Jodi Gordon, Royal Randwick Carnival Ambassador, joined Sydney’s racing and social royalty as they fire up for another weekend of quality racing and fashion on the second day of Sydney Carnival at Royal Randwick. Hailed one of the nation’s most prestigious sporting events, Sydneysiders descended trackside for a blockbuster racing line-up on Emirates Doncaster Day.
A highlight of the day was the running of John Singleton-owned, Gai Waterhouse-trained mare More Joyous in the $2 million Emirates Doncaster Mile. Marking a historic day for Gai Waterhouse, the leading trainer aimed to equal her father, the legendary TJ Smith’s record of seven Emirates Doncaster Mile wins.
Off the track, guests included Ronan Keating, Jessica Mauboy, Charlotte Dawson, Kirk Pengilly, April Rose Pengilly and Maude Garret amongst others in the Spanish-themed Emirates marquee where celebrity chef Miguel Maestre impressed with his delicious culinary offerings.
Photojournalism is a contact sport. One would think that an art gallery is a safe haven from harm but one would be wrong. On an assignment at the Art Gallery of NSW this afternoon, I left with bruises, cuts and experienced a rush of adrenaline not unlike having just participated in a game of tackle. Indeed I was in the middle of this:
Meanwhile, about 30 odd photojournalists and videographers were behind me pushing for a spot.
Yes it was the Archibald Prize - the most prestigious portraiture prize in the country. This year, the 90th year of the Archibald, NSW artist Ben Quilty won with his painting of esteemed artist Margaret Olley.
He embraced Olley after he was awarded the prize at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney. Quilty said he first met the elderly artist when she was a guest judge for the 2002 Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship, which he won. "It's quite moving to be here today," he said, adding that Olley had been a "very maternal figure to me, but most of all a friend".
Quilty says Olley's support has been amazing. "It's been such an amazing experience for me to have over the last eight years. To know someone like that, for her to give so freely to me," he said. "She doesn't hold anything back. She's very direct and very honest with her opinions. If she doesn't like what I'm doing, she tells me to my face and I think to be a good artist you have to take those comments on in a really positive way." Olley says she is not biased when she says Quilty's painting was the best. "I told Ben the best painting doesn't always win. This year it has," she said.
The show will be on show until June 26th. More behind the scenes photos from today's announcement are here.
A host of media and television personalities joined Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan last night for the launch of MasterChef Australia 2011. They were joined by this year’s contestants -whose names and identities are still under embargo- along with Maggie Beer, Adriano Zumbo, Neil Perry, Justin North amongst other celebrity chefs. I must admit I don't watch television much but I simply adore Masterchefand was stoked when I was invited to photograph the launch party last night.
The food on the night tasted even more divine than they appeared:
Gary Mehigan thanked sponsors, Network TEN and Fremantle Media Australia. “You have to admit when you watch all the other shows on telly, the production values on this show are second to none,” he said. “It’s the best looking show on television.”
The series kicks off on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island when a giant one tonne mystery box arrives suspended from a helicopter. Other challenges see MasterChef travelling to the pit of the Sunrise Dam mine in the West Australian outback, two kilometres out to sea on the longest jetty in the Southern hemisphere in Busselton, as well as heading to the vineyards of Margaret River. Rick Stein meets contestants for a masterclass in Kuala Lumpur, and closer to home the contestants cook on the beautiful beaches of Cronulla.
Mehigan said, “This year the contestants are honest, earthy, upfront kind of people. The sort of people you want around you that make you smile, make you laugh, make the hair stand on the back of your neck. There will be some tears. And when they’ve stopped there will be some more. But if there’s one thing you have to remember, it’s that this is the MasterChef series you will remember. It is incredible.”
Matt Preston and George Calombaris then introduced Matt Moran, who joins as a regular guest judge.
To end, here's a behind the scenes shot of Channel Ten's entertainment reporter Angela Bishop taking a photo of the series' judges on her iPhone as they are being interviewed. A full gallery of the images from the night is here.
MasterChef begins 7:30pm Sunday May 1st - I for one can't wait!
Launched in 2005 as Cracker Sydney Comedy Festival, the Sydney Comedy Festival has quickly developed into a significant if not rather frenetic comedic disturbance in Sydney's cultural calendar. Last night's sold out Cracker Night is the opening night gala of The Sydney Comedy Festival and featured the biggest and best Australian legends, international stars, and next big things of comedy all under one roof.
