More of my adventures working with UK charity, Cool Earth in PNG. Including lots of photos and a video of me surfing planks of wood with the kids Read More
The Kempsey region is rich with indigenous history and culture. The local aboriginal elders have fascinating stories to share which enrapture my imagination about what came before me on these streets, rivers and fields. Emily King recognises how important it is for these stories to be shared and recorded, and has been working on a project, “Wiriiynakayi Ngunngun Dunghutti” – Dunghutti Stories from Yesterday, which was funded through Kempsey Shire Council. The Dunghutti are an Aboriginal group whose traditional lands lie in the Macleay Valley, on the Mid North Coast of NSW. As a Crescent Head local, I live within this area and it is important to me to learn about my local history, culture and people. The aim of the Dunghutti Stories from Yesterday project was to record a set of stories from each of the communities in the area. These stories were told by elders to school children. The kids painted elements of the stories which became part of 13 impressive murals. The process provided a beautiful interaction between the elders and the children, allowing the kids to learn about their indigenous history. In the words of Uncle Bob, (pictured below with Emily), “It’s important for those generations who have […] Read More
Papua New Guinea has been up the top of my Travel Wishlist for years. Despite it being Australia’s closest neighbour (only 170km from Queensland), it isn’t a very popular travel destination – hence the appeal. A few years ago when I learned about PNGs rugged beauty, rich indigenous cultures and distinct lack of tourism, I started looking into how I could get there. Simply travelling or being a tourist is never enough for me – I always look for a way to add another dimension to any journey, and I love my profession so much that turning a travel opportunity into a Photo Trip is usually my first preference. I pasted photos of PNG onto my “Dream Board” – the digital pinboard where I gather inspirational images surrounding my dreams and goals. While I was busy making other dreams come true (making a sea change, getting married and building my strawbale cottage with my husband), plans for Papua New Guinea fell into place on their own. I was ecstatic when I received an email from Cool Earth, asking if I’d be available for a photo shoot in PNG. Cool Earth is a UK based NGO (Non Government Organisation) that […] Read More
Port Macquarie TAFE has an award-winning new Allied health facility, which I photographed for their PR, social media and internal usage. The new Port Macquarie Shared Health Research Education Campus (SHREC) is equipped with state-of-the-art teaching facilities including lecture theatres, student research learning areas, anatomy and medical sciences laboratories, specialist and tutorial rooms, and staff and student amenities. The new facility brings together the teaching of three education providers, UNSW, North Coast TAFE and the University of Newcastle, offering the state’s first full regional medical degree, from 2017, which will undoubtably contribute to a sustainable local health workforce. The photos below illustrate some of the practical facilities at SHREC. Read More
Some days I walk out of a photo shoot and know that the world just became a better place. Not better because of something I've done, but better because my own little world has been touched by something positive and truly beautiful. I was on assignment to shoot an editorial for The Salvation Army Creative Magazine... Read More
I had the pleasure of photographing a professional portrait for Karen Archer last week in Port Macquarie. I set up my studio in Karen’s clinic and had a great time chatting and shooting in a casual, comfortable style. I first met Karen through the Hastings Business Womens Network (HBWN), which is a Port Macquarie based women’s networking group with an array of fantastic social and professional events. Karen is the President and Spokesperson for the group. She is also a Naturopath, Herbalist, Nutritionist and Iridologist, and through her business is committed to improving quality of life and health. I have been lucky enough to attend one of her evening talks and walked away with a great insight into the way the body works and how to improve my own vitality. Karen was delighted with the results from the shoot, which made me a very happy photographer. If you are looking for a portrait photographer because you are in need of a profile picture for your website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or any other social media or print, please get in contact with me. In today’s world, our online profile photos are so important. Although we are taught not to “judge a […] Read More
Even with warning of the possibility, the death of a friend is always devastating and utterly unfathomable. There are some people who are so full of life and spirit that you can't imagine the world continuing without them once they are gone. This is Ruth... Read More
My fiancé James (Yes, he proposed!!!! 🙂 ) has an unmoving love of turning other people’s rubbish into beautiful, usable things. His latest major upcyling project was to build this “Tiny”. Inspired by the Tiny House Movement, James (AKA The Upcyclist) wanted to build a comfortable and beautiful living space for someone who wants to downsize their life. Overwhelmed by consumerism and overconsumption, there is a growing trend amongst Australian’s to declutter and simplify life. This “Tiny” was built as a studio/bedroom/study, to be used in addition to an existing dwelling, much like an additional bedroom, but on wheels (which means it is mobile and doesn’t need require council approval in most parts of Australia). James built it with 98% recycled materials. Most of these came from The Bower in Marrickville, and the rest came from other recycling yards and donations by tiny house enthusiasts. The building gained the attention of the press, proving to be very interesting to the public. Chanel 7 news, most major newspapers and many upcycling blogs have reported on the Tiny. It is even gained attention in The UK, India, Italy and Russia. Every time we google it, we find more articles, […] Read More
