I met up with a photography group to go check out some classic car shows this past Saturday. These were taken at the Souvlaki Hut Charity Car Show and Rockabilly Rats, Tatts N’ Pinups at the Waltzing Matilda hotel. There were a lot of American cars that were good to see. I was extremely happy to learn that rockabilly music is popular here and people know how to swing dance!
A few scenes around the beautiful city of Melbourne (my new home!)
St. Kilda Beach
St. Kilda Beach
Melbourne Star
view from the Star
view from the Star
Royal Exhibition Building
Royal Exhibition Building
Just a few shots from the Melbourne Museum. We learned about the history of Melbourne, and then we went to the Human Body exhibit, the Wild animal hall, and the Darwin to DNA exhibit. I predict many more visits to this museum in the future!
One of the greatest things to do in Melbourne is visit the Queen Victoria Market. It’s the largest outdoor market in the southern hemisphere, and it has absolutely everything you could think of. From home goods and clothes, to all kinds of fresh foods, to live chickens.
These were taken on two different days: a busy Saturday and a Wednesday winter Night Market. We plan on doing all of our grocery shopping here 🙂
North Stradbroke Island is a quick ferry ride away from Brisbane. Another short bus ride brings you to Point Lookout, where the North Gorge Walk holds some absolutely amazing views. It is currently the height of whale season, and we saw at least 3 humpback whales. We also spotted a pod of dolphins, some adorable wallabies, and kangaroos.
We will definitely have to come back here someday!
Most of our days here have consisted of walking around and exploring. Some of it planned, some of it completely spontaneous. Either way, this city has not disappointed!
Here are some of the sights in and around Brisbane.
walking by the river
Story Bridge
Roma Parklands
Kingscliff
Recycled art exhibit
Sunset from the cliffs
Cliffs Cafe
It’s winter in Brisbane, and I swear there’s still at least one festival every weekend. Everyone here just loves to be out all of the time having fun. Just how I like it! We have gone to the Teneriffe Festival and the French Festival, as well as Eat Street Markets.
We have gone out to eat way more than we probably should, but it has been completely worth it. We have simply never had a bad meal. Every international cuisine you can think of is here, and it’s all authentic and wonderful.
There’s also free live music to be found every single night of the week. That’s heaven for this Texas girl.
We’re on vacation so I’m having way too much fun and probably not taking enough pictures, but here are a few, and there’s more of Brisbane to come!
salad with proscuitto and pumpkin
chicken yaki soba at Eat Street Markets
Eat Street Markets
live music at Eat Street Markets
Teneriffe Festival
Halloumi
cheese plate at the French Festival
the French Festival at South Bank
wine tasting at the French Festival
baguette!
The Beauty Revived magazine featuring 50 Beautiful Mothers is out!! You can learn more about it and purchase it here.
I am so honored to be one of the 50 photographers featured in the magazine! I photographed my friend Lissette with her daughter. Here is her story, with some of the pictures!
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Lissette Barril was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico and moved to Texas in 1995. She joined the United States Air Force when she was eighteen. “When September 11th happened,” Lissette recalls, “I made up my mind then and there that I was going to serve my country.”
Lissette worked in an Aircraft Maintenance squadron, where she directly aided the command section. She also worked with Boeing to assist with the aircraft maintenance software with the F-15E and F-15C fighter jets. “My proudest moment was when I was lauded by Boeing for being an extraordinary airman. I transitioned all software for 850 personnel within two weeks.”
After Lissette left the military, she had a beautiful daughter, Tatiana. Then she began to experience the struggles of transitioning to civilian life. “I got married and ended up in a physically abusive relationship and became homeless and an alcoholic.” She found herself living out of her car with her daughter. Tatiana became her inspiration to keep moving forward and pursue a better life for them both. Lissette recovered from alcoholism and always made time to volunteer for veterans’ organizations. “I fought through all the adversity and finally moved into a nice townhome and started going to school.”
Lissette is now a full-time student, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. “I want to eventually find alternative treatments for vets, other than medication.”
Her passion for improving the lives of veterans is a major part of her life. “I try to help out as much as I can. If there are opportunities to do something that will directly impact a veteran’s life, I am down for it.” Lissette is an events coordinator for Twenty-Two Until None, a non-profit organization that aims to end veteran suicide one step at a time. An average of twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day. This group supports struggling veterans by offering emergency financial assistance, VA benefits help, advocacy, wellness services, camaraderie, and a 24/7 crisis hotline. “The reason I stand for the 22 is because I don’t want any other veterans, especially females, to go through the same horrible transitioning experience that I went through. My oath did not end when the uniform came off. I will continue to strive to help veterans each and every day, in any way I can.” She has found joy in working with veterans and has made many great friends along the way. “I love coordinating events that bring veterans together. It brings the sense of camaraderie that we used to have in the service.”
When Lissette is not studying or advocating for veterans, she spends her time with her daughter, who is now six years old. “My daughter is a firecracker who loves to have adventures. She zip-lined at the age of three and still looks for more thrills. She takes gymnastics and is very good at it.” Lissette hopes that Tatiana will fulfill her dreams, no matter what they are. “Happiness comes from moments and doing what you love to do. I will be there for most of those moments.”
At the latest Pixel Party at HMNS, I photographed the new exhibit Out of the Amazon: Life on the River. It turned in to a study of feathers.
So. Many. Feathers.
My first newborn session ended up very different from the vision I had in my head. Turns out, I’m not the type of photographer to put a baby in a basket and fold it into crazy poses. I was drawn more to the details, expressions, and quiet moments between baby and parents.
This is Lydia. She was awake and calm the whole time, and I could have watched her all day. Just so fascinating. I had a wonderful afternoon with her and her family!
Isabelle’s 3rd birthday was packed with fun activities. She was a playful princess in her bounce castle, there were more cupcakes than anyone could eat, and the party ended with a Piñata full of candy! Anna and Elsa even came all the way from Arendelle to help celebrate!
In case you were wondering, yes, I had ‘Let it Go’ stuck in my head the entire time I was editing 🙂
I had such a fun day photographing Jenna and Alex’s wedding in at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in College Station! The love of their family and friends was so apparent; everyone helped out to make sure everything was perfect and went smoothly. The day was full of special moments, from the excitement of getting ready, to the quiet moments before the ceremony, to the first kiss, to the best man’s speech delivered from Kuwait, ending with the super romantic last dance. My best wishes go out to you two… never forget all the love you have around you, and may you have a long, happy, blessed life together!
Christina Hardcastle photography 