AURA

 AURA is an aspirational and inspirational book dripping with evocative photographs of humble ocean pools that stir the soul of those who love a body of water to throw themselves into. Swimming is a childhood rite of passage and an Australian obsession. Treasured ocean pools are where children learn to swim and keep on swimming. AURA explores the beauty of these east coast saltwater sanctuaries and the deep passion they inspire. Places where we are free to dive or leap into at no cost. Some dare to use the diving blocks, others swim down memory lanes. The dawn and dusk shots are an encouragement to create a ritual of your own to enjoy the rich colours of the sky and sea, or perhaps instead a reminder of the one time you did. Developed by human efforts ocean pools are convenient and accessible, communal, sustainable and most of all restorative. Laura Reid's photographs plunge you in amongst the best of them. AUTHOR: Laura Reid is a quiet observer who feels most grounded, relaxed and energised when by the water. Her photographs speak to that love and of the uniqueness of the eastern Australian seaboard, urban landscapes and coastal communities. They have an artistic and lasting value. She happily roams camera in hand and in her swimming costume, capturing a unique sense of time and place, the quality of sunlight and shadows. This joy is translated into her images. The influence of her professional life as a town planning consultant is apparent in her thoughtful inclusion of lines, structures and composition. Laura has exhibited both nationally and internationally. She was a Finalist in the 2021 Australian National Photographic Portrait Prize.