State Championship 2013 Highlights - 13-18yrs

-

This was my first long course State meet so I was a little in awe. We even had an Olympian, Jarrod Poort.  What a beautiful swimmer to watch. Easy to photograph because he had perfect, consistent rhythm!

 Also new to me at the event, a DJ! The lovely Mr Ian Lovegrove presented all the music as well as juggle requests from swimmers for the relays and listen to me babble in between races!

 Ian encouraged me to try some more creative shots when I wasn't photographing for parents. I did enjoy this. Normally I don't get very much downtime as I'm running around the pool trying to get every possible shot.




We had lots of visitors. This year, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Team Canada. A fabulously enthusiastic team that reminded me a lot of our swim family back in Oregon.





It seems colour co-ordinated fingernails were the fashion statement of the day!


Some people ask if I have a favourite swim stroke to photograph. Not really. I think the style of the swimmer makes the photograph. I just have to figure out the timing. Every swimmer has a different rhythm. I generally watch them for a few strokes before I take the shot. 





In all, it was a very exciting meet. Long, but exciting. I was glad to be a part of it. Thanks to NSW Swimming, their team and all of the volunteer officials who make it fun as well as DJ extraordinaire, Ian Lovegrove. :)
Location: Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia

Comments

Post a Comment

Don't Miss A Thing...

* indicates required

Previous Posts

Clown Doctors -The Children's Hospital, Westmead

-
Image
  My son was a patient at The Children's Hospital  at Westmead. First at 8 months of age when his kidney failed and then at 10 months when they removed it. It was a difficult time for us all.  Visiting again, this time as a volunteer photographer, I had to confront the crockpot of intense anxiety and other emotions that envelop you as a parent. But more revealing was having to face the children. The head hanging to their chest and pain glazed eyes, head tilted with a curious expression. "Why does this hurt mummy?" On this visit, however, the intensity was quickly dissolved by the pure joy brought to the faces of these young patients by the highly skilled and very funny clown doctors. What a wonderful gift! Whether finishing a round of chemotherapy or waiting for a kidney transplant, every child was able to find a smile for the clown doctors. Each bedside visit was pure delight. In addition, I witnessed momentary relief among the visiting family. As Gr
Read more

Sydney Harbour from Quay Restaurant

-
Image
Quay Restaurant is situated at the Ocean Liner terminal in Sydney Harbour. After dinner we went for a stroll upstairs and out onto the deck. The view is outstanding. I can understand why so many functions are held here. Old Sydney Town has some pretty buildings.
Read more

Emily Johnson Models

-
Image
What a great time we had today for Emily's first shoot. We worked on images that might go in her portfolio if she decides that she may give modelling a try. First we did all natural shots. Emily is not wearing any makeup except for a little black drama under her eyes. Then we dressed her up with full makeup and hair... What do you think?
Read more

Cambodian kids bring tears of joy! - Our visit to a remote school in Thailand

-
Image
Steps With Hope Desperately in need of funds to continue their support of this little school in Thailand, Founder of  Steps With Hope , Jen Spoor, hosted a Mother's Day High Tea. After her presentation, I said to Jen, "if you want to make a bigger impact, you need better photos".   So that was that and I committed to visiting the school on their next trip.   Meet The Kids If you're like us, you will want to meet the kids right away. There are about 70 children currently attending the school with three classes starting at Kindergarten age.  These children come from poor Khmer families, remnants of a recovering population that has endured one of the darkest times times in its history.  Around 3 million people slaughtered and many more terrorized by the Khmer Rouge has left a devastated people still clawing its way back to normality.  Families reside in makeshift huts just over the border in Cambodia. The children walk across the Khlong Hat borde
Read more

Family of Six Photographed in West Linn - Family Portrait

-
Image
What a fabulous family and wonderful children, each with their unique outstanding personality made for a fun afternoon of  shooting. This family have an avid appreciation of photography so I had to keep on my toes and come up with some different ideas as well as add in a few more traditional ones. Clearly at ease with each other, the family fell into poses very naturally. I suppose because we were in their home, this added to their comfort.
Read more

