Sydney has just had it’s 33rd day over 26 degrees celscius and very little rain. All the grass is dead and the gardens are looking pretty weary, so even the hardy agaves enjoyed a bit of time under the sprinkler this afternoon.

I’ve been fortunate in acquiring a photographer’s assistant and he was flat out today helping me edit the photo shoots from the weekend.

Considering he spends most of his days napping, it’s more about the quality of work then the quantity. At least he is cheap.

Photographed a christening today and was delighted to be able to capture the very small moments of deep meaning and tradition that permeate such an occasion. Watching Alexia’s grandmother present a chain belonging to her husband’s mother, and the continuity of family this signifies.

And who can resist photographing such a delightful girl in her best dress?

Had great fun in the pool trying to get some underwater shots with Oli this morning. Obviously these things take a lot of practice and this was only our first attempt. Wasn’t going to let such a gorgeous model leave before grabbing a few shots on dry land.

The Australian Open of Surfing has taken over Manly this week and the beach is filled with the young, fit and tanned. Great to see the organisers recognise and promote local talent, with Taj Ralph opening the music stage this afternoon.

Taj went to school with my children and has been a prolific music writer and talented performer from the age of 9. Barefoot and comfortable on stage today, he has definitely hit his stride.

A link to some of Taj’s music.

Playing around this afternoon in the pool with the underwater camera. Managed to get about 60 dodgy shots and about 3 litres of water up my nose. Think I’ll stick to dry land.

I’ve learnt how ridiculously easy it is to create panoramas in Photoshop, so you will have to bear with me until the novelty wears off! This was at Avalon Beach at that gorgeous time of day when you can feel the light draining quickly by the second.

Sydney’s last day of Summer. What better way to say farewell, then a visit to the beautiful Avalon Beach. Only awkward part was when this couple looked into the cave and saw me lurking in there with a big camera aimed at them.

Another hard day in the office …. sigh.

Spent the morning as one of the photographers for the Bridge to Beach race,  an 11km open water paddling event that starts under the Harbour Bridge and ends at Manly Wharf. I must admit, the sun reflecting off all those chiseled abs often made it difficult to focus.

Like Alice through the looking glass, but with a decidedly more suburban outlook.

Freckles. They get me reaching for my camera every time. Parents work very hard to prevent sun damage, but I adore the look of freckles and the character they give to a face.

I’m very excited and just had to share this. My photo of Vera (my regular swimwear model to grace my blip journal) was selected today as a finalist in the Fairfax Portraiture Competition. A slideshow of 17 images (the winner, highly commended and finalists) are appearing in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers.

It is also up for the Nikon People’s Choice Awards (but only Fairfax Clique members can vote). Vera is so excited, and said that all the friends in her exercise class are wanting to see her swimwear modelling portfolio. I have found my role model for ageing.