Gozo Carnival 2012
I have practically abandoned the blog of late. Had a much needed holiday in Italy at the end of last year, will definitely be sharing photos of the trip soon. Also working on plenty of projects so stay tuned for more.
We recently had Carnival in Gozo which until a few years ago was not something I really looked forward to. This changed when I was introduced to Bugeja Carnival Company and their amazing costumes. Every year they manage to come up with something original and they certainly didn't disappoint this time around.
I try my best to cover other groups and this year I had more time to explore and did manage to shoot other groups. You can visit the Gozo Carnival 2012 gallery on my website to view all the photos from this year's Carnival. However in the end I always end up going back to this amazing group.
My compliments go out to the whole gang who dedicate long hours to perfect their art of dancing gracefully in high heels and elaborate costumes. This year they even managed to dance for thirty minutes in driving rain. I did manage to get a few shots but wasn't really ready to test the weather sealing on my cameras, some other time maybe, or maybe not!
Thanks guys and girls, because of you I am enjoying Carnival in Gozo again. Below is just a tiny selection. The theme and costumes are a nod to Greek mythology with a twist!
Alison as Aphrodite the goddess of Love and Beauty.
Ares the god of War.
Ruth and Therese, a couple of Aphrodite's companions.
I think we really made this old man's day when I took some of the girls in a nearby garden for an impromptu shoot.
Fabian who donned Hephaestus' robes and certainly looked the part.
Little Clara gave us great facial expressions as Pandora while running away from Hephaestus.
Great effort from the whole group on a rainy evening. To their credit the crowd stayed to watch, can't think of a better compliment than that.
Until next year, well, not from me...hope to be back blogging soon!
Artigli Sliema Opening
Recently I was invited to cover the opening of a new Artigli outlet, this time in Sliema. The event was well attended, in fact the shop was overrun with shoppers. Also had to shoot a small fashion show with great models and some fantastic clothing.
Below you can see Claire (centre) who runs the Artigli shops with models Christabelle, Maria, Jennifer and Katrina whose makeup was by Inglot Malta.
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Below you can see Claire (centre) who runs the Artigli shops with models Christabelle, Maria, Jennifer and Katrina whose makeup was by Inglot Malta.
Royal Surroundings
Our third and last shoot for the Prickly Pear Designs collection took place in a bar in central Victoria. "Boring!" I hear you say, well, that can't be further from the truth. The classical decor at Palazzo Antonin in Independence Square reminds you of...a palazzo! I must admit I had never set foot in this place but when Rachel and Xavier took me there the first time to scout and have a drink, I fell in love with the place. I had a blast and this was definitely my favourite location of the three.
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A great big thanks goes to Anthony who runs the place, we started shooting at 9pm and must have been there until midnight. A very patient man, so thanks again.
Here are my favourite images from the shoot. The models, this time, Amanda, Marcelle and Silvianne were fantastic as usual. The intricate jewellery is out of this world, Rachel must have some steady hands.
Wonderfully Weird
A continuation from my last post, this time we headed to the Citadel which is an amazing location and somewhere I tend to visit when I run out of ideas...and locations - you always discover a corner, doorway, steps, previously unnoticed.
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Part of the Prickly Pear Designs collections, the jewellery was different this time, let's say, more out there. Very inspiring Rachel! The models were Michelle, Rosemary and Deborah, fantastic all three and very good sports - smiling was forbidden. And like the forbidden fruit, giggles were falling freely from the Tree of Laughter.
Beauties in Victoria
The centre of Victoria is well known for it narrow winding streets. I thought I knew these streets like the back of my hand, which I do but like with many things close to home sometimes we overlook what's around us in search for greener pastures.
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As you can see from the photos even the most mundane locations have something to offer - or maybe what's mundane to me is exciting to others. This shoot took place no more than five minutes away from where I grew up. Thanks to Xavier who proposed the location and Rachel from Prickly Pear Designs who organised the whole shoot and who, by the way, can design some amazing jewellery.
Obviously the models, Therese, Leanne and Christabelle did a fantastic job and made my life a little bit easier behind the camera.
Xlendi Water-sports 2011
Having spent many summers in the seaside village of Xlendi, I look out in advance for the yearly feast of this small bay in Gozo. Being a big fan of the sea - I cannot get enough of it - I make sure my schedule is empty during those few Sunday afternoon hours when the traditional water-sports are held.
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A thick rope is strung across the bay with participants trying to grab one of the flags tied to the rope at various stages. The highlight is however, the greasy-pole (Gostra in Maltese) where a wooden pole is stuck at an angle in the rocks and then lubricated with a healthy dollop of grease. Those who dare walk up this pole must try to grab the flag at the end. Good entertainment but somewhat dangerous.
This year I covered the event from a rickety old boat, very close to where the unfortunate participants were landing. Local boys spent half the time jumping in and out of the boat while I'm hanging there for dear life making sure my Nikons' worst enemy - sea water - didn't get anywhere near them.
Chris Farrugia, this year's winner, did it in great style, see the photo below for the determined look in his eyes. It was a great spectacle. You can view more photos of the event on my Google Plus page here. Facebook is great but for displaying photos, G+ is the best. Anyone looking for an invite to G+ just holler.
Whilst I always enjoy this event, it also means that summer is drawing to a close and I must find time to enjoy the last few days.
More Lights in the Sky
Those of you who know me know which feast I subscribe to, so no need to get into that. On Monday night after a nice dinner I decided to do some fireworks photography. The feast of Santa Marija in Victoria was in full swing but I avoided the crowds and went up to a high vantage point in Xaghra. The last time I shot fireworks was at last year's Ghajnsielem Feast and the view was great there but the vista from where I was standing is incomparable.
I do not need to elaborate on the fireworks display because the photos can do that much better. Summer rolls on, I can only wish for more of the Mediterranean searing heat.
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