the word "hana-bi" is japanese for fireworks, but it translates directly as "flowers of fire."   these pages are devoted to night-time photography - fireworks, events, and architecture - with a special focus on capturing the "painting" effect of moving lights on film.

the images below are organised by "series" - generally a group of shots from a single evening or event.   to see a full-size version of any image just click it, and it will pop up in a new window.

all of the images here were captured with an olympus c2020z digital camera, with only minimal post-editing, and no special effects applied..

homeland is a dance / acrobatic performance piece performed as part of the year 2000 energex brisbane festival - performed by legs on the wall, with accompaniment by the mara! ensemble and the martenitsa choir.  the performance took place high above turbot streett, suspended on wires from the side of the suncorp metway building, and explores the experience of european migrants to australia.

this series of images depicts the performance as seen from below.  unfortunately the thumbnail images really do not do this amazing performance justice, so please do click on the images to see a larger version - the scale of this artwork must be seen to be believed.

on the evening of 16 july 2000, the longest total lunar eclipse in over 100 years was visible in the skies over australia, new zealand, and most of the south pacific.  locals and tourists alike flocked to the mount coot-tha lookout, and found in addition to the eclipse, some of the clearest views of the city lights for months, and the prometheus fire troupe performing.

the prometheus fire troupee is renee, sally, emily, and tim.  also performing with the troupe on this occasion were hannah, rachaela, and adam.   the troupe can be contacted at pyro_pixie@hotmail.com