He won!

Meet the ACT Local Hero 2011. Alan was nominated by our very own Joni Scanlon who, while interviewing him for In the City Spring 2010, was moved by this man's remarkable dedication to the Salvation Army. We followed his progress closely: from making the short list, to the finals and finally, to his victory. Cheers went up in the office, but none so loud as Joni's, who was lucky enough to attend the night.

"To see him accept the award in front of a packed hall full of admiring people was such a wonderful experience," she said.

"He was gracious, thankful and just a little bit cheeky in his acceptance of the award."

Rapt that Alan was recognised on such a  prominent platform, Joni said the acknowledgment couldn't have gone to anyone more deserving or humble; “Alan is an approachable man, with plenty of time for everyone," she said.
"He loves a chat and is deceptively observant of the comings and goings around him when he collects.
"He is passionate about the work the Salvation Army does and truly cares."

So if you happen to visit the Canberra Centre any time soon, make sure you swing by Alan's way, say "hi" and a hearty congratulations.

Coco didn't make the cover

Coco the dog was not actually part of the plan.
I know, hard to believe - she just seems made for this shot. We spotted this designer canine tottering through Glebe Park enjoying the warmth of the day and simply couldn't resist her. A big thank you to the very obliging owner who let us borrow her for a shot or two - the camera loves her! So much so that this was originally our cover shot.

We first envisaged the lovely Miss Luton and her boyfriend Daniel Saunders enjoying an urban bike ride through the city. The shot just wasn't working for us, and when some early showers began to rain on our parade we moved the show to this beloved green space.

By then the rains had stopped and there was this angelic, post-sunshower light filtering through the canopied pathways. It resulted in the shot that bumped poor Coco off the cover (but we still love you, girl).

Civic Pool never looked so good

Conveying that feeling of immense freedom that signals the end of another Canberra winter, this season's fashion shoot was entitled Out of the Blue.
On the day of the shoot Civic Pool was flaunting its summer appeal - sun-soaked skies and water glistening with a hundred-thousands sparkles played backdrop to this season's latest looks.
Add three gorgeous girls, the colourful ensembles of head stylist Miled Achi and his precocious assistant Lisa Tea and the photography of our Rohan Thomson - and you're onto a winner.
Get the full picture at the Gallery.