Guests last night included Craig Hill, Glenn Wool, Steve Hughes, Dave Eastgate, Tom Allen, Gina Yashere, Dead Cat Bounce, Rhys Nicholson, Daniel Sloss, Tig Notaro, Stephen K Amos, Lawrence Leung, and household name Tahir - known to most as Habib from Fat Pizza.
For a full gallery of images from the night, click here .
Hosted by Star City and Supafest, this exclusive function was headlined by two of the biggest international names in hip-hop, Snoop Dogg and Nelly. The party aimed to give an indication of the calibre of entertainment Sydneysiders can expect from Star City at the completion of its $960 million renovation and expansion at the end of the year.
A whole host of Aussie celebs including Kate Ritchie, Nikki Phillips, Rachael Finch and Jessica Mauboy walked the red carpet before the event, billed as a co-headline show between the two rap heavyweights. I photographed the arrivals for a news and media agency before cloaking my equipment to enjoy the show and the after party.
The nominees for the TV Week Logie Awards were unveiled at a pre-Logies party at Quay restaurant, Sydney and hosted by the gorgeous Shelley Craft and my favourite Masterchef judge Gary Mehigan.
Packed To The Rafters swept the nominations for another year, with the cast scoring a collective 13 nominations and the show nominated for Most Popular Drama Series.
The series' star Rebecca Gibney is the bookies favourite to win the Gold Logie next month. Chrissie Swan was the surprise contender among the nominations. The former Big Brother contestant and TEN morning co-host is up for four nominations, and one for her show, The Circle.
Awards will be held at Melbourne's Crown Casino on May 1 at a black-tie event hosted by Shane Bourne. Check out the full list of nominations here.
Take a look at my Facebook page for many more behind the scenes images from this exclusive event.
Veteran rapper Morgan Lewis aka Morganics returns to his old stomping grounds at Carriageworks when Sydney's industrial arena brought together a program of gritty, speak-easy-freestyle indigenous hip-hop as part of Platform Hip Hop Festival 2011.
Hip-hop culture transcends rapping. Morganics explained, “It's also graffiti, d-jingo, the b-boying, the break dancing. That stuff is important and it makes it richer,” he says. “Hip-hop is not just a ringtone. It's not what it's become in the mainstream -- it can be a lot richer than that.”
Novices to entusiasts were invited to undertake hip hop workshops throughout the 2 week festival delving into popping, locking, krumping, breaking and beat boxing.
The final session took to the carriages of Cityrail with battles encompassing "rap", a rhythmic style of chanting or poetry presented in 16 bar measures or time frames; and beatboxing, a vocal technique mainly used to imitate percussive elements of the music and various technical effects of hip hop DJ's.
The Batista's family photo shoot was deliciously delightful. The Portuguese are renown to bond over their love of food and the rain did not dampen this family's moods in any way. We began the afternoon at a nearby cafe waiting for the skies to clear with the intention of holding a mock picnic and potato sack race for the purpose of the portrait session.
Soon, a walk in the park turned into a race in the rain....
and a picnic evolved into an impromptu food fight. It was such fun capturing the fruit salad of laughter and joy among this beautiful and good humoured family.
Book your Mother's Day family photoshoot before its too late. Facebook fans received a $50 gift certificate to spend on prints upon booking - enquire now at mail@josephineki.com.au =)
Photography is a weird and wonderful professional and my clients vary vastly from one day to the next. Last weekend I was photographing a wedding at Luna Park, a few days after that my model was crying and threatening to vomit milk on my camera equipment (granted my model was a 4 week old baby). Tonight free flowing tequila and fairy floss was the flavour of the night.
Product launches are great fun and the launch of El Jimador Tequila was like none other.
"RAW Talent - Real Spirit of Mexico City" Presented by El Jimador - The creativity, excitement and grit of Mexico City comes to Sydney for one night only. Curated by DFC Mexico City and put together by Urban Media & 6 Degrees Creative, the exclusive event showcased Mauricio Limon + Emilio Chapela + DFC + THe Marvellous M&M + Trans-X.
Award-winning Mexico City artist Mauricio Limon, describes the focus of his work as being a “psychosomatic experiences that descend from the use of different psychotropical substances” prepared his unique fairy floss installations at the event, producing what he describes as “something similar to a cave after nuclear fusion.” Limon creates his fairy floss installations, known as Big Fellow, with massive amounts of the sugary treat in pink and blue creatively fan-blown across neon lights to produce a bright yet mystical effect.
