The Vivid Festival takes place each year around the harbour of Sydney. It is a celebration of light and sound, with buildings lit up with wonderful patterns of light, some of them interactive.
Although much of the festival is on a grand scale, I found the interactions of people much more interesting…
Back to the future
I’ve been thinking about my photography a lot lately. Partly because we are emigrating to Australia, and that there will be a change in lifestyle that will free up a bit more time to pursue my passion. The weather will mean we will be able to get out a lot more too. But I’ve also been considering investing in some better equipment – equipment that I will choose to match the type of photography I want to do more of. The reality though, is that any decision to spend money on new equipment is one I will want to mull over for some time, at least until we’ve settled.
However, I have bought a new camera. Inspired by some folk whose blogs I follow (particularly John Carey and Jenni), I have been reminiscing about the beauty and joy of film. While I have no desire to spend any more hours in a dark room engulfed in the smell of developer, there is something attractive (in my memory, at least) about the simplicity of analogue photography. I think more about my photo as I don’t went to waste film. There’s no histogram or reviewing of your image, so I put more effort into getting it right first time. The cameras respond to twists and presses with a mechanical resistance and real, not synthesised clicks.
Hello to my new companion.
I found this little beauty on ebay, with new light seals and a Zuiko f1.4 50mm lens. It’s in fantastic condition, and looks like a toy next to a huge, modern DSLR.
I’ve bought some film (Kodak Ektar 100), and can’t wait to try it out tomorrow, when I’ll be in Edinburgh for one of my last visits. Let’s hope I survive the nostalgia.
Playtime is over
The recent mild weather and lighter evenings has brought the children in my area outside, to play and let their imaginations run wild in chalk on tarmac.
The View From Auchengarrich
A brief break from our house packing duties took us to the highlands with my brother and nephew.
The view was worth every bone-jarring pothole.
Frosty Morning
I love the crisp crunch of the frost under my feet in the morning.
Greenery
Submitted to Photo Friday ‘Greenery’ challenge.
Fuck is Love
The temptation of a clean, white wall was obviously too much for this poet.
Cockle Bay
I spent a couple of nights in the Pyrmont area of Sydney, and headed out to take in the harbour area early in the morning. On my way to a cafe to grab some breakfast, I crossed the Pyrmont bridge, to be greeted by a steady stream of joggers and cyclists. It was something I noticed every day – Australia gave me the impression of being an active nation.
Cockle Bay has a monorail that loops the area, and has great views of the city.
The National Maritime Museum is also close by.
There’s lots of fountains in the area.
And parks being built.
And street art being drawn.
Mike Baker | Photography 