My Thoughts on Floriade – Canberra’s Spring Event

Flowers Galore

And if you have hayfever… you might want to keep away.

Introduction to Floriade

Floriade – Canberra’s peak spring event that comes to life every year at Commonwealth Park, drawing both locals and travelers alike. It’s all about people battling for a parking spot and flocking in to catch a glimpse of those prestigious flower arrangements—ones that we all wish we could have in our own backyard, front yard, or even our tiny apartment balcony.

First held in 1988, Floriade has grown into an iconic symbol for Canberra, officially ushering in spring. But let me make one thing clear: this is from the perspective of a local who has been to Floriade more times than they can count—not a wide-eyed first-timer. And honestly, I think we could do a bit better.

A Local Perspective on Floriade

Flowers aren’t the only thing that takes center stage at Floriade. You’ve got live music, gardening workshops, art displays, rides, and enough food stalls to make you question your finances. But even with all this, I can’t help but feel that the event could use a fresh spark.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s a fantastic event. But it might be time to spice things up a little.

Appreciating the Little Things

First things first—Floriade is free. Yep, free. That’s pretty incredible considering the amount of effort and hours put in by the organizers to pull off this spectacular event every year. And to that, I tip my hat. I couldn’t do it; my thumbs are anything but green.

In a time when it feels like every event comes with a hefty ticket price, free entry is genuinely something to be grateful for. And for what it’s worth, the hardworking people behind this event deserve a big round of applause. I mean, could I manage flowers like that? Absolutely not. The only thing thriving in my garden right now are weeds, and even those are questionable.

Is It Time for a Change?

Look, I love Commonwealth Park as much as the next Canberran, but year after year, it starts to feel a little repetitive. I think there’s potential for a fresh location or at least an expansion of the current setup.

For instance, Glebe Park (despite its slightly “seedy” reputation) could add something new to the mix. Expanding there or using a different part of the city might give Floriade that fresh energy it needs. Let’s make it feel like an adventure instead of a routine.

Also, I’d love to see a bigger focus on environmental awareness. Maybe we could get BoM (Bureau of Meteorology) or Questacon involved with some interactive activities. Imagine having something where kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) could learn about climate change and how it’s affecting our landscapes in a fun way. It could be both educational and engaging—and it just makes sense for an event celebrating nature.

Floriade Food Experience: Bring Your Own Lunch… Unless You’re Loaded

Now, let’s talk about the food. Seeing more local food vendors at Floriade has definitely been a welcome change. But, there’s a catch—the prices. I’m genuinely curious about how much vendors need to pay for a spot because it seems like the pricing has been affecting not just the cost to us, the consumers, but also the portion sizes and quality.

I mean, some vendors are great, but I’ve heard a few too many complaints about people shelling out good money for underwhelming meals. Honestly, with how things are going in the 2024 economy, your best bet is probably to pack a picnic. Make a day of it with some sandwiches, fruit, and maybe a sneaky bottle of wine if that’s your thing. Enjoy the flowers while munching on something that doesn’t empty your wallet.

Floriade: Family-Friendly Vibes

One thing I do love about Floriade is how incredibly family-friendly it is. It’s easily one of the best events for families in Canberra. If you’ve got kids, it’s a no-brainer. And if your kids are a bit older, the NightFest is where it’s at.

NightFest is essentially Floriade after dark—the entire park lights up with stunning displays and entertainment that feels almost magical. It’s perfect for creating some unforgettable family memories, even if it makes capturing those Instagram-worthy flower shots a bit of a challenge in the dark.

Suggestions for the Future of Floriade

I love Floriade, but if we’re honest, some changes could make it even better. I’d love to see new locations, more interactive activities, and a bigger focus on educating people about the environment. There’s so much potential that’s yet to be tapped, and if we keep things fresh, Floriade could be an even bigger hit for years to come.

Plus, wouldn’t it be amazing if they introduced something like a “best backyard garden” competition? It could be a cool way to get the community more involved and make us all feel a little less intimidated by the stunning flower displays.

My Garden vs. Floriade’s Garden

And finally, there’s the sad reality of coming home after visiting Floriade. You take one look at your own garden, and… well, let’s just say my tulips don’t look like theirs. At all. But hey, at least my weeds have some character—kind of. It’s a good reminder that gardening is hard work, and what they achieve at Floriade each year is truly impressive.

#SendHelp (or better yet, send some gardening skills my way!)

Conclusion

Overall, Floriade is an event that holds a special place in my heart, and I appreciate what it brings to Canberra every year. It’s a reminder of community, nature, and a celebration of spring. That said, a little bit of change could take it from great to truly amazing. Here’s hoping for some fresh ideas and a new twist in the coming years!

So until next year, I’ll just keep tending to my patchy yard and hoping my weeds decide to bloom into something a little more exciting.

Canberra Film Maker | But It’s With AI?