I am available to photographer indoor and outdoor events in the Mid North Coast, or nationally. Past clients include Sydney Morning Herald, University of Sydney and Victoria Rugby League. I shoot events in an unobtrusive way to capture the energy and excitement: whether it is a celebration, corporate function or music festival. I photographed events while living in Melbourne and in Sydney. Event organisers often hired me based on my documentary photography portfolio, which although shot in a very different environment, requires similar techniques and skills. These include understanding different lighting situations, setting up a good composition and predicting the perfect moment, as well as having the equipment necessary to fulfill the brief. I have recently move to the Mid North Coast of NSW, where I am re-launching my photography business. There are really exciting things happening here in arts and culture, and I am looking forward to the opportunities to photograph local events and music festivals in Port Macquarie and the surrounding areas, getting to know the people, places and scene along the way. You can contact me on 0429 211 567 or info@aliciafox.net with inquiries about you upcoming events. Read More
As the days heat up and Summer vibes kick in, up here on the Mid-North Coast, I thought I’d revisit a super fun photo shoot I did in Costa Rica for Venezuelan label, Desi Swimwear. We had a ball shooting with these Latin beauties, on the breathtaking Playa Hermosa, as perfect waves rolled in behind us. These bubbly girls were so much fun to work with. You can check out some behind the scenes shots on my Facebook page here. I’ve been having a fabulous time scoping out locations for future fashion shoots and other photo shoots around Port Macquarie and Crescent Head (and in the process, finding my new favourite beach in the whole wide world!). Being new to this area, I am so overwhelmed by its natural beauty. I feel so blessed to live in this stunning part of Australia and I’m so looking forward to all the beautiful, natural backdrops I’ll be working with in the future, on shoot like the one picture here. Read More
It is such an honour when my photos are published in one of my favourite magazines. I am attracted to publications that are stylish, environmentally conscious and full of awesome content. Peppermint Magazine is all of these things, which is why I’m so excited to see my fashion photography on their beautiful, textured (recycled paper) pages! These photos are part of the first collection by one of Australia’s most prominent Eco Fashion Warrioresses, Carlie Ballard. Carlie recently received the Fashion award at the Green Lifestyle Awards in Sydney, and deservedly so. As well as being one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet, she is completely dedicated to the pursuit of bringing ethical fashion into the spotlight, and making it more accessible to Australians. Carlie’s label is dedicated to supporting fairtrade artisans and using sustainable fabrics which have a minimal carbon footprint. The gorgeous garments are designed to last many seasons. Check out the article in the current issue of Peppermint, and see more of my images from the Carlie Ballard shoot here. Read More
It is important to me to be able to offer my clients photo prints that are on the cutting edge of sustainability. As more people move towards a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, companies are able to deliver green options to consumers. As I come across outstanding products, I will be sharing these with you, here on my blog. I was seeking out the most eco way to print my photographs, and this bamboo product sounded fantastic. I decided to try out this new eco style of photo printing. The quality of colour and contrast in this bamboo print really make the image pop What I love: – The print looks really good. The texture of the bamboo has been maintained, so the finish has a beautiful, natural texture, reminiscent of art paper. The edges have a beautiful, unique look, and the keyholes on the back make it easy to hang. – It is made from bamboo which is incredibly sustainable. Bamboo grows fast, can sequester more carbon than trees and generally doesn’t require pesticides or herbicides. – The prints last for decades (or longer) due to the durability of bamboo, and the satin laminate protects against dust and UV […] Read More
Junkies magazine is a fantastic new Australian publication celebrating the concept of rethink, reuse, reduce and recycle. It’s jam-packed full of articles and photos of creative ways to help the planet, your own way. I’m thrilled to have this wonderful write up about my photography included in the Spring issue of Junkies magazine. These images are from my project Portraits of The Disappearing Amazon, for which I had the privilege of visiting and photographing tribes in the Amazon jungle over a 3 month period. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Please enjoy the images. Read More
I’ve had a fantastic time shooting these two campaigns for Australian bohemian fashion brand Tree of Life. The campaign above is titled Gyspy Wanderer. I’m in love with the styling, which in a way, bridges my fashion images with my travel photos from around the world, through the inclusion of vintage Afghani accessories, and the “Gypsy Wanderer” theme that somewhat represents my life pre-Sydney. Below is a photo of one of my posters in the shop window of Tree of Life at Bondi Junction, followed by photos from the shoot. This campaign was “Midnight Garden”. While planning and shooting the images I took inspiration from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which I have loved ever since I studied it in high school. You can see additional images from these shoots on my Facebook and Instagram, over the coming week. Read More
