A Day in the Life of a Sign Writer: Capturing Fortitude Valley's Creative Spirit

Last year, I had the chance to tag along with my friend Alex Manchur, a sign writer working on a new sign for a Mexican restaurant in Fortitude Valley.

It was really interesting and random doing a job like this in Fortitude Valley because you get a lot of people stopping and asking questions about the work. One such person was a local I've seen around Fortitude Valley from time to time. He's always combing the last of his hair and chatting with taxi drivers parked, waiting for the next job. He approached us and mentioned that he was friends with the restaurant's manager. He praised Alex's painting skills and advised him to be careful not to injure his back while finishing the last bit of the job. Intrigued by his character, I asked him if I could take two quick portraits of him and capture some moments of him combing the rest of his hair.

Alex is also an avid skateboarder and rides for 138 Skateboards, a small skateboard brand based in Brisbane, Australia. You can check out their collections at the 138 Skateboards website: https://138skateboards.threadless.com/ and follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/138skateboards

Additionally, Alex also skates for JPN National, a creative endeavor founded by Australian artist, skateboarder, and designer Marty Baptist. JPN National's collections are a reflection of Marty's inspiration from his diverse background, resulting in wearable, everyday items with a unique flare and Marty's eccentric signature. Explore their creations at the JPN National website: https://jpnnational.com/ and follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/japannational

In conclusion, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the kind stranger who introduced us and allowed me to capture these fascinating moments in Fortitude Valley. Thanks to him, I had the chance to witness the creativity and dedication that goes into being a sign writer, as exemplified by my talented friend Alex Manchur.

A big thanks to Alex for letting me come along and capture the behind-the-scenes of his work as a sign writer. If you're interested in seeing more of Alex's incredible work and his passion for skating, I encourage you to follow him on his Instagram account: http://www.instagram.com/manch76.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the world of sign writing in Fortitude Valley. Until next time, keep exploring, stay inspired, and appreciate the beauty in the everyday moments.

Remembering a Memorable Encounter with Archie Roach: A Portrait Photography Journey

Introduction: Recalling my cherished memory of BIGSOUND, where I was given the incredible opportunity to meet and photograph the legendary Archie Roach, remains etched in my heart. The experience unfolded unexpectedly when I had the honor of driving him, his manager, and his niece to the Judith Wright Centre, where he was set to perform. Little did I know that this encounter would become a treasured moment in my portrait photography journey.

The First Impression: As fate would have it, my trusty 1991 Ford EA Falcon station wagon, the vehicle that was supposed to make a smooth impression, stalled right in front of the venue. Despite the initial hiccup, I quickly parked the car and mustered up the courage to meet Archie and his companions again.

A Brief but Meaningful Photoshoot: Time was fleeting, and I had only about four precious minutes to capture the essence of this musical icon through my lens. Grateful for the opportunity, I focused on portraying the down-to-earth and authentic personality that Archie Roach exuded.

Enjoying the Performance: Following the photoshoot, we watched Archie and his band grace the stage with their soul-stirring melodies. The power and emotion in his performance resonated deeply with the audience, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

A Lasting Gratitude: Archie's humility and willingness to allow me to photograph him left a lasting impression on me. His warm and approachable nature made the entire experience truly memorable.

A Bittersweet Farewell: With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Archie Roach, not knowing that it would be the last time we would see him. His recent passing has left a void in the world of music, but his spirit and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Conclusion: The encounter with Archie Roach remains an indelible chapter in my portrait photography journey. It serves as a poignant reminder of the meaningful connections and profound moments that can be captured through the lens of a camera. Farewell, Archie Roach, your music and spirit will forever live on.