Circa Nocturna is always an exciting time of the year. It brands itself as Melbourne’s Premier Alternative Fashion Parade and it lives up to this image of itself time and time again.

Each and every year, Circa Nocturna allows some of the country’s sub-culture designers shine and sparkle on the catwalk of the pristine and beautiful Fitzroy Town Hall.

I have been fortunate enough to attend the last four events and I was saddened to learn that tonight’s gala was to be the final event in this format.

With that in mind, I wanted to be a part of it again and I was granted a photo-pass to shoot tonight’s show.

As last year’s event sold out in the blink of an eye, this year’s event featured two performances with a matinee show scheduled at 4pm and the usual evening performance at 8.

It is always a sight to see the dark minions of Melbourne descend upon the urban niceties of such an inner city suburb. The look on the local’s faces – who in Fitzroy, have surely seen it all – is as amusing as it is priceless!

Featuring designs from Beserk (my personal favourite), Clockwork Butterfly, Elysium Couture, Emile Gray, Harpi, John & Betty and Vicious Klothing to name but a few – Circa Nocturna celebrates and glorifies those who dare to live their lives on the alternative edge.

Once again, without fail, it proved to be a magical night of fashion, music and inspirational design. Meticulously organised and atmospherically so much fun.

Thank you to all the Circa Nocturna crew and to the enchanting Rachael Blakemore for her kindness and hospitality.

Having attended the past two Circa Nocturna events in 2009 and 2008, I was eagerly awaiting for this year’s gala to arrive and this time, shooting on an official capacity. The past couple of years I have only been in the audience with my camera and have had restricted view etc. It was hard to get a decent shot.

This year, I was granted an official pass and boy, was it a ton of fun shooting at this amazing event.

Held annually at the gorgeous Fitzroy Town Hall, resplendent in all its gothic charm and glory it proved to be very difficult to get additional tickets to the event as it had sold out. I was so bummed out about this as I couldn’t get a ticket for my girlfriend and I felt guilty as hell going to the event, and having to leave her home. It wasn’t the same without her but alas, the show must go on.

Having survived the tremendous storms that hit Melbourne this afternoon – an ominous, sinister mood had enveloped this city and kinda an appropriate setting for tonight’s event where all the creatures of the night come out to play.

All romantic gothic notions aside, it was going to be quite a trek to get to the other side of town in one piece.

A sea of black leather, spandex, latex, rubber was ascending up the stairs of the Fitzroy Town Hall and I found my photopass awaiting me as I arrived.

I positioned myself amongst my fellow photogs and used the time before the show to get acclimatised with the venue and the somewhat, sombre, dim lighting.

I think I was the only shooter there who shot without a flash (can’t stand using flash at the best of times) – but I set my camera up to use as much of the light available as I could. I prefer the rich, warm tones and color of non-flash shooting and I was pretty pleased with tonight’s results.

All in all, a magnificent night and one that seems to be growing with every passing year.