ Just Because 4

2012-01-24T13:28:00.001+11:00

So still skulking around in Lismore's back alleys for the Back Alley Gallery Project. I so love walls with peeling paint and rusted out guttering...so here's a sample!

House Concert ~ The Tipitina Trio

2012-01-16T14:50:00.000+11:00

Last Friday afternoon saw Nico and I travelling through the hills to a house concert in a beautiful North Coast garden, complete with cute kids, Japanese origami, angels and tea light candles.

The soirée gathered to enjoy the Tipitina Trio perform, with Jesse Matthews-Cooke & Georgina Pollard on vocals and Dylan Curnow on vocals & keys.

Playing through dusk and into the early evening, the guests enjoyed some beautifully sung jazz standards, with the odd Tom Waits track thrown in for good measure. The atmosphere was warm, intimate and appreciative and a wonderful time was had by all.

meander through the hills til you see the balloons

gorgeous garden setting

angelic voices deserve an angelic audience!

Jesse & Georgina get things started

Dylan rambles through a Tom Waits number

chilled out audience enjoying the last of the sun

Georgina's cute butterfly sandals poke out from the hemline of her vintage inspired petticoats

Jesse going for it...the eternal entartainer

Georgina is blessed with a pure set of vocal chords

Dylan in the zone

time to go home!

Wishing you an amazing tour of Japan, where the audiences love you and funds for tsunami victims are plenty and forthcoming. Bon voyage!

Photo Of The Week ~ Just Because 3

2012-01-16T10:48:00.000+11:00

So see if you can guess what this week's offering might be?

Photo Of The Week ~ Just Because 2

2012-01-09T13:29:00.002+11:00

Went for a drive up to Protestor's Falls and saw this groovy chair by the side of the road...a place to ponder your belly button!

The truth you believe and cling to makes you unavailable to hear anything new.

Pema Chödrön

My First Woodford Folk Festival

2012-01-05T19:08:00.002+11:00

After many years of trying, finally made it to Woodfordia, even if only for the day.

Essentially a folk based music festival, it reminded me of a bigger version of the Channon Market with lots of added music tents, musicians and performers!

Over 6 days, thousands of people laughed, danced and sang inspired by thousands of performing artists representing a huge diversity of nationalities and cultures. It rocked...well in a folky, worldy kinda way!

Loved, loved, loved Invisible Friend, Tripod made me laugh, Tinpan Orange mesmerised as per usual, Asanti Dance Theatre amazed, Oka was great for a boogie and Emma Dean was a new discovery!

lots of signage to make you giggle

signs telling people to slow down and go slow featured regularly

even the loos were decorated...lots of our local talent represented at Woodford

more curiosities

and curious people

in the hall of mirrors

these little creations evolved throughout the day at each intersection

all in Native American Indian dancing...Anishinabek 'Northern Lights' Troupe

one of my faves Invisible Friend

the Asanti Dance Theatre...amazing drumming and dancing

the stripped back Jesca Hoop

Xavier Rudd was a huge hit with the crew I was with

he certainly makes a lot of noise for one dude!

his son was on stage for the whole set and didn't stop dancing once...he would give the duracell bunny a run for his money!

Jyllie Jackson did us proud with her lanterneers for the Peace Procession held each night

Photo Of The Week ~ Just Because 1

2012-01-04T12:35:00.000+11:00

So begins a new year. I find myself assessing the previous year, as you do, and realising that there was little time for my favourite people and my favourite past times. Yes, I loved the work, but I need to timetabe a little more downtime this year or I will be in danger of burning out...I am a fire sign after all!

Most of the time I had a camera to my eye last year, it was to take photos for somebody else. Not much indulgent me time to shoot "just because". I have missed that. It is when I play around with ideas, try out crazy techniques I have dreamed up the night before and to just generally have fun with no objective, no end result as the main aim...time to explore and have fun.

To address this unfortunate situation, I have decided to set myself the task of taking at least one shot each week, purely for me, just because. They will be random, possibly and likely to be totally unrelated to each other with the only link being that it was me taking them, just because.

So here is my first offering...just because!

Coraki

Wedding Photography Slideshow ~ NICK & AMY ~ Coraki

2011-12-24T08:51:00.000+11:00

Wedding on the family property at Coraki
Reception at Evans Head RSL

2011 Carols by Glow Stick!

2011-12-21T13:12:00.000+11:00

Sunday afternoon at Lismore's Riverside Park was full of christmassy bling and cheer!

The annual Carols by Candlelight was held and thousands showed up with their picnic blankets, waiting for Santa to arrive under a brilliant blue sky. This year's candles were replaced by glow sticks in support of the charity, Lismore & Villages Relay for LIfe. There were lots of smiles, cute outfits, singing and dancing and a feeling of festive fun in the air!

Dhinawan performs Welcome to Country

Big Dog dropped by to say hi

the happy crowd enjoying our beautiful North Coast weather

told you there were lots of smiles

free face painting was enjoyed by many

christmas elves

waiting for Santa

excited...much!

