thedwarf.com.au latest shots!

As some of you may be aware I have started photographing bands live for The Dwarf. The Dwarf is an online music resource site specifically focusing on news, photos and interviews.

I have had 2 assignments in the past month (in between my jet setting) and I thought I'd bring your attention to them. Click on the images to be taken to the gallery for that show

9 March 2010  - Dirty Projectors at the Hi Fi Bar, Melbourne

25 March 2010 - Gyroscope at the Corner Hotel, Melbourne

The Dirty Projectors were my very first show that I have officially shot for anyone and I was nervous and excited because I haven't ever really heard their music before so I didn't know what to expect. They were a lovely sounding band but a little boring to photograph as they didn't really DO much. I guess that's the challenge - I'm happy with how my first attempt turned out.

Switch to Gyroscope and it was a totally different experience. I have seen Gyroscope quite a few times live so I knew they would put on an amazing show - which they did. They're animated, energetic and thrash around on stage. They were an absolute ball to photograph live and I'm exstatic with the quality of the photos I captured!

I also received an email last week with the possibility of some new opportunities that I am excited about - I'm just waiting to hear more.

I think this photography short course I've been looking into is a MUST when I return from the UK (I'd miss the end of it if I started it this coming month). I'm having far too much fun with this

Let me know what you think of these photos - I'm planning on updating here whenever anything new comes up. I hope you guys like reading about these new adventures - new hobbies are fun!

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Documents secure

As any avid traveller knows a good document wallet is essential.

I've been struggling to find a really nice, secure, sturdy travel document wallet that is going to hold everything I plan to take without busting at the seams. I've googled, ebayed, etsyed and while I've found plenty of Passport covers the document wallets have been lacking.

I did purchase a really cute travel wallet made from laminated heavy duty cardstock from OwlSay on Etsy but I just don't think it'll hold all of the documents I require it to hold. It'd be perfect for easy use at the airport to hold my boarding passes, passport & cash & travel cards but for the heavy duty document vouchers it's just not sturdy enough.

I don't want a plain black leather travel document wallet so that is where my main issue lies. I don't want it to be ugly, I don't want it to have tabs that are already pre-labelled and I don't want to spend over $100 on a leather boring zip up case.

 

Enter Kikki K - a swedish store in Knox that I have been in a million times but overlooked it in my search for the perfect travel document wallet.

 

I stumbled across their website on Friday and have been dying to go into the shop to check out their travel document wallet range. I went there today. They have simple colours and designs but I think my choice of the grey felt wallet will suit me perfectly.

 

 

 

I'm planning on customising this with patches/pins basically anything that'll jazz it up a bit. The beauty of this travel document wallet is that as it is felt this will be simple to do!

 

I can't wait to try this baby out on my trip to Malaysia next month!

 

I also purchased some new light greynailpolish. It's beautiful as it has a slight purple tinge to it too.

 

 

I am looking forward to my 4 day work week this week. I know I promised an update on the live band photos I've taken the past couple of weeks but I'm waiting on one set to go up on the site and as soon as it does I'll update. These are the ones I'm most proud of.

 

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Darwin 101

As mentioned previously, 2 weekends ago I was treated to a weekend conference in Darwin for work. While the Top End of Australia has its appeal, I have never had the inclination to travel there. After this trip that has changed.

The trip started with a rendezvous at the airport. It was close to midnight and the Irish pub was closing so we all stood around at the gate waiting to be let onto our plane. After an uncomfortable sleep deprived flight we were herded onto a large comfy bus and driven out to Litchfield National Park for an early breaky (6am).

After breaky we headed further into Litchfield NP and saw some amazing flora & fauna (hello tree snake), swam in waterfalls and saw lots more amazing waterfalls.

It was a tiring day that ended with dinner and drinks and an early night that was disrupted by the evacuation alarm being set off at 4am.

Day 2 was the day of conferencing that ended in a sunset cruise on the harbour, dinner, drinks, DJ be-friending, John Farnham sing-a-longs, massive cocktails, dancing and being made to come back to the hotel at 4am as there was a stabbing out the front of our hotel (WTF).

The final day allowed the first sleep in of the weekend (though after going to bed at 5.30am it was still only about 5 hours). The morning was an "at your leisure" morning which was spent waiting in a cafe for our breaky to arrive.

After that we all ventured across to Crocosaurus Cove where we watched the croc feeding. These monsters were HUGE! I was only brave enough to hold a Bearded Dragon lizard and a baby croc. I wouldn't go near the small python that the reptile handler brought out - just the thought of touching it made my skin crawl.

I ended my Darwin trip enjoying conversation with dips and crackers with my feet dangling in the hotel pool.

It was an action packed weekend where I managed to get to know the other assistant managers in my area - we go to enough meetings together so it's nice to now know a bit more about these people other than what shop they work at. Plus I got to visit a part of my country that would have remained untouched by me until I get a bit older.

Sunday I'll update on some gig photography that I have participated in this past week. Plus some exciting possibilities that are presenting themselves to me.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

P.S I can't stop listening to The Vasco Era's new LP "Lucille" - it's simply divine & I recommend it 110%. I'll be posting a review on getmusic.com.au over the weekend (I'll link to it so no stress you don't have to go searching if you want to read it)

Cobra Adventures

So I mentioned in my last post that I was on an adventure. It spaned 3 cities over 4 days and was a fun filled time.

I think I've mentioned before my love for the band Cobra Starship - well it still exists and they were the reason for this adventure.

