As a conscious festival photographer, Northern Rivers NYE gatherings don't get more magical than Sacred Hearts NYE 2023/2024 — these images from Karl at Down To Earth Media capture the raw beauty of a community stepping boldly into a brand new year together.
Laying back on the grass to soak up the performances or floating cosmic river-side — Sacred Hearts is an immersive gathering where we let go of our inhibitions and connect to our fully expressed selves.
Sacred Hearts is a co-creative synergistic festival, supporting like minded souls who are ready to drop into their truth and playfulness. Together we let go of everything that was, and collectively created a portal to step boldly into 2024.
Follow their journey and stay updated on future gatherings over at @sacred.hearts.unite on Instagram.
Sacred Hearts NYE Northern Rivers 2023/2024 was an unexpected adventure. I originally volunteered as a stage manager ready to dabble in some live audio. But somewhere between setting up and the afternoon vibes settling in, my camera found its way into my hands and I found myself capturing some magic.
The location was picture perfect — a secret riverside setting, hidden away from the world, with the sound of water underneath the music as midnight approached. As a conscious festival photographer, Northern Rivers has some truly magical hidden pockets and Sacred Hearts had found one of them.
What I loved most was the freedom of not being the official photographer. I could drift between tasks and moments — capturing the morning light on the river, the afternoon energy building on the dancefloor, the faces of people completely high in their element. Some of my favourite images from that whole year came from those in-between moments.
One of my unexpected highlights of Sacred Hearts NYE Northern Rivers was connecting with fellow videographer Jessie from Jessie Cloud Media. Together we took her drone out over the tranquil river — capturing footage from above of humans sharing intimate moments together against the backdrop of the most tranquil natural setting. Watching those images come to life from above was something truly magical.
Beyond the drone footage, I remember clearly getting in front of people — tuning into their unique energy and capturing it in a single frame. It resembles a dance - Every person carries their own energetic signature and as a conscious festival photographer, Northern Rivers gatherings like Sacred Hearts, provide me with access to some of the most joyfully expressed humans I have ever met.
Later that day I found myself on a natural high that carried me well into midnight. It's an beautiful state that only comes from abstaining from any substances and connecting first and foremost into self, that then expands into genuine community. From this state I can enjoy great music while following my heart into exactly where I am meant to be. That's honestly the medicine I have personally experienced being in the Sacred Hearts NYE Northern Rivers conscious festival scene.
Karl from Down To Earth Media specialises in documenting conscious festivals, sacred ceremonies and high vibe gatherings across the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay and beyond. Not your corporate photographer — someone who would rather show up barefoot, ready to document your event with full presence and devotion.
Looking for a conscious festival photographer, Northern Rivers — for your next sacred gathering, NYE celebration or high vibe event? Down To Earth Media is ready to document it. Byron Bay, and beyond — we travel to capture the magic.