Santa arrives and "hands" out lollies!

the always entertaining Luke Vasella

the Winsome Hotel Gospel Choir

the sun goes to sleep at Big Dog time

partying begins with the soon to be extinct Fossil Rock

don't have to be a kid to have fun

Fossil Rock rockin' out

the christmas elves responsible for organising the whole night...Sophie & Katie

amazing fireworks to finish the evening!

First Look...CRAIG & AMBER

2011-12-17T12:28:00.000+11:00

I knew this one was going to be a beautiful wedding. The dark, threatening sky from earlier in the day, let the sun poke through, shining down on Craig and Amber's dusk nuptials on the cliff top at Evan's Head...magical wedding to end the 2011 wedding season!

A sneak peek...

Truth and the High Horse

2011-12-03T14:10:00.001+11:00

Prompted by some narrow minded, ill informed opinions I have endured in recent days.

Waterfall Hideout from the world!

2011-11-28T21:22:00.001+11:00

Hubby and I are romantics, so when it comes around each year, we like to escape the world to celebrate our wedding anniversary and just concentrate on us for a weekend. The last 3 months have been a little crazy with Nico being ill and me doing 7 day weeks, so this year we really needed our weekend....planning it though was last minute but obviously meant to be...

From our first call with Karen, we knew immediately we were supposed to visit this place. Our booking fell on one of only two available weekends in the 2 year history of this delightful little cabin they call the Waterfall Hideout. Meant to be...

Nestled into the rainforest around Zara, Chillingham, it is only about 20 minutes south from where we were married all those years ago in the Numinbah Valley. We love this area and have stayed at quite a few different little places, some with much heftier price tags, but this place was definitely in our top 3. As soon as you arrive, the chilled, relaxed vibe makes you stop and breathe. We immediately felt comfortable...it was meant to be...

With only one cabin on the property, we had complete privacy, a huge plus for us, and could enjoy the sublime surroundings without having to share. Additionally, it was a very eco friendly little cabin, with solar power, composting toilet, recycling and tank water. The wildlife kept us entertained and the constant babble of running water only 20 metres from the front door, lulled you into a peaceful state of mind ...which lingered for hours after our departure.

Our hosts Karen & Ian have put lots of love and little touches into this place and have included everything you could wish for. For a great reconnecting getaway not too far from home, Waterfall Hideout is perfect!

our little cabin in the trees

Nico shutterbugging

soaking up the good vibes on the front deck

lots of details everywhere at this place

A great indicator about how relaxed I was...I took very few photos!

Seeker, Lover, Keeper...Sublime

2011-11-21T15:19:00.001+11:00

Last night's audience at Lismore's new and improved Star Court Theatre were treated to a serve of ethereal voices in the form of three beautiful, talented women who are Seeker Lover Keeper.

Sarah Blasko, Holly Throsby and Sally Seltmann floated onto the stage and proceeded to mesmerise all with beautiful harmonies, heartfelt lyrics and magical music.

Vocals tinged with a raspy, crackly, sweet syrup flitted around tinkling piano keys and the quiet plucking of guitar strings, before riding a drum and bass line to almost orchestral density, as a tambourine jangled across it all...and you held your breath listening to every little bit, hoping it would surround you with its delicate strength forever...thinking please don't let it end.

For Lismore last night it did end, but the tour continues and future audiences are in for a treat.
As the beginning of a new life for the Star Court Theatre as a performance venue...what a rebirth! Theatre manager Heather Rose, has some fantastic ideas and plans for this beautiful old venue and from what we have seen so far, I'm looking forward to the renaissance. Sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about some wonderful art house film and live shows coming up...can't wait!

sarah blasko

sally seltmann

holly throsby

Wedding Photography Slideshow ~ BRAD & CLARE ~ Lismore

2011-11-17T08:32:00.001+11:00

Wedding ceremony held at St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore
Reception at Invercauld House, Goonellabah
Cars by Elegant Cars driven by the delightful Carl!

There's a Bear up There

2011-11-12T17:33:00.001+11:00

Was at our local Southern Cross University recently doing a photo shoot involving a locally designed couture fashion piece and a skeleton.

At the end of the shoot I heard a rustling in the grass behind me and to my surprise, there was a mama koala with a cub on her back quick footing it for the closest tree.

Thankfully I had a longish lens with me and snapped a few family portraits of mother and child!

If you are interested in koalas and their wellbeing and protection, there is a local volunteer organisation called Friends of the Koala in Lismore who are always in need of extra help. They run a hospital for sick koalas as well as an education and research centre.

Was such a beautiful, unexpected treat to see these beautiful Aussie mammals so close. Lucky me!

Sue Adler Exhibition @ the Channon Gallery

2011-11-12T15:46:00.001+11:00

Finally made the country drive to the wonderful Channon Gallery to see their latest exhibition of images by local photographer Sue Adler.

Aptly titled "A Colourful Life in Black and White" it spans decades of Sue's award winning work, with some magically crafted portraiture of the infamous, famous and not so famous.

Running until November 27th, you better get your skates on or you will miss a truly wonderful and worthwhile group of images.

Also gave me the opportunity to play with a new toy...the Lensbaby Composer Pro. It's a "toy" tilt and shift lens which creates some very blurred and distorted sections in a photo frame. All of the pics on this blog were taken with the new toy and the fun will be in mastering where to put the distortion and just how much!

