Elleni Toumpas

This year was my fourth year (I think) photographing the Queensland Poetry Festival. It is one of my favourite times of the year, and one of my favourite festivals to photograph as I have been doing it for so long, and it is a chance for me to reflect on the year that has been since my last QPF shoot and see where I have come as a photographer.

This year the Queensland Writers Centre and I organised to shoot the poet in-resident (visiting from the USA) in a private portrait session. On the Sunday I took Emily XYZ and her performance partner Myers Bartlett to two locations around the Judith Wright Centre for this quick session. All up we did three set ups and took 15 minutes (walking time included). On a quick glance (and still while I edit the rest of the photos from the festival) these are my quick favourites. Myer reminded me on all my aunties on my mum’s side, with the loudness and swearing to boot. I am not sure if Myer realised this was a compliment when I mentioned that during the shoot.

Day four of Bluesfest saw me shoot Gogol Bordello with a dying camera.

This was the second chance I had to shoot Sydney’s band The Snowdroppers. They were probably the shooting highlight of my festival.

The pit for Crowded House was beyond ridiculous. But I guess that is what to expect from a Bluesfest pit.

Poor Man’s Whiskey played a roving gig around the festival grounds, which was fun to shoot.

More photos below

Read the rest of this entry »

Bela Fleck African Project

Things have been a bit busy in the last few months, but I thought I should try and get the rest of the bluesfest photos up.

Beauna Vista Social Club

On Sunday the Brisbane Powerhouse celebrated their 10th anniversary by playing host to a day long event for the whole family. From the Bananas in Pyjamas to Vulcana Circus Women, it was a free event that brought the crowds out on this cold Autumn day.

I headed down to photograph two sets for Mess and Noise, with Last Dinosaurs billing first, before Brisbane’s much loved Regurgitator brought a packed mixed-aged crowd out to dance to some classic ‘Gurge tracks.

Before Regurgitator’s set, the Last Dinosaur took to the stage. A couple of shots from their set below.

A snapshot of their fanbase.

More shots from both sets below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Last month I was commissioned to photograph a few of the National Youth Week activities by the Brisbane City Council. During the week I was sent to cover breakdancing battles, silent discos, sports, dance and music showcases along with reverse garbage art workshops.

Day one I photographed the Silent Disco.

Day two saw me covering the sports showcase with a quick demonstration and teaser for the Battle City battles on Friday.

On Sunday National Youth Week hosted the first Suitcase Rummage.

On the second Friday I was assigned the second shooter position for the BattleCity breakdancing battles.

On the Sunday my committments ended with photographing an arts, music and industry showcase in King George Square.

More photos below.

Read the rest of this entry »

Day Two of Blues and Roots festival sees me shooting my first full day of artists. A big day ensues, shooting 11 acts, including Ozomatli, Matisyahu, Jeff Beck, John Butler Trio, Snowdroppers and more…

More below…

Read the rest of this entry »

Day One of Bluesfest was a short one for me as I arrived into Byron just in time to catch only two acts, Old Man River and Jack Johnson. As I recalled from previous occaisions, Old Man River was much more fun to shoot on the smaller stage, before Jack Johnon and his rather uninspiring performance took the main stage.

More below.

Read the rest of this entry »

This afternoon I went along and photographed the first half of Amanda Palmer’s roving Ninja gig. At 4pm she started at Voodoo Lulu in the Valley.  Unfortunately I couldn’t stick around, but at 5pm her and the audience were parading up to IMA for the second half of the gig (which will be finishing any second now).

I’m off to photograph her tonight at The Zoo for Rave magazine. Should be a fun gig.

Read the rest of this entry »