Archive for the 'Events' Category

Shag: The Birds & The Beasts - Outré Gallery

Shag: The Birds & The Beasts - Outré Gallery

Several weeks ago Sam and I were at Outré Gallery checking out the always amazing artwork they have available for sale. We recognized one of the curators Gemma from her Flickr set and subsequently introduced ourselves. Sam told Gemma whilst pointing to moi, this is ‘Hellblazer’. Gemma reacted excitedly and asked if I would like to photograph forthcoming events at Outré. I was blown away as I have been such a fan of the shop/gallery for many, many years. I usually attend many events there and always take photos anyway. To be officially asked by them to be their photog floored me. For me, this is such a huge honor.

The next event that was on the Outré agenda was Shag solo exhibition show ‘The Birds & The Beasts’.

I was all excited and a little nervous at the same time as now I would be taking photos on a somewhat official capacity. I was nervous because I wanted to do a good job for the guys and I wanted them to be happy with the photos.

We got to Outré a little after 6.30 and were rushed inside prior to the event beginning. I finally got to meet Outré’s main man Martin and introduced myself. I had been in correspondance with Martin back in the 90’s and he had assisted me with some articles for a website I used to run so it was great to have a formal introduction.

We were then introduced to artist Josh Agle - who is better known as Shag. He was very nice and courteous and I politely told him to try and ignore me for most of the night as I would be in his general vicinity taking photos of him mingllng with the people.

A little after 7pm the crowd began to grow and grow and grow! It was massive and at one point the only place I could find some respite was behind the counter. It was insane and was proving to be an amazing night.

I had literally worked up a sweat photographing the event but I can assure you, I had a wonderful time!

So to Shag and all the Outré crew, thanks for a fab night!

View pics of the night here.

Melbourne Anonymous

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I noticed some flyers last weekend promoting the ‘Anonymous’ protest against the Church of Scientology. From what I have seen of these past worldwide protests - they look like they can be a lot of fun. Add to the fact that there could be some damn fine photo opportunities and a protest against the kooks of the Church of Scientology is something I am all for - yours truly was sure going to attend.

What can I tell you, I’m a sucker for seeing masked people running through the streets of Melbourne. I just wish I had reacted in time and got a mask for myself.

But before I continue, let me state from the outset - I’m all for people believing in whatever they damn well please. As long as they don’t preach to me or have the audacity to suggest how I should live my life - then I am totally cool. Heck, it would be refreshing if one day we could protest ALL religions/cults/pie-in-the-sky-smoke-dreams and the like… (heh!) - but at least this is a start.

According to the Phobic Media website which was distributing the flyer I saw last week, “…This is a peaceful demonstration to educate the general public in regards to the vindictive and often illegal policies secretly employed against enemies of the Church of Scientology. We also wish to address the misinformed and harmful teachings that have in the past led to the destitution and even death of members of the Church…”

That’s reason enough for me.

The hard-sell was to let my girlfriend know what I wanted to do this weekend!

Sam: "You wanna what?"

Me: "I wanna protest against the Church of Scientology and their evil ways! We can wear masks and march as one, and chant anti-Co$ slogans, and take photos, and be part of the fun!"

Sam: "The what?"

Me: "The Church of Scientology. You know, Tom Cruise, Xenu… that really cool South Park episode…"

Sam: "And you want me there too?"

Me: "Of course babe, it won’t be any fun without you!"

It kinda went all like that. Kinda.

So Sam and I headed to the city a little after 1.30 and met up with the masked throng on the steps of Flinders Street Station. It resembled organized-chaos but everyone present was definitely in the spirit of things and already, there was an atmosphere of fun and frivolity and it all felt like it would be a peaceful (yet colorful) protest.

I scouted around the crowd and took a few shots and the next thing I knew was that Sam had adorned a bandana of her own. (I knew I shoulda bought that Slipknot mask from a couple of months ago!)

We all marched as one to the Melbourne branch of the Church of Scientology.

Funnily enough, the CO$ had all but shut shop entirely. Guess they were a little too scared to be standing in their steps inviting people in for their ‘test’.

It was a great day. I enjoyed the heck out of protesting against this particular hokey religion. Now if we can hit Christianity next! ;)

Check out some of today’s pics after the jump…

Continue reading ‘Melbourne Anonymous’

Circa Nocturna 2008

Circa Nocturna 2008 Melbourne, Australia

I found out about this thanks to the fab Underground Melbourne blog and after doing some research, this is definetly an event I will be attending and hopefully, photographing.

From the Circa Nocturna website… Circa Nocturna started off as a concept that was very quickly met with acceptance and great amounts of enthusiasm. As Melbourne has such a large group of gothic/alternative dark themed designers, why isn’t there a fashion show that highlights their talents?

Check out the flyer after the jump and see you there! I’ll be the one in black! ;)

Continue reading ‘Circa Nocturna 2008′