Nocturnal Bloom
I ski, and live in the sight of the main range of the Snowy mountains, though they do lie in the distance, as the sun sets the landscape around me is bathed in a golden glow. It snows here, this year it was only one day - sometimes it's cold enough for the snow to last 2-3 days or more especially on the higher and shaded side of the hills. It is frustrating for some, as travel is affected and blackouts can occur; a delight for others, as school buses are cancelled so snow play occurs and snowmen are built. But not on one particular occasion.
On this occasion it was impossible to make a snow ball, let alone a snowman. Why? Because the snow was the driest powder snow - it could not be squeezed into a snowball. The snow was equivalent to the best found overseas in Europe, the Americas and Japan. All this to say that Australia does have its powder snow days, but you have to be there when they occur. Sometimes the powder stays dry for a week or more, other times just a few hours in the morning before the Australian sun has its effect and the structure of the snow changes. Those that experience powder ski days - especially in Australia know they are 'blessed' - fortunate to be there at the right time.
And so it is with live music. There are times when an atmosphere is charged with the expectation of a crowd and the energy and performance of the musicians. In 2022 a bunch of ski instructors, outdoor guides and other 'mountain folk' came together for just one season: three gigs in the mountains and one in the hinterland of the South Coast. They called themselves Nocturnal Bloom' - referencing music which flowers at night and captured by those fortunate enough to be there.
The gigs I photographed were at 'Holly Go Lightly' and 'Beach Burritos' at Jindabyne and Sonnenhoff Lodge at Perisher Valley, and rehearsal for the festival at a location someplace between the mountains and the sea.
At 'Holly Go Lightly' the venue was full of friends and acquaintances from the mountains and the coast. It was a 'powder night' - you just had to be there. The second gig at Beach Burritos was on a ticket with other bands, but the vibe of the mountain, the band and friends was still there.
The last mountain gig at the Sonnenhoff, Perisher Valley was a laid back affair - it was the tail end of the season. It was intimate and relaxed and from there I started making portraits of the band and friends. At rehearsal in the mud brick house I took further opportunities to make portraits without interfering with the flow of the day as they went about preparing for the final gig.
