#2 - Catching a Break / Melbourne Part 1.
Bleak Charm | Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
So, in July I took a solo trip down to Melbourne for 6 days.
Travelling alone was refreshing and relaxing to say the least - doing things on my own terms, stopping to take photographs, sitting in cafés just writing and people-watching, standing before the vast sea with my eyes closed and feeling the wind through my hair - I just did 'me'.
Going travelling on my own has always been something I've wanted to do - but I'd never thought I would be doing it this soon. I just came to a point where I had to go away - I had to leave. With all the different types of lemons life was throwing my way, I really just wanted some oranges instead (hurhur). I felt like I could not catch a break - my life akin to a drama series being acted out.
So then, I guess I created my own window of opportunity to indulge in wanderlust (and catch the break I so desperately needed).
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
To have been able to take this trip – I have been incredibly blessed. No words can quite describe my thankfulness. I always try to remind myself to have a grateful heart – which is sometimes hard – and often I don’t. Anyway, luckily for me, everything was rather smooth-sailing (apart from the ridiculous flight delay which made me lose a whole day of exploration – thanks a lot Jetstar).
While in Melbourne, my days consisted of walking, eating, photo-taking, writing, sightseeing, more walking, more eating, thinking, and reflecting. I went armed with willpower - trying to keep an open heart and mind at the same time – a lust for adventure and discovery, and my 4 cameras (Canon 1100D, Nikon F90, Fujifilm Instax mini 90 Neo Classic, and Polaroid Spectra).
Happiness, Or What You Will | Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
I’m so excited to be finally sharing the images I took while exploring all the nooks and crannies of Melbourne city. These photographs are all taken on film using my Nikon F90. I absolutely love shooting on film (I wish I could just shoot film – if only it wasn’t so expensive to buy and develop). I adore the effects that film can give you – effects that digital cameras can’t. Depending on the film speed and type, surrounding environment, and focal subject, sometimes I get a soft, faded look; other times I get bright, vivid colours.
Film photography is such a gamble – but that’s what I love about it. You can’t review your photos, and the wait to see your developed film is filled with such suspense. You kind of just run with your gut instincts and then hope and pray that it all pays off – but, oh boy, when you collect your film and squint at the little thumbnails on the index print, and you realise how gorgeous your photos look and start jumping for joy (literally me) – that feeling is so rewarding.
My film photographs are also untouched, unedited, and left in their original form. I loved how they turned out, so I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
Dear Stranger | Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
On my first full day in Melbourne, I took to the CBD.
First stop: Hosier Lane.
Turning into this lane carpeted with graffiti was jaw-dropping – no surface was left unpainted. I took the time to admire all the colours and forms, and even reading the messages of satirical commentary which I found provoking and very true. Being there served to remind me yet again of the power of art – art’s gut-wrenching yet compelling nature; how art has the enduring ability to provoke thought and contemplation - a reminder not to take anything for granted. Artists not only create aesthetically appealing works, but conceptual pieces that carry a plethora of interpretations and entailed meanings – artists do the thinking for us.
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
Nikon F90 | Fujifilm Superia 400
(I was so scared to take this shot – but I'm glad I did)
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
On the search for lunch, I walked down Swanston Street and through Bourke Street Mall, before visiting the anticipated Hardware Lane.
Hardware Lane was really hyped up for me – I was looking forward to the amazing cafés that my friends had raved about. But apart from the cute macaron shop and second hand camera store, I was left rather underwhelmed.
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
(how stunning are those clouds?!)
Prior to my trip, I had the impression that Melbourne’s weather was really erratic and especially cold during winter. To my surprise, it wasn’t much cooler than Sydney – which I was naturally happy about because I hate the cold.
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
I remember arriving in Melbourne and feeling a surge of freedom – it was rather surreal. Almost liberating but not quite.
Nikon F90 | Kodak Ultramax 400
(To be continued)
With love,
Emily.