We love reading and playing with the latest camera hardware as much as the next person, but sometimes we need a bit of creative inspiration. And when it comes to sparking some creative ideas, the Head On Festival is as good an opportunity as any, though you need to be in Sydney.
From May 5 to June 11, Sydney will be overflowing with things that should get enthusiasts excited - the web site lists more than 100 shows and events. Everything from girls and cars, to landscapes and lectures on celebrity photos. Unlike the PMA exhibition on soon, this event has a location to fit different tastes, from the serious (major museums) to casual (pubs and cafes). There's even an exhibition slated for the Centennial Parklands.
As a sign of the times, there's a showing of iPhone photography at the Apple store on May 12 (suitably moody black and white example here).
Those with an interest in pre-digital days might get a kick out of a tour of "interesting and quirky" cameras at the Powerhouse Museum's basement (May 18).
From May 5 to June 11, there will also be a Camera Obscura installed at Centennial Parklands. A room people walk through, the invention has an image from the surrounding area displayed in large detail either on a wall or table.
For fans of portrait photography, the Head On festival also includes the Head On Portrait Prize, which the organizers describe as "the most critically acclaimed photographic portrait competition in Australia". You can see some examples here.
