Hello,
It's Sam from SB Creatives Photography here....
Every now and then, as a photographer, you get the opportunity to be part of something truly special — an event where community, culture, and celebration come together in a big way. That was exactly the case this past weekend at the ZCNSW Yom Ha’Atzmaut Family Carnival. I was honoured to be behind the lens, capturing a day that was bursting with life, connection, and proud moments for Sydney’s Jewish community.
From the moment I arrived, I could feel the buzz in the air. The event drew a huge crowd — families with young kids, teens with their mates, and older generations mingling and reminiscing. It was one of those rare moments where you really get to see how strong and supportive this community is. And let me tell you, as a photographer, it was a dream — colourful scenes, heartfelt interactions, kids running around laughing, and proud parents soaking it all in.
A massive shoutout has to go to Events With Ease, who absolutely nailed the planning and execution of the carnival. Everything ran like clockwork, and there was such a warm, inclusive atmosphere throughout the day. Her team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure everything looked stunning and flowed seamlessly. A big thanks as well to Easy Lighting — their lighting setup brought the stages and stalls to life, and made a real difference in the photos.
There was so much happening across the venue that it was honestly hard to keep up — but that’s the kind of energy I thrive on. The animal zoo was a major hit with the little ones. Seeing the kids giggle as they patted goats, held rabbits, and marvelled at the animals was such a wholesome joy to photograph. Right nearby, face painting booths were in full swing, turning young faces into butterflies, superheroes, and everything in between.
One of my personal favourite elements was how involved the local schools and youth movements were. They had vibrant stalls, fun activities, and so much enthusiasm. It really added a grassroots feel to the day and highlighted the importance of educating and inspiring the next generation. I could see the pride on teachers’ and parents’ faces — and rightfully so.
A standout part of the afternoon was the Hackathon run in partnership with Technion Australia. It was a brilliant initiative — combining innovation and education in a way that excited both kids and adults. It wasn’t just about tech; it was about thinking big, collaborating, and pushing ideas that could shape the future. For me, it was great to capture these young thinkers deep in discussion and confidently presenting their solutions — a glimpse into tomorrow.
Then came the music — and wow, what a lineup. The school bands from Moriah and Masada brought the stage to life with their energetic performances. You could see how much effort and practice had gone into their sets, and it really paid off. The vibe shifted beautifully with the choir from Emanuel School, whose harmonies were nothing short of breathtaking. There was a real moment of pause and reflection in the crowd as their voices echoed across the carnival.
As the day wore on, the celebrations only picked up steam. The highlight for many, myself included, was the Israeli dancing with Keff Sydney. The crowd gathered quickly, drawn in by the rhythmic beats and lively steps. Whether people joined in or simply watched with smiles, the ruach (spirit) was undeniable. It brought everyone together in the most joyous way possible — arms linked, feet moving, hearts full.
I want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to the entire community — the organisers, performers, volunteers, schools, families, and every single person who helped bring this event to life. Your energy, passion, and unity made the day not only a success but something truly memorable.
Being part of the ZCNSW Yom Ha’Atzmaut Family Carnival wasn’t just about taking photos — it was about being immersed in a celebration of culture, identity, and connection. It reminded me why I love doing what I do — capturing real moments that tell a bigger story.
Until next year — Yom Ha’Atzmaut Sameach! 🇮🇱💙
