The space officially launched in July, and more surprises are in store. Photos: The Photo Parlor.
A new party experience in Bulli is creating picture-perfect moments and capturing timeless memories with its combination of professional photography and creative celebration bringing a fresh offering to the Illawarra’s event scene.
Nikki Gavrila has thrived in high-end beauty and product photography for more than a decade, but couldn’t let go of an idea that would make her art more interactive.
“I had this concept for The Photo Parlor for a while,” Nikki said. “I was working out of a garage studio doing the product stuff for years and was cooking up this idea for creating these photo party events.”
She was determined to take the leap in the new venture once she found the right venue.
But in discovering a space in Bulli she found much more than just a location, she also found fellow creative Lisa Hughes.
“Lisa is an incredible curator and artist; she has this incredible space that just sort of slotted in with this concept that I’d been working on.
“She already had some beautiful pieces of eclectic furniture and she was starting to create a big collection of disco balls and the concept for The Photo Parlor just married really well in this space and we’ve just built on what’s already here.”
With Lisa as host and Nikki behind the lens, The Photo Parlor aims to create a party atmosphere centred on having fun and celebrating with friends, without the awkward moments and self-consciousness that can sometimes be associated with photoshoots.
“It’s just a place to come and let your hair down; it’s not too serious,” Nikki said. “It’s about creating an experience and it’s a way to connect with people and leave with something that holds lots of memories.
“The mood’s really inviting and from what we’ve experienced so far, people come in and they feel really comfortable.
“And I know it’s intimidating sometimes to get in front of a camera so I think the way a space makes you feel lets people bring their walls down.”
They offer three packages, from one for those looking for a quick session before a night out, to a full four-hour main event, all with bubbles on arrival, a PA system, props, costumes and a curated digital gallery.
Nikki and Lisa have joined forces to bring the ultimate photography party experience to the Illawarra. Photo: The Photo Parlor.
There’s even the potential to add on things like grazing boards or custom cakes, with the duo already exploring fun extras such as tarot readings or karaoke.
It’s pitched as being perfect for events such as birthdays and hens parties, but the parlor isn’t just for those looking for a wild night out.
“On the other hand it could be a corporate event,” Nikki said. “It could be a business that’s looking to update their headshots and it’s a really great opportunity to bring everyone together, have a few drinks; it’s kind of like party in the background, corporate in front of the camera.
“There’s lots of ways that the space can be used and the concept can be used across the board.”
Seasonal pop-up sessions are set to kick of shortly.
“Across the Father’s Day weekend we’re going to have a photo pop-up, a little beautiful set and people can book a 10- to 15-minute slot and come in with their family, they can have a picture with their kids or however they want to do it,” Nikki said.
“We’ll do Christmas, we’ll do Mother’s Day, we’ll do all the seasonal events and then we’ll do some other random ones in there; we have a plan to do a pet one because we thought that would be a fun one.”
To find out more or to book a session visit The Photo Parlor website.
