The first light of 2012

I have just gotten back from a 2 week family holiday to Brisbane and would like to share one of my favorite images and along with it comes a story.  While we were away, for the first time we attended the Woodford folk festival.  For those of you who don’t know, the festival is held near the small town of Woodford on the Sunshine Coast.  Over 2000 acts could be seen over 5 days.  Everything from Circus & Comedy to all kinds of music.  Performers wander the alleys on stilts dressed in amazing costumes.  Great food could be found everywhere.  I discovered Byron Bay organic donuts filled with runny dark chocolate.  My mouth is watering recalling the experience.  My 3.5 year old, Violet, absolutely loved the festival. There is a children’s section which resembles a wonderland, where she had her face painted, watched puppet shows and children’s performers. The festival runs between Boxing Day and New years Day.  On New Years Day at about 4am everyone walks into the bush, up a track, to the highest point.  It’s here that tibetan monks have a light ceremony and chant up the new years sun.  We took Violet up to the sunrise ceremony on new years day.  This shot was taken when the first light rays of 2012 lightly touched upon her face and she experienced her first sunrise. It was a little chilly so she was wrapped up and cuddling her Dad.  I love the soft light, the darkness surrounding her and her soft expression.  It reminds me of how it felt to be there in that moment.
Megan