A single image shot of the rolling planes of the Uriarra area in Canberra ACT

Capturing the Beauty of Canberra: A Photographer's Perspective

Canberra Photos hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. As a Canberra photographer, one of the best aspects of my job is capturing the stunning landscapes that this city and its surrounding regions offer. From vast open spaces to serene lakes, Canberra is a haven for those who appreciate nature and amazing scenery.

What Makes a Great Canberra Photo?

When people search for Canberra photos, they might wonder: what exactly makes a great shot? For me, the essence of a great Canberra photo lies in its ability to convey the tranquility and beauty of the region. I often find myself pulling over on a quiet road, far from the Canberra city, just to soak in the natural atmosphere. It’s in these moments, surrounded by the landscape, that I believe the true character of Canberra reveals itself.

One of my favorite spots is Uriarra, an area known for its expansive landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. Recently, I captured a photo there that truly resonated with me, and I wanted to do something special with it.

AI and Creativity in Canberra: From Image to Video

As a creative photographer always looking for new ways to expand my work, I’ve begun incorporating AI into my process. One of the most exciting advancements I’ve embraced is AI text-to-video technology. This tool allows me to transform a still image into a dynamic, moving video, adding an entirely new layer of depth to my Canberra photos.

Let me explain how I used this technology with a single image from Uriarra. The image was beautiful on its own, but I felt it could convey even more of the atmosphere that makes Canberra so special. Using AI text-to-video, I was able to convert that still photo into a 5-second video, giving the viewer a sense of movement through the landscape.

This short video captures the feeling of standing in Uriarra, watching the wind sweep through the fields and clouds gently drift by. It’s a subtle but powerful transformation that turns a single moment into a living experience. By adding this layer of AI creativity, I can now show others not just what it’s like to live in Canberra, but also how it feels.
(Example below)

Video of Canberra | The Uriarra region enhanced with AI

Living in Canberra: A Creative Haven

As someone who lives and works here, I often think about how to share what it's like to live in Canberra. For anyone asking, “What it’s like to live in Canberra?” or considering moving to Canberra, let me tell you—this city is an inspiring and creative place. It offers a mix of modern living with easy access to some of Australia’s most peaceful natural surroundings.

But there’s more to Canberra than just its landscapes. The city has a growing community of creatives, from artists to Canberra photographers and even tech innovators. In fact, one of the exciting developments in the Canberra creativescene is the use of AI to push the boundaries of what’s possible in photography and digital art.

With AI tools like text-to-video, we’re seeing incredible innovation in how we can present our work. It’s no longer just about capturing a moment in time—it’s about enhancing that moment and making it more immersive for viewers.

If you're inspired by the possibilities of combining creativity and technology and want to explore how AI can elevate your visual projects, I'd love to collaborate with you. Whether you're looking to transform your photos into dynamic videos or need a creative approach to showcasing your brand, AI technology can bring your vision to life in exciting ways.

Feel free to reach out to discuss how we can work together! Let’s create something truly unique using cutting-edge AI tools and innovative photography techniques right here in Canberra. Contact me today to get started!

Who Is TheMortz?

Daniel, Eva, Brooke & Fin.

Canberra Photographer | Growing up in Tuggeranong Valley to Capturing Canberra’s Hidden Gems

As a Canberra-based photographer, it's hard to encapsulate who I am in just one blog post, but I’ll try to give you a glimpse of my journey, from the Tuggeranong Valley to becoming a photographer dedicated to capturing the beauty of Canberra.

Growing Up in Tuggeranong Valley

I grew up in Tuggeranong Valley, exploring its nooks and crannies as a kid and teenager. From the local skate park to those mischievous moments (like pushing a trolley into Lake Tuggeranong — no regrets!), to sitting on the hills watching the sunset over the valley, my roots in Canberra run deep.

My Journey of Faith and Friendships

My teenage years weren’t always simple, and I faced challenges at both home and school. However, I eventually found solid friendships in high school and, more importantly, discovered my faith — a turning point that completely changed my life.

Why Canberra Will Always Be Home

Although I’ve had the opportunity to travel around Australia and even to New Zealand, Canberra has always been my home. There's something about this city that brings me back, and I want to showcase the overlooked beauty that Canberra offers through my photography.

How I Fell in Love With Photography

Surprisingly, I didn’t study photography. I earned my degree from the University of YouTube (if that’s even a thing!). It started as a hobby, something to pull me away from my gaming obsession and get me out of the house. With the encouragement of my wife and friends, my love for photography grew, and I began to see the world in new ways through the lens of my camera.

Capturing Canberra's Hidden Gems

What makes my photography unique? I strive to capture Canberra's hidden gems — those underappreciated spots that even locals may overlook. Through my images, I want to reveal the beauty and character of this city, despite what the rest of the country might think.

Follow My Photography Journey

So, who am I? That’s a story still being written. But if you follow along on my photography journey, I hope to share not just the beautiful landscapes of Canberra, but also a little bit of myself and what I love about this place every day.