Spring is a beautiful and exciting time in Melbourne. The fun begins with Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and culminates in the annual Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
To celebrate high fashion in Melbourne and to get some inspiration for the racing season, come and view the ‘Fashions on the Field’ photographic exhibition by Richard Shaw in the Brickwall Gallery. We sat down with Richard to ask him about the exhibition and what he loves about Melbourne.
What inspires your photography?
I love a number of genres of photography, but I’ve always had a deep fondness for the classical photojournalism of the 1940s, 50s, and 60’s. I love images with a classical old-worldly feel, and I’m quite partial to environmental portraiture.
Tell us about your love of Horse Racing?
There’s always so much happening on any racecourse and there’s a buzz I’ve always found totally fascinating. It’s the feverish cries of the race caller, the frenzy in the betting ring, the sight of fashionably dressed race goers mixed among the hordes of ‘characters’ ritually clutching form guides with binoculars dangling from their necks, and the regally bred thoroughbreds thundering along the track. Surely no other sport can boast a set of rituals so complex.
Which is your favourite photograph from the ‘Fashions on the Field’ exhibition?
Of course they’re all my favourites, but if I had to choose one it would probably be the image titled ‘Annie’. Shot on Oaks Day at last year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival, it features a girl named Annie Johnson wearing an amazing hat constructed by Milliner Christie Murray. When I asked Annie for a photograph I got a quick movement of arms, a wink, and a beaming smile.
Melbourne is such a unique city, what do you love about it?
Melbourne has such a great soul and it’s always alive and buzzing. I love exploring – whether it be getting lost among the cool laneways and alleys in the city centre, riding my bike along the Yarra River, or strolling through the Queen Vic Market. I’m also a bit partial to the odd game of Aussie Rules Football, and love watching my beloved Tigers play at the MCG.
Where do you think the best coffee in Melbourne is?
When it comes to coffee we are so spoilt for choice in Melbourne and it seems every corner you turn there’s a cafe serving great coffee. When I’m out and about exploring I’m always happy to try somewhere new. For a bit of nostalgia you can’t beat Pelligrinis up the top of Bourke Street, but I always get a fantastic coffee from the original Cafenatics in Collins Street.