Back in September they announced that they were playing their first headline tour of Australia. At the time me and my sister Crystal had just seen them in LA at the Troubadour and loved every minute of it (that show took us into the "3 continent club" - i.e. having seen them on 3 continents). We (well I) decided that this tour was one that I wanted to go to as many shows as possible so we opted to go to Sydney and Brisbane and of course Melbourne (this one required little travel compared to the rest).

The following pictures are a snapshot of our adventure.

Sydney was a bit of a shock. We didn't expect the venue to be so big and for there to be so many young kids in the crowd. Being from Melbourne we are used to a show being 18+ or restricted all ages (where the younger kids are usually in the seats). There were a lot of squealing kids but we managed to jump around and have fun.

Since it was St Pats day we decided to wander around the Fortitude Valley area and find something to eat and drink. We struggled to figure out what beer was comparable to a draught in QLD and soon settled on drinking Coronas and eating pizza before the show. Again the venue was packed with younger kids as we danced and sang and had a blast.

By the time Friday rolled around we were ready to be in a smaller venue with this band. After lining up for over an hour (after doors had opened) to get into the Hi Fi Bar we weaslled our way (master crowd weaver) towards the front of the stage. I think to me this was the best show of the week. The crowd may not have reacted as insanely as the other cities but the reactions felt more genuine. The band were on fire again with even more cheeky banter than any other night. An impromptu version of "Hollaback Boy" was the icing on the cake.

It's plain to see that Cobra Starship are enjoying the success that this year has brought them. Each show was entertaining, energetic and a lot of fun. I'm happy to have spent the week travelling around Australia to see them.

They're playing in Perth tonight but I'm staying home - one day I'll do the Perth journey but for this tour 3 seemed to be the magic number.

I had other adventures the week before (where I held a crocodile) - I'll update on that later this week.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

I'm on an adventure

I'm at the airport attempting to update on my iPhone. Apologies if this post is not as attractive as my other posts & that there are no pretty pictures to accompany it. The spelling & grammar may suck bigtime but I'll fix it when I'm at home for longer than 24 hours.

This past week has been insane. I've been the travelling explorer that I love to be. I have been to new exciting places & held a crocodile in my bare hands(!!!). I promise to you all I'll post photos & more stories upon my return home.

Right now I'm at the airport waiting to catch a flight to Sydney as my Cobra Adventure #3 is about to begin! Today it's Sydney, tomorrow it's Brisbane & Thursday it's home time.
Oh I'm ready for it!

I'll see y'all upon my return!

Hope your week is filled with fun & adventure too!!

Glitter sparks & happyness
x x x
Brooke

Oscars night

I absolutely love this time of the year. All the glitz and glamour - the dresses, the makeup, the hair styles - it's intoxicating.

This year was no different. It was the 82nd Annual Academy Awards and I was once again glued to my TV (this time watching it live during the day - thanks Channel 9). While the pre-awards show was a mess, once the actual production started with Neil Patrick Harris singing I knew it was going to be an entertaining show.

I usually send around an email to my family and a few of my friends with my most favourite outfits of the evening but this year I decided to post it here.

This year it was all about the sparkles and old Hollywood glamour. From the loose curls to the simple cuts it was all beauty.

Here are my top 6 overall looks from the show:

I was very happy to see Kathryn Bigelow take out the top honours for both best film and best director (1st woman ever!!!) as I truly believed that The Hurt Locker had a much better, more original story than Avatar. While I appreciate and acknowledge all that Avatar has done (and completely love the film) it was lovely to see the smaller more eye opening film come up and win one! Plus those boys on stage made watching the entire awards show worth it!!!

It was another very successful Oscars night with Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin playing the kooky comedic hosts. There was joy and tears and Sandra Bullock was charming and funny and adorable all mixed into one.

I love the Oscars!

Glitter love & Sparkles

x x x

Brooke

Mexican Fiesta

On Saturday night I hosted my very first Mexican Fiesta - in other words had some friends over with an excuse to finally put my new blender to good use.

I cooked a delicious nacho dip and chicken quesadillas. In the process of creating these masterpieces I also created my own version of a raspberry daiquari (made from raspberry cordial, sugar syrup, vodka and ice). I believe the success of the evening was measured by the fact that we were all suitably tipsy and completely full by the time my sister cooked up the apple turnovers with ice cream and cream for dessert.

The night ended with three of us in my bed while Leah snooped around my room and admired the many trinkets that adorn my shelves and walls.

It was my first Mexican Fiesta but I dare say it won't be my last. Maybe next time fancy dress will be recommended.

Up soon - my take on the Oscars & more of a life update.

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

These Girls Fall Like DOMINOS

I scored free tickets to The Big Pink thanks to my lovely friend Miss J. She was supposed to come along but was too sick to join in on the fun.

I took my p&s camera and here is what came out of the show:

It was a surprising show. I haven't really listened to their music much but they impressed me. Obviously I knew their "big" hit "Dominos" but the rest of their songs are atmospheric, moody, layered and emotional - just the way I like my music.

It's easy to see why these kids are NME darlings.



I would definitely recommend to check them out!

"You're in my heart I feel true love and it won't let go

It's up to you to mend my heart, please don't let go"

 

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke

Happy Birthday

Today is my Mum's Birthday!

We went out for delicious Chinese food and ate lots of cake.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM

Glitter Sparks & Happyness

x x x

Brooke