SHE is renowned around these parts for her work as a highly-respected photographer.
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But Katrina Partridge has also been making waves on the Gold Coast over the past two weeks.
The Upper Hunter-based snapper captured some of the most popular events at the annual Magic Millions – from VIP marquees to cocktail parties and record-breaking sale days.
She said her sixth year at the top level auction and carnival proved to be an incredible experience.
“I was up there for 11 days and my brief was as an official photographer,” she said.
“Every year they add something else to it and this time it was obviously the polo.
“The Argentinian, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, is the best in the world, and the likes of Rob Archibald, Francesca Cumani and Zara Phillips were all involved.
“To be able to watch them, and capture the action, was just amazing.
“Then there was the VIP marquee with all the top-end fashion and who’s who from the social scene.
“After that was the barrier draw which starts at 3am – the horses get to the beach and there are all famous jockeys there including Tommy Berry.
“One of the richest men in the world, Sheikh Fahad Al Thani, was part of the gallop along the beach as was [Sydney’s leading jockey] Brenton Avdulla.
“It’s probably the signature thing to photograph.
“I went further into the water this year and ended up losing a camera, so it’s an expensive exercise.
“But sometimes the risk you take it worth the reward and I got some amazing shots as the sun was coming up.”
Ms Partridge said Gold Coast City Council deserved praise for the event going ahead.
“The Gold Coast really embraces Magic Millions, and for council to allow the beach to be open to that many horses and people is a real credit to them,” she said.
A record-breaking four days of sales then followed, with buyers spending more than $130 million during that time.
“It was ridiculously hot but I was working with an amazing group of people,” Ms Partridge added.
“We started taking photos at 8am and would do 12 hour days. There were photographers and people from all around the world and it was just incredible to meet them.”