As well as Mauricio’s good-enough-to-eat installations, guests viewed works by one of Mexico’s most talked-about modern artists, Emilio Chapela, famous for his Google-inspired pieces, while fashionable DJ duo The Marvelous M&M’s and Mexico City-based synth pop phenomenon Trans-X brought the best of Mexico’s underground music scene to Sydney.
The colourful guestlist featured characters from Sydney's world of fashion, music and art scene.
An unconventional wedding for an unconventional couple. Wiz (Elizabeth) and Ross's wedding is all about pink ribbons, polka dots, and Cardillacs. So much eye candy and a wedding photographer's fantasy!
The ceremony was a full Catholic mass held at Villa Maria Church in Hunter's Hill. A popular wedding venue and I must say of all the times I have photographed there I have never feasted upon so much pink!
The couple chose Luna Park for their wedding reception - a stunning choice for this whimsical 50s rockabilly slash Alice in Wonderland fairytale wedding. The light rain just added to the dreamy magical atmosphere.
Summer seems to be the season for events be it weddings, parties or anything really. As such I'm finding it harder to constantly update this website for more recent examples of my work.
To take a peek at my recent projects and galleries of my images, please head over to my Facebook Page .
Facebook fans also receive special gifts and bonuses on bookings - enquire on quoting.
After being together for close to 10years, Deborah & Brian made the decision to exchange vows "for the last time" at the heritage site of Parramatta's Old Government House.
The endearing bridal party consist of their sons and daughters from previous marriages.
Client Testimonial "Thank you so much for your wonderful photos of our Wedding. You captured some wonderful moments we can treasure forever.Thanks Deborah & Brian"
I received a phone call from a fellow photographer last Thursday, he was booked to photograph a wedding in 2 days but was unable to do so due to illness. Can I do it he asked? 48 hour notice? Sure why not. It was meant to be.
Gabrielle and Jackson or Gab and Jack had their wedding at Mimosa Winery, in a town called Bermagui a few hours south of Sydney. The young couple wanted something a bit playful, a bit modern and slightly left of centre to represent their big day - I was only too happy to oblige...
The hottest beer of summer, Pure Blonde White Lager officially launched at an exclusive party at Sydney’s Ivy. Hosted by Channel V's Danny Clayton, the white-themed soiree featured some of Australia’s hottest musical acts including an exclusive live performance by ARIA Award winning Sia; Justice Crew; Daimon Downey (Sneaky Sounds System) with Johnny Pow!!; and DJ set by Little Bambalam.
Wheat beers are traditionally renowned for being heavy in flavour. Pure Blonde White Lager is brewed longer to reduce the carbs and deliver a beer that is easy drinking yet still big on flavour (in my opion, unlike the water-down Pure Blonde original version) and the beer was free-flowing last night like one would imagine it would in Brewtopia.
In the lead-up to the 2010 ARIA Awards on Sunday November 7, iTunes has teamed up with the Australian Recording Industry Association to bring fans a five-night musical extravaganza – the iTunes Live: ARIA Awards Concert Series 2010.
Taking place in Sydney's Botanic Gardens, and featuring performances from the cream of this year's nominees, the winners of 16 ARIA "Genre" Award categories were gradually revealed throughout concert series. The awards celebrate the artists currently standing at the top of their specialist genres.
Pop dynamo Sia Furler, was awarded Best Pop Release for her album 'We Are Born.' I got these shots of her chilling with Scott Dooley at the media tent the day after her performance, she was there to support Angus and Julia Stone
Images commissioned for the Sound Alliance Media Group. More photographs from the week can be found here.
Internationally renowned fashion and celebrity photographer David LaChapelle was invited to conduct his first ever public shoot on the Nokia N8 smartphone. Members of the public were selected from the crowd to be photographed by LaChapelle in the ImagiN8 Studio at Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal.
I've always been a big fan of his work so I was most excited to be sent on this assignment to photograph the event. LaChapelle is famed for his extravagant, unforgettable portraits of Eminem, David Beckham, Uma Thurman, Mohamed Ali, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Leonardo diCaprio, Kurt Cobain and Keith Richards, to name a few.
Inspired by the Nokia N8, the ImagiN8 Studio is a dramatic, grand, purpose-built set designed by LaChapelle. Its shell features open doors, windows and peepholes that reveal quintessential Australian backdrops. Inside the set is an explosion of colour, a tapestry of fantastical creatures, birds and flowers painted by masterful airbrush artist Erni Vales. All these elements coalesce to form the setting for the portraits.
Speaking about his involvement in the Nokia N8 shoot in Australia LaChapelle said, “Everyone has a cell phone these days and it’s cool that the Nokia N8 has a great lens and the clarity of the pictures are excellent."