Wedding Photography Slideshow ~ KANE & ASHLEY ~ Broken Head

2011-11-08T08:42:00.001+11:00

Wedding ceremony at Broken Head
Celebrant Michelle Shannon
Reception at Pavillions, Broken Head

Hope...

2011-11-07T17:41:00.000+11:00

Practice turning hope into reality...

B.A.G. IT Day Two

2011-10-23T19:10:00.001+11:00

Haven't worked out whether it was exposure to paint fumes or some far out and groovy art, but either way, after two days in Eggins Lane, my head's in a spin!

Today was day two of the Back Alley Gallery launch and with the addition of the final two artists, there was even more amazing art to be gobbled up with appreciative eyes.

So excited about this project and the buzz it is creating. The response from those who journeyed down the alley while I was there, was all positive and really encouraging. It is definitely worth a detour while in town to get an idea of what the underground street art scene in Lismore is capable of...long may it continue.

Well done to Katie O'Rourke from Lismore Come to the Heart for making it happen, and thank you to Mayor Jenny Dowell and Councillor Isaac Smith for their continued support. Watching the walls come alive over the past two days lets you know it has all been worthwhile.

Congrats to Nathan, Erin, Justin, Erica, Corey, Zac and Tony and thanks for making the town I love look even better. Looking forward to the next stages!

See Day One Here

there's no stopping the Back Alley Gallery

Corey's finished work

Justin almost done

Erica starts on her 2nd stencil piece

Zac getting busy

Damon helps out

Tony from Mullum's Phar Cyde crew

even the puppies were checking things out

Nathan gets a grip

have can...will paint!

B.A.G. it!

2011-10-22T21:36:00.000+11:00

Spent the afternoon in a back alley...a Lismore back alley which always makes it appealing!

Today was the launch of a fantastic new initiative, The Back Alley Gallery. Eggins Lane has begun a transformation...with some amazing street art it is becoming a place of vibrant colour and creative magnificence. It is the first of quite a few stages to transform the 12 alley ways in Lismore, giving street artists a platform to create legally and making our wonderful town even more exciting and engaging.

As a regular lurker in these back lanes, I find for the most part they are under used and deserted. Today's opening saw people wandering through to have a look and exploring a whole new part of town previously ignored. There were cute kids running around, strangers chatting about the art and lots of laughter and good vibes.

Congrats to all who have worked so hard to get it off the ground...I'm sure we will give Melbourne a run for their money!

See Day Two Here

Corey getting large

Erica sees stars

Justin with his mushrooms

Nathan goes octopussy

the boys contemplate the best colour comination

the gathered throng at the Twilight Market

Mayor Jenny Dowell opened the speeches

with councillor Isaac Smith continuing

before Nathan, the project's mastermind finished off the proceedings.

Jimmy Willing & the Hick-Ups go to the Rodeo

2011-10-22T14:04:00.001+11:00

What better stage for a bunch of country punk rockers than a 1937 Federal truck! Brought back to life by restorer Alan Keys, the flatbed of this ole truck was the stage for Jimmy and the Hick-Ups to perform live at this year's Lismore National Show. From inside the rodeo ring, Jimmy did his usual, entertaining gig, backed by the fantastic Real Gone Hick-Ups. Circus the Singing Dog, also made a guest appearance.

Will all be happening again tonight, Saturday Oct 22nd, so get along little doggies and have yourself some fun!

sound check starts

Circus even warms up his vocal chords

heading over to the rodeo ring

showtime!

show's over folks

Rodeo Rattled

2011-10-22T11:58:00.000+11:00

So I have been living in the rural Northern Rivers for eleven years now, but last night saw me at my first rodeo. Lots of strapping young lads in big hats, boots and always collared shirts...no tee shirts! There was the rare female version, in the same attire, but for the most part it was a male environment.

As I watched the obvious and amazing ability of these riders and the dedication to their sport, I just couldn't "get it". I don't understand the sport of fishing either though. While I comprehend these skills are part of animal husbandry, I can't figure out the transformation to a sport. I found myself cringing when calves were dumped and tied and inwardly cheering when they managed to get away. I can grasp the skill behind it and even admire and acknowledge it. It's the objective and end result that puzzles me...the "why?"

Music Photography Slideshow ~ 4 in the Morning...

2011-10-20T20:30:00.001+11:00

...I am normally asleep!

This is the title of a new track by local rockers Wild Jester. Also the track that Roy & Jesse decided to make a video for. Also the track that had my foot tapping and leg strumming as I was shooting stills for use in said video. Also a track that hums along with a great rock melody and had the paint peeling in the old church at Dunoon where we filmed!

Just press play...you'll get the idea...

Lady with a camera...

2011-10-18T21:02:00.001+11:00

Got a call from local rocker Roy Wilders to go check out some Lismore graffiti. It's along a wall where local graffiti artists are allowed to legally create work, a wall I have used as a backdrop on occasions for wedding bridal party pics. It is regularly changed by a local group and a wall I keep an eye on for this reason. Due to being crazy busy of late, I hadn't checked it out in a while, but after Roy's urging I'm glad I did...

One of my fave colour combos is red, black & white. One of my favourite pastimes is photography. I am a woman. Can you see why I loved this! Thank you Guido, whomever you may be.

