Springtime Symphony: A Photographic Experiment

Spring awakens with a riot of colours, and nowhere is this more evident other than at Floriade, Canberra and Cherry Blossom Festival, Sydney.

Floriade, Canberra

Floriade, began in 1988 as a one-off floral tribute to mark Canberra's 75th birthday and Australia's bicentenary. The event's overwhelming popularity led to its continuation, transforming it into an annual spectacle. Each year, millions of bulbs are planted, creating breathtaking displays that attract visitors from around the globe.

The sheer abundance of bright colours — from deep purples to the vibrant pink of tulips — offered endless opportunities for stunning compositions.

The community

But it’s not just all about the tulips. My photography at Floriade also weaves a visual narrative of the community.

The lively markets and stalls, rich with creative products to explore, engaging artists to connect with, and joyful children embracing the experience, form vital frames in this story, each celebrating shared and memorable moments.

I love playing with shallow depth of field, isolating moments within spring's chaotic explosion. This market stall shot with the wind toys.. the colours! A punch of sunflower yellow at the core, then radiating blades of fiery red — like tiny, spinning mandalas.

I was initially drawn to the contrast, then a woman walked by, her face a dark silhouette against the blur. I think it works? It throws all the focus onto those spinning colors and her quiet moment.

Similarly, another shallow depth of field study, but this time in black and white, employing a photojournalistic approach. It captures a solitary figure amongst the tulips. The grainy texture and high contrast, characteristic of film photography, lend a timeless, documentary feel to this instant.

Beyond Floriade, another spring spectacle graces Sydney:

Sydney’s Cherry Blossom Celebration

This festival, rooted in Japanese tradition, celebrates the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms (sakura). The festival's history is tied to the local Japanese community's desire to share their cultural heritage and the beauty of these iconic flowers with the wider public. It has grown into a beloved annual event in Sydney, drawing crowds eager to witness the delicate pink blossoms and participate in cultural activities.

Spring's delicate, cyclical dance was in full swing, and I, naturally, was in pursuit of the perfect bloom.

Then, a flash of vibrant, impossibly blue... peacock. Turns out, 'peacock blue' isn't just a paint swatch, it's a literal description.

I hope these images of nature's blatant naming accuracy and general springtime vibes inspire you to embrace the season and stumble upon your own moments of, shall we say, obvious wonder!