Snapper makes a splash

Witchcliffe-based photographer Lauren Trickett’s latest exhibition celebrates 10 years as a professional, as well as throwing some light on her hard-working creative collective.

Trickett calls her exhibition, Beneath The Surface, “an ethereal collection of salty serenity” for the more than 15 shots she has produced, mostly from her popular underwater work.

The black-and-white nudes and shots of residents and musicians opting for Trickett’s signature underwater look will be displayed from 5pm on Friday, September 27.

The exhibition launch coincides with a second birthday celebration for Trickett and her team’s Hardware Creative collaborative space in Witchcliffe.

Trickett told the Times her photographic work, including extensive corporate shots for businesses and festivals across the region, did not always feature underwater shots, but she was fascinated by the ocean since she was a child and the ocean was a recurring theme throughout her portfolio. “There’s a peaceful element there,” she said. “I’m always underwater. I live and breathe water. I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was a kid. They were terrible photos, but I loved to show people what was in the water.”

Personal and professional clients were increasingly keen on the look, which set portraiture apart from rival offerings.

Trickett said shooting beneath the water often helped her clients relax as they floated and allowed her to do her job nearby in snorkelling gear.

“Local musicians, they bring their instruments, too,” she said.

“It’s an unusual thing. People can be in a suit and hat and reading a book underwater.

“Being underwater, I find people are a lot less self-conscious because they can’t see me, so that awareness of the camera being there goes away.”

The exhibition runs until October 20, but the long-weekend launch later this month was open to all who wanted to come along, meet the other creators on site, and enjoy wood-fired pizzas and a few drinks.

Hardware Creative is in the old hardware building at 10397 Bussell Highway.