Rachel Main

Throwback to photographing the @caseyphilharmonic at @bunjil_place last May for their Wizards and Dragons concert.

This week I felt a taste of summer and started looking forward to more bare feet, sunny evenings and warm nights… then in classic Melbourne’s style, today it’s pouring with rain and I’m rugged up in 3 layers… Always fun photographing a roaming silent disco!! Throwback to some work for @kingstonartsau and their Silent Disco Summer Series.

It was a beautiful opening a couple of months back for Jennifer Mills ‘In The Echo Chamber’ exhibition @bunjil_place - such a great body of work supported so well by the exhibition design.

Throwback to the @kingstonartsau Pop Up Bar series! Afternoons with golden light, long shadows and locals soaking up all the music, food and good times.

Someone commented to me along the lines of, ‘I enjoyed watching you photograph as you were really getting into it, head bopping along and body moving…’ and yeah when there’s good music, it’s hard to stand still! Having spent years in the Krump community where we show support through our energy, our movement and voice, I think it’s especially important to show love to those up and coming… putting themselves out there on the line. All the best to the artists @itssmarthag @kiid_koda @acp91 @jordzaus who are part of the 2025 @grid_series South East Melbourne Artist Development Program. Thanks for having me in to photograph this intimate launch @bunjil_place a few months back.

Three more buses pulled up outside of Bunjil Place, students rolling out in a tangle of school uniforms and costume pieces, voices singing and cheering as an impromptu dance jam breaks out… they make their way into the foyer and find Laitini, their genuine affection and excitement to see her so obvious in their exchange… backstage I meet Rex, Laitini’s husband, ironing shirts for the kids, on hand to help whoever needs it… Erica checks in with the tech staff as they prepare the next group for stage rehearsal… and walking through the various spaces, filled with last minute rehearsals, prepping of costumes, food, selfies and the ringing of log drums, it was not hard to see the sheer volume, preparation and commitment of all of those involved in making this possible. The dedication of Laitini and the students, the elders, the teachers, the staff and the volunteers seeps through all aspects of this program. It was such a great vibe photographing backstage for the final night of @official_4cs - Cultivating Creative Cultures with Communities- at @bunjil_place x @casey__arts Hearing the story of this program, now in its 19th year, pioneered by founder and director Laitini Matautia-Ulugia was so inspiring and seeing the students so proud to represent their culture and communities was awesome.

I kickstarted getting back into photography earlier this year by shooting some new portraits for my friend and amazing DJ @fustar ! I’ve being taking photography jobs as they’ve sporadically popped up and this has suited where I’m at, being at home with the two little ones. Now time to update IG with recent and past work and looking forward to what lies ahead. Here are some of the portraits plus the flyers featuring the photos and a couple of BTS shots! Thanks Fu for helping me get back into my creative zone- it was fun setting up a studio in the garage and getting back into a setup.

Process

Another one from Ziah… featuring Mars and I one morning with bubbles. He photographed in colour, but I’ve added a BW filter to fit into this little series.

Little Shuttermain in the making. This guy has started getting into making photos, and although he isn’t allowed much time to do this on my phone, I think he’s nailed the selfie game. He likes the B&W filter…. Must be like his mama.

The saying “long days, short years” really resonates with me as a mama. Time seems to stretch and then fold back in on itself. Seeing and helping your child develop is a wonderous thing to be a part of. The sleep deprivation, inner work and stress associated with all of this… not so much!

Happy half rotation Mars. You light up our lives. Photographed on Kodak Portra 400, with my Bronica SQ-Ai.