Extravagant set designs is a signature of LaChapelle portraitures and this one does not disappoint. A diverse group of people turned up on the day.
Arriving at the hotel, we were greeted with one of the most relaxed brides ever and why shouldn't she be? Everything exquisite detail from the bridesmaid's dresses to the purses and bouquets had been perfectly planned in anticipation for Stefanie & Ian's special day - and "it's a beautiful day":
Their intimate ceremony was followed by a fairytale reception with the most beautiful wedding cake I have the pleasure of setting eyes on. The cake itself possible warranted a few hundred photos:
I am glad I didn't knock it over by accident - my worse wedding nightmare, which, on the record, has never happened and I have no doubt it ever will. I'm very careful on a shoot ;) Click here for a full gallery of images on Facebook.
Same sex marriage is not yet recognised in Australia by the law but that does not stop Vic (in black) and Amy from exchanging their vows of eternal love and commitment to each other in the shores of Narrabeen, Sydney in the company of their closest friends and relatives.
The light was absolutely perfect for their bridal party shots and as you can see, we had a ball with the girls =)
The couple bears matching tattoos on their left arm. "Never is a promise, and you can't afford to Lie" and "Be the change you want to see".
Check out the full gallery of this cute couple on my Facebook Page!
Of the many weddings and engagement sessions this year but yesterday's shoot with Natasha and Wilfred has to be one of my faves - taken at Cockatoo Island. The location was so chosen at first to avoid the rain which have been pelting down all week but as it turned out the sun came out for this pair of lovebird.
More photos from the shoot are at shared on my Flickr.
The infamous London-based Tiger Lillies performs Cockatoo Prison for the 17th Biennale of Sydney on Cockatoo Island, a heritage-listed former prison and shipyard located in the middle of Sydney Harbour.
Client: Biennale of Sydney
Cockatoo Prison takes as its starting point the complex history of prisons, penal colonies and in particular, Cockatoo Island, to present an excoriating analysis of the many ways in which crime is regarded and power is dispensed within contemporary society.
So Frenchy So Chic, those fine purveyors of the best new music from France, are proud to present an unforgettable double bill on our shores with the hip new indie voice of chanson, Berry, plus Australia’s favourite troubadours of 80s reinvention, Nouvelle Vague.
In its 31st year, The Festival spanned two weeks in 2010, from the 19th February – 6th March. "History of the World" is the theme for Mardi Gras 2010 as Sydney extends a welcome to the world to be part of the city's most colourful and vibrant celebration of diversity.
I was most honoured to be covering the parade and party as media reporter for the Sound Alliance in the third consecutive year. More at http://www.flickr.com/photos/triggersnapped/sets/72157623401480679/
Commisioned by the boys from Aussie indie rock band The Glass Ceiling to shoot some promo shots for their new EP. I was pretty stoked seeing as their last photos were taken by rock photographer veteran Tony Mott.
Thanks to The Bald Face Stag Hotel who provided our first shoot location. The ones from the warehouse were shot in a abandoned factory in Alexandria - location is a secret but definitely a top spot amongst those in the know.
Here are some of my favourite images from the day... how do you think they compare with Tony Mott's?
Don't try too hard attempting to understand the story because there really isn't one. More of an experimental lighting setup and a test shot with Andrew who recently signed with Scene Models. The boy had the face of an angel that can totally look menacing if he will it so I wanted to play around with that concept. We used available props at a friend's apartment along with toys belonging to a 9 year old.
This last image shot with the 5D Mark ii on high ISO through my vintage 30 odd year old TLR-Yashinca (thanks dad ;) ) was one of my favourite from the day but unfortunately I can't say I can claim the credit for it. Nice shot Eugene! x
Models: Andrew Wallace & Valeska Mosich-Miller Make Up: Hannah Wolff Assistant: Eugene Chok
Josephine Ki Photography is on Facebook. Become a fan for mate's rate discounts for lifestyle, family and couples location photography sessions. Pay $89 instead of $175 for a 90 minute session when pay by 14th February 2010.
Gift Certificates valid for 12 months available on request.
Commissioned by Mums on the Go to photograph some stock photos for their new website. Had the best morning with founder Calli Brown (former producer at Andrew Denton's Enough Rope) and Linda Anderson and their children.
Lillian has terminal cancer. She wears her cancer awareness bracelet along with her 'punk' leather wrist band and is happiest when she is with her friends skateboarding , firedancing or just hanging out.