Profile Portrait, Drama Therapy & Play time in The Studio

-
Image
Amanda is a Dramatherapist currently based in Sydney but shortly making the move to Darwin. She was in need of a profile portrait for her soon to be revamped website. At the end of the portrait session we decided that it was time for some Dramatherapy! Following success in the UK, USA & other countries, Dramatherapy supports people in connecting with the playful part of themselves in an environment free from judgement. Clients are invited to connect through movement, voice, improvisation, role, character and story meanwhile promoting therapeutic results in addition to psychological healing, insight , growth and well-being. Playing With Spirit specifically explores the connections between the Sesame Approach and the culture of the Indigenous Australian people so the move to Darwin will be entirely amazing for Amanda and look forward to hearing about her results... If you would like to contact Amanda, here website is Playing with Spirit .  Nina Beilby is a pr
Read more

New Plymouth, New Zealand - Just Like Oregon, USA

-
Image
As I approach my upcoming New Zealand trip, I find myself reminiscing about our last little adventure.  Our travels led us from Cambridge on the North Island, South West to New Plymouth by way of Lake Taupo. The imposing Mount Taranaki  volcano and the quaintness of the seaside buildings, reminded us immediately of Oregon, USA .  It was like having Mt Hood and Cannon Beach all in one place. Of course, just add the super friendly New Zealander's and you have the perfect little get away. The State Hotel , an absolutely gorgeous quaint boutique hotel on Devon Street right in the heart of New Plymouth was our home for the next two nights. The Common Sitting room in The State Hotel, Devon Street, New Plymouth Hallway to our room, State Hotel The entrance to The State Hotel and our bedroom .  We found the perfect little Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant for dinner, Loving Hut , just down the street from the hotel. The food was not only fabulous but extremely
Read more

Vivid Chatswood 2015

-
Image
A few people have asked what Chatswood Vivid is like seeing that I live here so i thought I'd walk you through. The story begins at The Interchange. The Jellyfish Chandeliers and light display definitely make this the prettiest train station I have ever seen.  Look all around, even at your feet. There is a great light story happening as you walk. There are three levels you can get to, so try viewing from different angles.  If you get hungry, stop by The District on the top level. An upmarket food court serving wine as well as great food. Although the light displays are wonderful, it's the atmosphere that is vibrant!  Walk through The Mall and you will mix with a bustle of people meeting, mingling and having a great time. You will meet Norbert, The Nautilus and see The Aquarium on your way to The Concourse. Norbert The Concourse Head down to Chatswood Chase for a quick look at Lieutenant Angler.   You can get a bite here or head back t
Read more

The Love Story Part 13 - The New Woman

-
Image
  As the train weaves its way through the vast green, undulating hills of Kent, I feel a mild flurry of anticipation. He has planned two days of adventure for us and after all of this time, I am finally granted a glimpse into his brave new world; his new apartment with recently acquired furniture and décor, the print of mine of our Tongariro Crossing that he had framed, his new sporty car, his local shops and pubs and the walking trails he takes each day. Anxiety reeks. He opens the door with cautious hesitation, and I see that he is nervous. “It’s not as nice as yours”. He says   We spend the morning wandering through the historical Knole, and its surroundings, an ancient woodland home to fallow and silka deer. Then a stroll through Shoreham, a quaint unaltered village where cobblestoned streets and crooked old cottages ooze tall tales of Tudor escapades and Shakesperean drollery; and finally a brisk walk around Sevenoaks Nature Reserve, a former quarry now a wildlife conservation are
Read more

Portrait of a Muscian - Danny May

-
Image
It was an honor for me to photograph Danny. I really respect his artistic skill and he is such a nice guy as well! We first met at the Marist College production of Copacabana. I photographed the show and Danny was first trumpet! My son played second trumpet next to Danny which was an amazing experience for him. He was actually introduced to me as "Australia's Best Trumpeter!! You can see some of the images from the show here . Danny is out and about playing  Jazz in Sydney .  You can also see some of his mean jazz skills on this youtube clip! The quality isn't great so you will just have to buy a ticket and go see him perform!!
Read more