As an aside, if you are into street art or graffiti, check out Eggins Lane in Lismore this weekend. It will host the launch of the Back Alley Gallery, a laneway dedicated to the promotion and sharing of street art. It will be running in conjunction with the Lismore Twilight Markets, featuring local artists, live music, DJ's, funky market stalls and is a family event...and it's FREE! Check it out.

20th October
David Freund has just forwarded info re the original photo used as inspiration for the above gaffiti. It was an original self portrait by a photographer named Oxana Ianin. So now the question is "does Guido have a thing for Oxana?"

23rd October

Nathan, the brains behind the Back Alley Gallery, has informed me that Guido will be a part of the next stage of the B.A.G. project, set to launch sometime in November. Bring it!

Sydney's bright lights...

2011-10-16T10:31:00.000+11:00

While I am a born and bred "city chick", Sydney no longer keeps me enchanted for more than a few days. For me, the bright lights in the big city are the people whom I love, that live there. Visiting for work in early September gave me a chance to catch up with family and go for a wander around Darling Harbour and Cockle Bay. Walking around with a camera, looking like a tourist, always makes me inwardly giggle. Now that I see the North Coast as my natural environment, maybe I am a tourist in my hometown! All the pretty lights and skyscrapers certainly make me go oohh aaahhh!

the yummy restaurant we visited for dinner

First Look...NICK & AMY

2011-10-09T12:49:00.000+11:00

A quick peek at yesterday's wedding which threw a few different weather conditions at us....overcast and cool for the ceremony, hot and steamy for the formal photos at a reclaimed quarry, before the weather got dark and stormy at the beach!

the ceremony was held at Amy's family home under a tree, by the river...perfect!

Amy's father spent months cleaning up an old quarry complete with lilly ponds and rock faces...just gorgeous

the young and beautiful Nick & Amy

run for cover...huge raindrops begin to fall...we were all still laughing and smiling though!

Stay tuned for pics from the whole day...

Purdee @ Protestor's Falls

2011-09-23T12:27:00.001+10:00

Half day holiday in Lismore yesterday, so got soaked in sunshine and then went for a stroll up to Protestor's Falls with camera in hand. Normally shoot fairly wide up there, but decided on taking a favourite telephoto/long lens, the 180mm prime. Wanted to get some details of water ripples, pebbles and leaves...and what a delight it was!

protestor' falls using a fisheye lens

dragonfly dropped by briefly to soak up some rays

Get Racing with Lismore Fashion

2011-09-15T22:08:00.000+10:00

While I have taken plenty of music promo shots, two weeks ago saw me adapt that perspective to fashion photography for the first time.

As a joint venture between Lismore Turf Club, Lismore Come to the Heart and a group of local fashion retailers, our aim was to show just how WOW our local fashion can be. After you have had a look, you will realise everything is here in lovely Lismore to get you looking fabulous for race day, next Thursday 22nd September.

Cue posing, pouting and strutting through the downtown streets of Lismore!

MATT

CLOTHING BY GEORGE GOOLEY

DAVID

CLOTHING BY MAN TO MAN

EMILY

HEADPIECE BY THE GARDEN FLORIST

HAIR BY POMSTAR

MAKE-UP BY GLAM DOLL

CLOTHING BY LITTLE POLLI & THE BLACKBIRD

SHOES BY SHOO LA LA

GUEST APPEARANCE BY SHARON FROM LITTLE POLLI!

NIC

CLOTHING, SHOES & HEADPIECE BY BOUTIQUE 2000

HAIR BY GLAMOUR HAIR DESIGN

MAKE-UP BY ANNABELLAS BEAUTY

ALYSON

CLOTHING & HEADPIECE BY TAHITI HUT

SHOES BY BONDFIELDS

HAIR & MAKE-UP BY SHARTAN HAIR STUDIO

EMILY

CLOTHING BY BIRDCAGE

SHOES BY SHOO LA LA

HAIR & MAKE-UP BY THE BOYS

DANA

CLOTHING & SHOES BY ETIKA BOUTIQUE

HAIRPIECE BY LAVISH FLORAL DESIGN

HAIR BY POMSTAR

MAKE-UP BY GLAM DOLL

DEBORAH

CLOTHING & HEADPIECE BY HORTONS

SHOES BY SHOO LA LA

HAIR BY EMBASSY HAIR

MAKE-UP BY CANDY HELLYAR

CLOTHING BY SARASA

SHOES BY LISMORE SHOES

MAKE-UP BY CHRYSALIS BEAUTY THERAPY

JENNA

CLOTHING BY JEAN HOUSE

SHOES & HEADPIECE BY SHOE LA LA

HAIR & MAKE-UP BY WINKS HAIRDRESSING

RENEA

CLOTHING & HEADPICE BY SOBI

SHOES BY SHOO LA LA

HAIR BY GLOSS HAIR ARTISTRY

MAKE-UP BY LISA WILLIAMS

So there you have it...Lismore fashion served on a platter!

