An Autumn Gray Symphony

Autumn Gray joined forces with the Orchestre Nouveau for a epic performance at the BMW Edge Theatre at Federation Square.


It was their most daring effort yet, a massive classical/mainstream crossover concert at one of the most iconic venues in Melbourne.

"An Autumn Gray Symphony" takes the signature sounds of 7-piece Melbournian alternative rock indie outfit Autumn Gray, and reinforces them with the unrelenting force of a full orchestral symphonic palette for their debut album "The Diary of a Falling Man".

Original orchestrations written by Hugh Crosthwaite. Orchestra conducted by Zach Tay.

Here is a slideshow on YouTube with the track "The Diary of a Falling Man". Enjoy!

Carols by Candlelights

Not the Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, that would have to wait for another year... This is Carols by Candlelight at Ruffey Lake Park by the Manningham City Council.

What a fantastic event! Everything there were big - the stage, the sound system, light system, number of activities, and the support from the local churches.

But the most important of all - the huge number that turned up for a great night out. The locals obviously know this was going to be a great event (because they have done it 10 times before) so they are very well prepared. Not with brollies (thank God) but with reindeer hats, blankets, eskies, chairs, food, sunscreen, etc. In other words, much more prepared than this photographer was! :P

I was very impressed by the pre-carols programme organised by the local communities and churches. There was a worship band on a little stage singing lots of popular Hillsong songs and spreading the gospel message - the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, the message of salvation. And there were face painting, fairy floss, arts and craft, aussie barbie (aka barbeque), on top of the many play areas, etc at the park.

As the name Carols by Candlelight implies, there were candle lights during the carols. Well, my readers, you might know that Victoria has been in drought for quite a few years and any risk of fire must be considered. With the lush green at the Ruffey Lake Park and many native trees there, no naked flame was allowed on the day (is it allow on any day?) so we had this immitation candlelights (torches) which had these little "flames" that actually flicker. What a great idea albeit they weren't nearly as bright as a real candle light would be.



The performances were amazing, loved the kids choir and the band and the many dancers and of course carols. There was even a brief message of hope. What a great night.

This is Alexndra Valmorbida, whom I have photographed before here. Boy, her skills and performance have developed even further! Excellent performance! Well done!



The night ended with a real bang, no, in fact many bangs - fireworks!

That was a fitting finale and also the scariest part of the whole evening for this photographer.. Why? Because I have never taken pics of fireworks before... Yep, never.. until now. Read a little before and asked two friends briefly how it is done, including everyone's friend, Google..

Armed with no more than a couple of tips, I wondered where to place the tripod? What angle will give me the best view? What shutter speed? What aperture? How high will it go? So dark I couldn't really tell... I only managed a few frames of it but thank God that the customer liked it.

Hooo.. a big sigh of relief from the photographer! :)


Thank you very much boys and girls (and your parents for giving me permission to take pics of you).

I know you want to see a few more, so here they are. Nop, Humphrey Bear did not do a double as Santa. Santa was there along with the Santa Sled he just managed to fit into after spending many hours at a gym in Manningham!

Very well done everyone and may the Lord Jesus bless you in 2010.

Manningham Spring Festival

It was a marvelous day at Ruffey Lake Park.

There were huge number of activities, band performances, dancing, aerobics, horse cart, cultural performances, community groups, international food court, arts and craft, rides, jumping castle, bungy trampoline, stiltwalkers, face painting, boomerang throwing and many many more.

There was even a playground for dogs and cats from the Friends of Manningham Dogs and Cats.

How wonderful! :D



I never thought lizards can look so good! Look at these frilled lizard stiltwalkers!

Totally love the frock, the hair styling, make-up! What about the China Dolls and the Carnivale Duo. For a moment, I thought I was in Rio de Janeiro Carnival! :)

I was amazed how skilled they were, walking everywhere in the park, on all surfaces, on bridges, slopes with feets no bigger than a fifty cents coin. They participated in the parade with the large crowd as well.. Got to be careful where they were stepping on! Impressive!



The youth bands were mad! Look at the hair! To say it was loud is a grose understatement. They were screaming into the mics! I was worried about getting knocked over at times because part of the performance involved a crowd dancing in front of the stage, pushing one another and some falling to the ground (intended, not chaos). Wish I could stay there for every single performance.

Even our canine friends were having a great time at the festival. Look at this puppy. Cutest thing ever! Those big eyes and happy smile. 0_0

The dog below, aptly named Toffee, loves fetching ball. "Come on! Throw it! Throw it! Come on!"

Wish I took our own Yuski there to socialise and play with his canine relatives.
The Bungy Trampoline uncovers the "crouching tiger, hidden dragon" in any kid! Wow!!

Xmas Party and All Teams Event

With a beer in one hand and camera in another. LOL. Drink moderately, stay sober and have a very Merry Christmas all. :)

Don't forget the true meaning of Xmas - our Lord God Jesus Christ came to us, fully human and yet without sin, brought the all important message to mankind, "Repent for the Kingdom of God is near." He loves us all. Ask Him to come into your life this Xmas and experience life that is truly life.



After a hectic couple of weeks and several photography engagements, finally I have a brief moment to catch my breath, reflect and share. Above is Xmas function at Telstra Dome and All Teams Event at the Crown below.


This is the Crown Palladium. Wasn't quite as colourful like the Logies night but it was fantastic regardless. It is the biggest pillarless ballroom in the country. Look at the very retro styled carpet and amazing lights.

Thank you very much Belinda and Amanda for organising my calendar and the subjects. You were great and we had fun, didn't we?! It was inspiring working with you Suzanne, hope I will work with you again soon. Thank you Kah Hoe, Lou, Melanie and David for helping as paparazzi. Hope you all had fun and picked up some new skills. I am really looking forward to the coffee on Monday to share our experience!