On Saturday 22nd of February, a tribute night was held for DJ ALF at the Kings Cross Hotel. ALF was an icon in the Australian dance music scene and known to many as one of the friendliest people you’ll know. I had the honour to be able to call him a friend through mutual connections in the scene and love for music. I was also lucky enough to photograph him playing out at many club event mostly in the early-to-mid-00’s, and later, have him involved in my music portrait project Heart Beats at Home.

It had been a while since I’d taken any club photos so it took me a hot minute to get back into it. I’d also admit, seeing all these shiny new camera phones out with amazing low light capability (compared to my 10 year old hunk of metal digital slr) made me feel a little apprehensive to create something of equal quality.

After catching up with a lot of familiar faces (some I hadn’t seen in ages) and some good music, I eventually settled in and took a handful of photos of ALF’s crew playing great music like old times including a special tap dance tribute performance by his wife Rita.

It was a great night, to relive like old times and recapture new memories for all involved to round up a beautiful event.

Much love to ALF’s family and friends. May we keep it real always!