I had so much fun working with Katie O'Rourke, our Lismore City Centre Manager, and all the Lismore fashionistas. Katie did an amazing job pulling everything together in a short time period and made it happen. Mel Carerro, aka the Chubby Fashionista, was a huge help too and you can check out her behind the scenes, action shots HERE! As a local stylist with her finger on the fashion pulse, she is worth checking out.

Thanks to all involved and now looking forward to our next adventure...stay tuned!

First Look...WILD JESTER ROCK ON!

2011-09-15T17:40:00.000+10:00

So...off to a little ole country church today, with the emphasis on old...peeling paint, holey windows, rusted guttering and lots of cobwebs.

Was shooting some black and white stills for use in a music video for rockers Roy Wilder's & Jesse Balfour's band, WILD JESTER. Had so much fun!

Just had a quick look at the day's shots and thought I would share a few that have immediately grabbed my eye...enjoy!

Hangin' Out With My Nephling!

2011-09-12T11:36:00.000+10:00

OK...I warned you....here come the baby photos...visit to Sydney to see my nephling who is now 9 months old and just seems to be getting cuter. Certainly has a personality and is such an amazingly happy little boy. Even teething, a cold and little sleep could not stop his infectious giggles and gorgeous little smile from coming through loud and clear. Would love to know what he is saying as he talks constantly in baby speak, at times with quite a serious and thoughtful expression. He is such a character and biased or not, I think he is the most amazing little boy I have ever met!

helping mum with the washing

i love the food my mummy cooks for me

playing in the mirror with uncle nico

checking out his uncle nico

i love it when my daddy blows in my ear

the boys hanging out

i don't think so mum...that would be silly...

bath time is the best!

peek a boo with my mummy

watching the rugby with dad

First look...Brad & Clare

2011-08-22T14:59:00.000+10:00

While the weather may have been confused with blue skies one minute and pouring rain the next, Brad and Clare were very sure about what they wanted to do on Saturday...get married!
In a tear-filled ceremony at St Carthages Cathedral In Lismore, surrounded by family and friends, that is exactly what they did. While the rain soaked the streets outside, tears wet the faces of many as hearts were warmed by love and happiness.

Experiments in the Dark....

2011-08-15T19:42:00.000+10:00

Conjures up many thoughts and images!

Experiments in the Dark is an ongoing project run by NORPA, our local performing arts company, which invites local artists to come together, collaborate and create a kind of cabaret, one-off night of magical, diverse, unique performances.

I missed the debut night in May while I was gallivanting across the Indian desert, but was determined to make the next performance scheduled for August...and I did!

It was definitely a diverse mixture of performances and just underlined yet again the huge amount of talent hiding away in the Northern River's hills and valleys. A tap dancing washing machine box, egg smashing, video interactive performance, wedding dresses, acrobatics and more.

The structure of the night is totally informal...no numbered seating in sight. The audience moved from one part of city hall to the next as each performance started...reminded me of wandering minstrels. Some sat on the floor, others danced, still more stood attentive, eating it all up. It was brilliant!

Keep the eyes peeled for the next Experiments night. It is a lucky dip as you really don't know what you will get on the night but that's part of the fun. Certainly beats watching the idiot box and you will be supporting our local artists and the company providing them with a platform to perform!

See you in the dark!

Photography Slideshow ~ Lantern Parade Video Delight

2011-08-10T12:00:00.000+10:00

A quick video with more images from the 2011 Lismore Lantern Parade!

First Look...Kane & Ashley

2011-08-10T11:33:00.000+10:00

A beautiful beach wedding at Broken Head...and the sun came out to play!

The beautiful Ash & Kane were married under it's warmth to the sound of bagpipes (Ash has Scottish heritage) and crashing waves (Kane is a mad keen surfer). Lots of happy tears were shed and lots of belly laughing through some hilarious speeches. Twas a bonny day!

Wedding Photography Slideshow ~ RACHEL & PENNY ~ Mullumbimby

2011-07-18T15:11:00.000+10:00

A promise party held in Mullumbimby!

Wedding Photography Slideshow ~ JOEL & LAURYN ~ Casino

2011-07-02T17:20:00.000+10:00

A good ole beautiful country wedding complete with cows, cowboy hats, cowboys, ute rides, tractor rides and an afternoon storm!

Wedding ceremony held at St Mary's Church Casino
Reception held at family property at Leeville

...and then there was the Street Party!

2011-06-26T16:36:00.000+10:00

Continuing on from my previous post re The Lismore Lantern Parade, the after celebrations continued in Carrington Street with a street party! Throughout the day, people were tempted by stalls selling yummy food, local art and craft and serenaded by lots of talented musicians. These included Adam Scriven, Monkey & the Fish, Swamp Town, the Sharp Dancers, Andrea Soler, Black Train, Inanna's Wish, Ruthie-Ma-Toothie, Bandwagon, Dhinawan & the Deadly Dancers, Kamikazi Thunderkats, Stipsky, the Cackle Taps, Circus the Singing Dog, Jimmy Willing & the Real Gone Hick-Ups & out of towners, Rapskallion.

Now with this line up, it got a little difficult when it came to parade time. Do I stay and listen to the music or do I go and watch the parade and fiery finale? Why can't I have it all?! The parade won the tussle but I am still peeved I missed one of my fave North Coast bands, Stipsky. I had really wanted to have a listen to The Thunderkats too. One day I will have a clone of myself so I can be in 2 different places at the 1 time!

