And indeed it is, when you have the opportunity to spend a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon with incredibly talented children!

Since my l ast blog post I have been having a fabulous time, watching videos and listening to podcasts ( my inner geek is strong) on fun facts about photography, absorbing the words of those out there with the same passion as myself ( geeking out with a gadget ). I bought a my very first mirrorless camera, the fabulous Fuji film X-T20 and it has been love from first click! Little did i know it but i was rapidly about to commence a whole new buzz for photography.

I took this little gem with me to a hidden Edwardian Theatre nestled in North Sydney to photograph a children's' end of year piano recital, I had no idea what I was in for!

Laura, owner of Music N Me had asked me to photograph the end of year Christmas show in which her students showcase their creative talents and boy were there some very talented children on stage!

The morning started with busily trying to organise 30+ children from 4-16 years old and prepare them for a performance. Each child represented a country and wore some fabulous costumes!

A quick run through, then parents were taking their seats ready for the entertainment children bring.

The show opened with a group performance of "Its a wonderful world" with the inclusion of percussion, piano, keyboard, saxophones, violins, cellos..... lead by Mosman's, Andre Rieu - Laura Kahar. After the opening number, parents, brothers and sisters we settled into their seats and the individual performances began. Each child represented a country, they shared what they had learnt about their chosen country and then performed either a piece from their chosen country or with a fun filled festive theme, ranging from jingle bells to classical. Each child fully embraced their performance providing everyone in the room a fabulous morning.

The atmosphere was addictive, full of excitement, adrenaline and a few nerves as children are full of surprises, who knows what they will do next.......

Im pretty sure not everyone saw.......

The morning performance flowed into the afternoon performance, with another group of children showcasing their talents.

The whole day was fabulous, Laura's passion for her students and the support from the families involved shone through and added to an already fabulous day! Pride was eivdent from every conrner of the theatre.

Each child receievd an award in regonition of their hard work

The enthusiasm from the children was contagious, you couldn't help but smile and giggle during their performances. It was clear that they have a great deal of respect and love for their teacher, each child gave their all in their performances and ended the show with a massive thank you to their teacher.

A beautiful end to a beautiful day! Very well done to everyone involved, such a lovely day, I look forward to next years performance!

Like many of us, i LOVE photos! I can remember as far back as 20 years ago ( urgh thats nasty math!) about the time I had my very own camera. A camera that I had to insert a roll of film and in my then creative mind set, i took photos of friends that had half their faces chopped off or took random photos of "things", basically waisting film as likely giving the person who kindly developed these, a very good giggle! We've all been that kid right? ( Please say yes)

During my school years, i dabbled in extra curricular activities such as playing the violin and learning Spanish, these i wasn't too bad at- i kept them up for about 7 years- until I went to university and found other distractions, i also tried my hand at art- that was a very rapid fail! however it was becoming clear i did have some creative juices flowing in my blood so all was not lost, there was hope.

Over my later years ( now 33) I have moved through smart phone after smart phone ( im the apple type) and played with taking photos, watching numerous hours of youtube videos, reading articles, meeting other photographers and absorbing as much knowledge as I could, thinking that each time I upgraded my phone to having more GB storage, I was on my way to fame- nope- no one knew I was taking photos, i didn't share them, they just sat piling up on my phone for me to enjoy? That was cool, but what's the point in that? I was "going to print them one day" - lol nope- didn't print them nor make the album...... just filled up the Iphone and then made best friends with the "cloud" when that came out.

The sad thing was, i was out and about at every opportunity I could get, taking photos and practicing my newly learned skills. I would go for bread for the house for breakfast and come back 2 hours later ( shop was 15 mins away) to disgruntled housemates and wonder why they weren't too excited to view my photos- sugar drop often relates to a mood drop too lol.

I posted on social media like Instagram and Facebook which took of with gusto which got me very excited. I then began showing friends, i guess i didn't really think I was all that different from other photographers out there, I mean, there's a few right? So, I just kept my work to myself.

However, my friends were awesome, and when I worked out that they were being genuinley encouraging as they had faith in me, clearly more thank I had in myself at that point, I started taking them seriously, asking "you really think this could stand out" ......... YES!!!!

So, I took the leap of faith and decided to create my second business and break free from my corporate world of teaching in universities and launch Tori King Photography- and here I am!

With oodles of support from friends ( you know who you are) I have been successful enough to have sold some of my work, had my work featured on other peoples websites and blogs which has given me great pride and the affirmation that my passion, which has been a private passion is now enjoyed by others as much as I enjoy taking the photos themselves.

I have broadened my portfolio from travel shots - so beautiful to be at one with nature and recharge after a busy week, to also now taking part in portrait photography, product photography, wildlife shots and soon to venture into wedding photography - Thank you Jeremy

I will always be learning, there is so much to absorb and that is soooo exciting! I'm always looking for new hints and tips and new gear ( what girl doesn't like to shop?!?)

I'd love to share my future skills and snaps with you, feel free to share any trick you have learnt too- two brains are better together right?

Join me on my photography venture, snaps skills 'n all- join the beautiful photography family- let's grow together.

Tori

I look forward to growing with you

What a wonderful world!!

The History of Tori King Photography