Waking up, it was one of those days where the air carries an indescribable buzz of excitement; when you know how many other people are getting up with as much anticipation as you. On arrival, before we knew it, we found ourselves engulfed in the communal heart of Gather Round. Seeker Agency enlisted Frankie the Creative, yours truly, to capture the essence of this event. Working alongside the South Australian Tourism Commission, our mission was clear: to showcase the magic of South Australia and the spirit of the AFL in all its glory.
As an Adelaide photographer, I've captured my fair share of very cool moments, but there was something special about this particular one.
From the moment we arrived, we were swept up in a whirlwind of food trucks lining the boundaries of Elder Park, offering tantalizing treats and the aroma of freshly grilled delights. Mingled amongst them was the laughter of excited festival-goers, creating a positively infectious atmosphere.
As we wandered the crowd, camera in hand, you couldn't help but be immersed in the diverse array of fan colours. Families with children and groups of friends gathered in clusters of racing heartbeats as tight games unfolded on the massive screens.
Of course, no festival would be complete without its share of entertainment, and Gather Round certainly delivered on that front. The main stage featured major teams getting interviewed live, whilst shining a light on local musical talent in between. Mascots were shepherded around, delighting children and adults alike with their cheeky antics, not unlike the players who broke loose and wandered the festival to the delight of fans who look up to them so much (not just figuratively either, those guys are massive).
As the day wore on, I found myself unable to put down my camera, eager to capture every fleeting moment; Whether it was the golden glow of the setting sun casting glimmers across the Torrens or the infectious enthusiasm of the colourfully draped crowd as they cheered on their teams, there was some beauty to be found in every corner.
Looking back on that day, we can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so special. As Adelaide event photographers, it's moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. To freeze time, if only for a moment, and capture the raw emotion and unbridled joy of these events that make life worth living.
So here's to another year of Gather Round, and the countless memories made on South Australian soil. May the spirit of community and celebration continue to thrive, bringing people together in laughter and love for years to come here in our humble capital.
And as for us, we’ll be here with cameras in hand, ready to capture it all.
If you have an upcoming event that you’d like us to get around, contact us here to get the ball rolling.