Rapskallion had the place jumping with their theatrics and vibey tunes...loved them. Jimmy Willing & his Hick-Ups are the only country band I find myself not only tapping my foot to, but dancing to, and enjoying it! And the Cackle Taps were an unexpected piece of fun in amongst all the musical magic.

the delightful Cackle Taps!

the hand of God?

Jimmy Willing & the Real Gone Hick-Ups...the only country music I will dance to!

Sara kicks things off for Rapskallion

how often do you see a megaphone on stage?

Jimmy succeeded in creating a fantastic musical event for anybody not quite so enchanted with the pretty lights as me...a musical event with an edge, something a little different to the mainstream, with a friendly vibe that had us all dancing in the street. It was brilliant!

2011 Lismore Lantern Parade

2011-06-26T14:04:00.001+10:00

The 2011 Lismore Lantern Parade...this local festival never ceases to create wonder, inspiration and hope within me year after year. Being the first community event I attended after moving to the North Coast from Sydney, it holds a very sentimental chunk of my heart. Torrential rain or biting cold have never kept me away in the years since...I love this festival!

Last night's parade was certainly one of the largest and garnered much oohing and aahhhing as it made it's way through the packed streets of Lismore. I love watching kid's faces as they react gleefully to the beautiful lanterns and even more so when adults, especially without kids, do the same. With so much to be sad about in this world, it is wonderful to venture out, be amongst fellow human beings and join in a common sharing of joy, beauty and warmth of heart.

Pegasus leads the parade

this year's theme was The Great Garden

Dirt Girl made a special appearance

welcome to country

and so the "fiery finale" begins

the crowd looks on, warmed and illuminated by the fireglow

Congratulations to Jyllie Jackson and all the crew at Lightnup for creating something positively beautiful...again!

For pics from the Street Party afterwards go HERE!

The Fantastic Fisher Man

2011-06-23T10:53:00.002+10:00

Yes, it's true...I was up @ 5:30am yesterday! Needed that much time to wake up for a bright and early 7am photo shoot for local singer songwriter Chris Fisher. We were hoping for some valley mist that early, but apparently it was too warm for mist. Tell that to my body which is still not coping with this winter chill after 55 degrees in India!

Chris has been working hard on his latest musical offering and from the track demo's that I have heard it's going to be a treat for all his fans. So now it's up to me to make the packaging look as good as the music! These are my fave pics for the album cover...will be interesting to see which Chris finally decides on. Which is your fave?

To have a listen to some of Chris' music check out his Facebook or Myspace pages or go straight to the source, his music company Fruit Bat Music.

Stay tuned for release and tour dates!

First Look...MARNY & GORDON

2011-06-15T13:28:00.001+10:00

Wet Wedding Cleanse

Marny & Gordon held their wedding last Sunday, and though the heavens opened and that wet stuff fell from the sky again, this gorgeous couple had a rather philosophical approach to their wet wedding...the rain was cleansing their earlier lives and from this day forward they would be starting afresh, together, with clean slates. Love it!

So with the Serpentine Beach ceremony abandoned, the whole joyous event was relocated to ASR, Australian Seabird Rescue HQ, which had been transformed into a wonderland by an army of family and friends.
The feeling in that room was one of pure love as all looked on and Gordon & Marny declared their love with buckets of emotion in a very personal ceremony.

the couple supported by their sons Luke & Liam
as celebrant Dale leads them through the ceremony

Buddy the dog delivers the rings

vows are spoken...

surrounded by smiling faces and warm hearts

the beautiful sand ceremony

A truly special couple, loved by all around them.

Wishing you a life together bursting with fun, joy and love as you continue to make your world a better place. Blessings to you both.

Wedding Photography Slideshow ~ PAUL & LEEARNA ~ Coffs Harbour

2011-06-05T10:07:00.000+10:00

Wedding & reception held at Anuuka Resort, Coffs Harbour
Celebrant was Kirsty Cameron

Wedding Photography Slideshow ~ ANDREW & KERRY ~ Eureka

2011-05-19T08:36:00.000+10:00

Ceremony held at Eureka Uniting ChurchReception at Opez Restaurant, Lennox Head

Delhi...back streets, mosques and the metro

2011-05-16T19:17:00.000+10:00

Up early for a walk to the metro...women have their own separate carriages.

Hanuman, the monkey god, greets us at the metro

breakfast

Old Delhi

We journey to Old Delhi and the walled city of Shajahanabad.

We then walk through the maze-like narrow alleys of Old Delhi passing merchants of all kinds, religious places of prayer and offering, stray cats and cows and finally...my first chai on an Indian street corner!

the alleys are narrow and dark

the crazy scaff they use that can go storeys high into the sky

just about every nook is a place offering

chai has 4 main ingredients...black tea, milk, cardamon pods and ginger

pouring chai...so so yummy when drinking immersed in the sounds and smells of the bustling city around you

me having my first chai on a Delhi corner...photo by Nikki

Next stop was one of Delhi's oldest Mosques, the Jama Masjid...would love to have stopped longer to drink in the atmosphere and watch all the comings and goings.

this mosque feeds thousands of people every day...so we thought we would help out in the kitchen

Nikkers gets busy

the main food hall

free time so we went to a park, which turned out to be a lover's haunt but in the middle was this tomb

buddhist temple time...I think it was called the Lakshmi

monkeys are everywhere in India, including the city

so while the tourists watch the monkey, the locals watch the tourists and even take a pic on their phone! This happened a lot...

a strange mix of symbolism here

take a tuk tuk back to our hotel and there is always something to see...this dude was cruising through the crazy traffic with one knee up!

