This year I've decided to take up further study in Photography to broaden my horizons and expose me to new ideas, techniques and critical feedback. One of the most enjoyable assignments so far has been a photo essay. 12 Shots that tell a visual story about a place, event or idea. I thought I would take the opportunity to practice this idea on Anzac Day 2018.

I attended the Dawn Service last year, when it was cold, wet and raining. The turnout was relatively low and I was in the middle of the crowd, so challenged to produce good shots of the actual service. I remember seeing a couple of photographers in prime position on a stone ledge next to the stairs leading to the shrine, peering over a sea of umbrellas. This year I was determined to get that spot! I got up at 3:45am, got into the city at around 5:00am and was the first one to the prime position. YESSSSS!

The crowd filled up FAST as it wasn't too cold and forecast rain had held off. I was joined by a news photographer who climbed up next to me and we happily shot away during the service. There service itself was VERY moving. Especially a crowd of 35,000 holding a minute's silence.

I spent the rest of the morning having a 'gunfire' breakfast provided by the army, shot the parade, and then wandered around the lines of marchers waiting their turn. I came across a section that was full of foreign veterans. This was so interesting as their uniforms were quite different and showed a different face of ANZAC day.

Let me know what you think!

Luke