We had an amazing turn out to the opening night of Pachamama Exhibition on Thursday, 26 June. Art lovers from all over Sydney came to view images of indigenous peoples of Latin America, by five photographers including me. Each photographer’s set of images illustrated a theme relating to the people’s relationship with Pachamama: Tradition by Alicia Fox Displacement by Rodrigo Llauro & Natalia Cartney Reconnection by Guillermo Rossi Adaptation by Armando Vega Relationship by Toril Pursell All photos were for sale, with a percentage going to NGOs assisting the people in the photographs. Images (framed and unframed) are still available for purchase, so feel free to contact me if you are interested. Below is a short excerpt from a call out by Survival International, an NGO working to protect isolated tribes in regions including the Amazon. It explains why rapid action to help vulnerable tribes people is important. “An alarming number of uncontacted Indians have been sighted fleeing Peru and entering Brazil. Brazil’s Indian Affairs Department has warned that they face imminent “death” as they enter into the territory of other uncontacted tribes and settled communities. Rampant illegal logging in Peru is believed to be at the heart of this impending disaster. There are only about 100 uncontacted tribes left in […] Read More
Wikipedia: “Pachamama is a goddess revered by the indigenous people of the Andes. She is also known as the earth/time mother. In Inca mythology, Mama Pacha or Pachamama is a fertility goddess who presides over planting and harvesting…She is also an ever present and independent deity who has her own self-sufficient and creative power to sustain life on this earth.” I was thrilled to be invited to take part in Pachamama Photography Exhibition in Sydney. Opening this Thursday (26 June), the exhibition will run across the weekend in StirrUp Gallery, Marrickville. This group exhibition will feature the work of 5 photographers, including me: images which explore the relationship between indigenous peoples in Latin America and Pachamama. I’d love to see you there. You can find the event details RIGHT HERE. Read More
Today is National Sorry Day. This week is Reconciliation Week in Australia. I show my respect for all those who have suffered and those who continue to heal as a result of our country’s past, and the continuing inequalities between black and white Australia. Australia prides itself on being a place of fairness. But our government doesn’t always reflect the values of it’s citizens. Our Constitution still does not recognise the first Australians, and it still allows the States to ban people from voting based on their race. I was shocked and disturbed when I heard this. I support changes to recognise Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution. RECOGNISE (the people’s movement to recognise ATSI peoples in our Constitution) says that “National Sorry Day is a time to recognise and remember the trauma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities affected by the Stolen Generations policies.” Please take a moment to visit the RECOGNISE website here. Photos I shot at Chill Island Festival, 2008. Read More
Photo Shoot for Sustainable Fashion Label Carlie Ballard Carlie Ballard is an inspiring, big-hearted lady who I have now had the pleasure of working with twice. Her self titled fashion label harnesses the creative talents of artisans in developing countries, and fuses these with beautiful designs to create contemporary garments for the modern day wardrobe. With a strong philosophy of mixing sustainable fabrics (including hand woven fabrics and organic cotton), fair labour practices and traditional techniques, Carlie Ballard creates garments with longevity and a touch of culture for the adventurer and dreamer in all of us. The clothing is made in a small workshop in India, offering the dignity of employment, fair pay and excellent working conditions to a talented group of artisans. All of the profits from the workshop are dedicated to growing its capacity to employ, train and support the families of the women it has been established to assist. Carlie is also a founding member of Clean Cut Fashion, a collective of sustainable fashion advocates, and is the curator of online store Indigo Bazaar, a carefully curated selection of cutting edge brands from around the world which are at the forefront of the sustainability movement. Below are images from my […] Read More
Travel is like an intensified version of normal life. We take ourselves out of our comfort zone to situations where the ups are higher and the downs take us deeper than we have ever been. This is why we often return from travelling feeling like a new person: so much more experienced, wiser and even enlightened. After a year or so travelling through South America, I’d been confronted by many lows (and many more highs, thankfully). One thing that irritated me was how long things took. I’m pretty chilled out and enjoy taking my time, but on Latin American time things can be excruciatingly slow. The border crossing from Colombia to Panama is one example of this. The whole process of travelling by boat from port towns to port towns took days. I understand that authorities in this Darien Gap region are wise to watch their ports for drug smugglers, but anyone who has spoken to locals knows that the authorities are aware of the traffickers and allow certain offenders to slip through the cracks. On arriving to Panama, at the tiny village of Puerto Obaldia, the immigration officer sitting inside his sweltering hot cement block informed us […] Read More
Indigo Bazaar is an ethical fashion company providing beautiful clothing that is made in a way that is good for the environment and for the garment workers and artisans who are part of the production. As consumers become more aware of the dangerous and unfair working conditions involved with fast fashion, entrepreneurs like Carlie Ballard, founder of Indigo Bazaar, are providing alternatives for those of us who want to know that our clothing comes with good karma. I photographed these natural portraits of Carlie wearing Indigo Bazaar, for her promotions and online profiles. It was a wonderfully fun afternoon with Carlie and Make up Artist Emily, from LittleFox Makeup Artistry. Read More