Next stop...Agra

Nepal Through the Window

2011-05-12T21:45:00.000+10:00

OK...so I had grand plans for writing an amazing travel commentary to accompany photos in an effort to relay some of the sensory overload we experienced in Nepal & India. As I haven't stopped since arriving home a week ago, the spare time to accomplish this will probably never happen. The pace shows no signs of easing, so you will have to invent your own dialogue. This will require getting into my head (a possibly strange experience for some) and the need to bump around while viewing said photos. Why? Because all here were taken out of moving vehicles....trains, buses, jeeps, ox carts, rickshaws and tuk tuks...and they all bump along on what Nepal affectionately call their roads!

in yer face military presence in Kathmandu

so wished I could read all the Hindi grafitti

free parking!

the nice, fresh air we breathed

these kids were making concrete

the crazy hillside slopes we travelled on to reach Chittwan

with the essentials in the background...water, potato chips, flip-flops and loo paper!

bath time

who needs a nintendo when you can play at the dump

Life here is fast, frenetic, fantastic, forever changing and fabulous. There is the constant sound of tooting as you travel and a chaotic order to the traffic flow. If asked to travel on a bus in Australia for 6 hours I would say no due to a high risk of boredom. In Nepal I didn't stop watching (sometimes hanging) out that window and smiling as I got a glimpse into the everyday. The 6 hours flew past!

Stay tuned for the next instalment, which will include elephants, crocodiles and deer, though maybe not in that order.

Nepal ~ Adventures With Suk

2011-05-11T18:42:00.000+10:00

So we ventured to Chitwan for 3 days and stayed in a little village called Sauhara. While there, we met Suk who took us on a few adventures showing us his homeland with much pride and a constant smile.

The smiley young boy face of Suk....he's actually 38 years young!

We visited a local village on our first afternoon. The above photo shows local woman under a traditional house made of elephant grass. The pic below shows a tribeswoman playing with her granddaughter...check out the tatts.

walls were decorated with handprints

This is a pic of a lizard on a wall, but if you look closely you will notice something a little unusual about the background foliage...it's marijuana growing wild...everywhere!

Nikki says thanks to the ox for transporting us

we were treated to local Tharu dancing and music on our first night

next morning we were up early to go for an elephant ride through the jungle

of course it was sprinkling and there was the threat of a thunderstorm, so everyone else had cancelled except for us...we had the whole jungle to ourselves!
The locals thought we were "bagul" (which means crazy) for going in the rain.

our elephant snacking

saw heaps of deer

Nikki was extremely excited to be patting an elephant!

the next day it was time for a canoe trip down river

Most of the boatmen were either deaf or mute...wish I had known that before I said Namaste!
They all replied with beautiful, big, warm smiles though!

So we are paddling in unstable, dugout canoes...and then you notice these guys on the bank maybe 10 metres away...do NOT rock the boat!

we got out of canoes to visit an elephant breeding centre...this little cutey is only 4 days old!

The elephants journey into the forest with their handlers everyday to collect grass, food and firewood...for the rest of the time they are chained...not too comfortable with that.

Next day it was jeep safari time, again with impending thunderstorm and again we went anyway!

This is what you are looking for...rhinos...and this one was about 5 metres from our jeep.
He was quite happy to continue feeding.

the monkeys were hilarious to watch

These guys were in a breeding cenyte too...lots of breeding going on...must be in the water!

Here is a blurred photo taken while hightailing it away from the rhino that decided to charge us!

This is the boatman that took us safely back across the river to where we were staying...he was mute too.

First Look...CHRIS & KATRINA

2011-05-08T16:08:00.001+10:00

A Fine Romance!

I have a friend called Katrina and for quite some years I have referred to her as the Love Cynic. This has been based on her decision to never marry again, her view that love was a fairytale and her many unfavourable comments regarding romance.

That all changed when Chris came into her life, swept her off her feet, melted her heart, polished her happy buttons and caused her to fall in love! Her life will never be the same again as she is now living the fairy tale, blissfully happy and chasing their dreams together...yay!

Yesterday saw them marrying under the gazebo, on the property they now call home, (which I call the little house on the prairie) surrounded by family and friends, much sunshine, beautiful flowers and an atmosphere of love.

dress on

the family bridal party held a silver ribbon around the couple during the ceremony

and how happy are they!

Katrina with her "puppy" Abruzzo

time for a tractor ride

the rings!

...and so they dance into the rest of their lives, with a smile on their face and hearts heavy with love. Congratulations!

Jones...Miss Grace Jones!

2011-04-27T11:34:00.000+10:00

Thanks to a friend's generosity, as a present for my hubby's birthday we found ourselves at Bluesfest yesterday. Friend and hubby have an addiction to Bob Dylan, who just happened to have top billing at this little ole, local festival!

