It was New Year's Eve 2005, and I had
been working hard to avoid the party-scene. About 8:30pm I decided
to go to the local marina area here in Port Macquarie to try some
'available light' photographs of the carnival that arrived each year
for the holidaymakers. I might even get to see the local fireworks
display.
Five minutes after arriving, the
skies opened up with the most torrential downpour that I think I
have ever seen, and people were scurrying to get under the minimal
cover that was around some of the sideshows. Not wanting to get my
camera flooded, I also tried to get some measure of cover, but the
tiny awnings were also collapsing under the weight of the water, and
within seconds, everyone was soaked and walking around in at least 6
inches of water.
Nonchalantly walking through the mass of people
were three teenage girls that cared less about their drowned rat
appearances. One of them stood out to me because she was a
dead-ringer for Nicole Kidman in her first movie, 'BMX bandits'.
Knowing that Baz Luhrmann was casting for his
upcoming film 'Australia' starring Nicole Kidman, gave me an
inspiration. Perhaps this teenager could be used in a
'flashback scene' in the movie.
I approached the threesome and handed my business
card to the young girl, with a single comment, "Please get your
parents to contact me - I have an idea."
With that, I left the marina, and went back home
to dry out - I never did see the New Year in.
It was two weeks before I got a phone call from
Izzy's mum. They had thought about the business card a few times,
and eventually, curiosity got the better of them. As a result of
that call, we made an arrangement to shoot later that week, at dawn,
on their property, a few miles out of town.
Since that time, Izzy has
worked with us at ModelDancer at least 20 times, assisted
others that were interested in the industry, has gone on to
complete her education at the Queensland Dance School of
Excellence, and is receiving HDs at University where she is
studying the Dance and Secondary Teaching.
It's great to be able to spot
true talent at such a young age.