I've just spent the past 3 months jetsetting around Europe, Malaysia and Hong Kong having the experience of my life.
Here's a shot from above. Shot on the flight back from Hong Kong to Australia on Malaysia Air. Botany Bay, Sydney looking pretty amazing from such a height...
Thomas and Sarah met by chance whilst backpacking in Thailand. Soon after, Thomas returned to Denmark and Sarah, to Sydney. But love was in the air and so began the start of a relationship that crossed continents. It was such a pleasure to photograph this intimate wedding at Tumbling Retreat, Stanwell Tops NSW.
Client Testimonial “Sincere thanks. Josephine, it is you who has given us the gift to be able to reflect on our special day, time and time again. Thank you for your reliability, professionalism and creativity. You are a gem" Thomas and Sarah Due
For more recent galleries of my wedding photography be sure to check out my Facebook page, all Facebook fans receive 1 hour of prewedding photography session when booking packages worth $250.
Just wanted to shared some photos taken in Valencia, Spain. This was probably one of my favourite city in Spain although I must admit I only visited Barcelona, Valencia and Murcia so there wasn't a lot of places to compare. The charm factor mixed with the underground nightlife in Valencia certainly (in my opinion) beat Barcelona by a mile.
The "City of the Arts and the Sciences" (below) is a entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex in the city of Valencia, Spain. The futuristic mindblowing Oceanografic was designed by Spanish architect Felix Candela and reminded me somewhat of the Opera House back home. The entire complex, designed to celebrate the arrival of the 21 st century, looks as though it might have been beamed down to earth from space.
As it was dusk when we visited and the golden moment for photo opportunity - I did not heisitate to spend close to an hour photographing the delightful complex.
Client testimonial for Parnell Living Science laboratory launch, attended by the Hon Simon Crean (MP) Australian Minister for Trade “Josephine, thank you for being so easy and flexible to deal with. Our new facility launch was an important event for us at Parnell and you captured it really well. I was even more impressed when you managed to get some urgent photos over to us, in time for the media and client presentations. We will definitely be in contact again when we have our next event.” Erika Vikor, Executive Assistant - Parnell Living Science.
One of the world's fastest growing sports, roller derby is making a comeback, after fading from popularity in the 1970s. Women's roller derby leagues are popping up all around the world with clubs in Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, England and the United States where the sport was founded.
Media and Communication officer from the SRDL, Lisa Tolcher on behalf of the team remarks that "Josephine Ki's clean and crisp compositions are captivating. She has a an eye for action and a talent to make social environments look inviting. She's a star from the Sydney Roller Derby League"
I'm available for bookings to cover private and large scale sporting events and ceremonies. Contact me on 0413 338 093 for a quote.
I recently decided to add to my skills with workshops offered by the Australian Centre for Photography in Paddington, this country's longest running contemporary art institution. It was refreshing and enriching experience spending 5 weeks with others in the same profession and passion that I share.
At the end of the course, this photograph entitled All Walks was selected for showing at the prestigious exhibition space on Oxford Street, Sydney.
Josephine was appointed to photograph the Australian HR Summit at the Darling Harbour Convention Centre in April 2009. The Summut is an annual tradeshow for the HR Industry and Josephine was commisioned to shoot for RedBalloon Corporate Team and the CEO of RedBalloon, Naomi Simson who regularly entertains as a professional speaker inspiring HR managers on employer branding, engagement and reward and recognition. She is also a finalist for the 2008 Telstra Business Women's Awards, the 2008 Australian HR Awards, the BRW Most Admired Business Owner Award in 2008 and B&T Marketing Employer of Choice by B&T in 2007. Present to host at the Summit is Olympic gold medalist Kieran Perkins who was spotted appearing as smart in a suit as he did in the pool.
Client testimonial for a corporate networking event:
"Josephine Ki is a unique and creative photographer who is fit for any event, occasion, function or special moment. Be it for fun or business. I had the pleasure of having her cover my business networking function and am very pleased with the pictures she took. Thank you Josephine for your professionalism and creativity."
Josephine Ki is a regular contributor for the Sound Alliance - the premier independent online entertainment publisher in Australia for web communities such as inthemix.com.au, FasterLouder, and Same Same.
Twelve photographers from around the country were selected for *Snap* - a touring exhibition showcasing the most exciting image makers from Same Same as part of the Melbourne Midsumma Festival 2009 events and Sydney Mardi Gras 2009.
Josephine is honoured to be selected after only being involved as a contributor since October 2008.