So, as tradition has it, gumboots and raincoats were a must. I have to admit to a secret giggle while traipsing through the mud...it was so much fun squelching and sloshing. Conditions certainly didn't stop people's ability to enjoy the smorgasbord of music either.

So we grabbed a little Leon Russell, a dab of Buffy Saint-Marie, a smattering of Tony Joe White, a pinch of Ossibissa and a large slice of Elvis Costello...oh yeah, and some Bob of course! However, as a fan of more than 25 years, I was there to see Jones, Miss Grace Jones!

This 63 year old diva smashed it...with a wardrobe change for every song, her ever amazing strong vocal and stage-owning presence she had me, and a few thousand others, mesmerised. Still as cocky as in her early days and as cheeky as her bare bum she belted out faves Pull Up to the Bumper, Libertango, La Vie En Rose and Love is the Drug before hula hooping the whole way through Slave to the Rhythm. It was an aural and visual feast! Enjoy the pics, preferably while listening to a bit of Grace...

First Look...PENNY & RACHEL

2011-04-21T16:16:00.000+10:00

Harvesting Love Under a Full Moon!

I am a hopeless romantic and I make no apologies for it. I love love and people in love, part of the reason I love covering weddings.

On Monday night, I covered a special event which was planned around the Harvest Moon...Rachel & Penny's Promise Party...and the love was everywhere!

Their ceremony was immensely personal, dripping with sentiment and so beautiful I started to tear up...not good for focusing! Managed to hold it all together...just.

Such a strong connection between obvious soul mates, and hearing them declare their love, making their promises to eachother, surrounded by those they love and respect, was such an amazing experience.

Their declaration of love was followed by a huge party, celebrating life, love, happiness, connection and bliss.

A Magic Bus, dancing, rain, bubbles, laughter, fire twirling, cake, mischief, cheesy music, dress ups, frivolity, yummy food, mad lighting, full moon, balloons, mayhem...this party had it all...so much fun!

the Magic Bus

Penny & Rachel

A knot is made with each promise pledged

first dance...no waltzing here!

no formal photos...just dress ups and getting framed!

fire twirling & light show by the pool

lots of dancing to 70's & 80's cheese & one hit wonders

the full moon camouflaged by bubbles!

Transport by the Magic Bus

Girls outfits by Flourish Designs

Music & Lighting by Tim Tonkin

Sound by Adam Biggs

First Look...JOEL & LAURYN

2011-04-04T13:10:00.000+10:00

Riding the Wedding Wagon!

I met Lauryn & Joel for the first time in October last year as daylight savings started. Listening to what they had planned for their day, I knew it was going to be a large, fun, good ole country wedding. Couldn't wait!

So last Saturday, as daylight savings finished, we all headed to St Mary's Church at Casino to hear them declare their love and make things official. After a few family photos it was then out to the farm at Leeville for major celebrations...and so much fun!

her girls getting ready

the boys waiting at the church

leaving the church, Lauryn couldn't resist ringing the bells

Wishing you mountains of love and much happiness as you share your lives and live your dreams. Thanks for letting me share your day.

Seeing Trippple!

2011-03-30T14:07:00.001+11:00

Finally made it to the Bowlo Jazz gig last night...been ages!

This is one of the great gigs that Jules Kelly puts on in Lismore, where the music quality is consistently high, from both local and touring artists. Don't be fooled into thinking it is just all old fuddy duddy dixie jazz...funk, soul, blues, contemporary and cutting edge feature with some amazing talent and entertaining music on offer every week. If you love music, get along and support this gig...Tuesday 8:30pm @ Lismore Bowling Club.

Sliding onto the bandstand last night to play and sing was Kirk Lorange on, well slide guitar of course. Kirk was backed by Jim Kelly on electric guitar, Greg Lyon on electric bass and vocals, Scott Hills on the kit and James Cox bashing and shaking percussion.

So, inspired by some fantastic musical mastery, I decided to have a play with camera in hand. My nikon has a nifty multiple exposure setting where I can set the number of frames which the camera will then sandwich together into one pic. I used 3 and 4 frames last night and you just never know what's going to happen, especially with live musos as subjects!

So sharing a few that caught my attention.

Wonder out of War

2011-03-19T16:30:00.003+11:00

Born out of oppression, war and destruction, a body of inspired, brain-tickling artwork is currently showing at the Lismore Regional Gallery. I covered the opening last Friday night, but will be going back for a second take when off duty to take a much closer, considered look.

Featuring works from Afghanistan and Indonesia, they make some strong statements, backed by strong artistic style, which certainly appealed to the large crowd which assembled to meet two of the artists.

Khadim Ali and his fellow Afghani artists, tell the story of the Hazara people, a minority group who have endured much persecution throughout the country's tumultuous history.
Indonesian born, Aris Prabawa, creates works dealing with issues of fundamentalism, militarism and politics, based on his experience growing up under a military dictatorship.

All the artworks contain beauty with a message.
Well worth a trip into Lismore.

Khadim Ali, Afghani artist and curator

local member, Janelle Saffin officially opened the exhibition