It's been almost 7 years since Rupert the cheeky Dacshund went to live with his new Mum, Sarah, and I started commuting back and forth to Melbourne. It was a bold and somewhat rash decision but one of the better ones I've made in my time. Melbourne has been good to me. The Coast will always be 'home'. When I get stressed at the complexities of living between two places, I remind myself how bloody lucky I am to have the best of both worlds.
I went to visit Rupert and Sarah last week and we went for a walk on their local beach (Yaroomba, I think it is). I'm absolutely certain that Rupert got the best deal in the world when Sarah adopted him. He is so well loved and looked after.
Sarah not only took on Rupert but she kept Wild Honey Photography running while I got up to speed with teaching photography. She's a great portrait and event photographer. You can find her at Your Life Photography.
I'd seen Sarah's great sunset shots and put an order in for a similarly spectacular sunset for my visit. And then I got lost and nearly missed it. The light was fading fast (up the ISO on the Fuji X-T2) but we got a couple of quick snaps with Rupert before heading back to Sarah's place for a Thai Green Curry and a bottle of red.
Blogging is a good way to remember that amongst all the shit that goes on in the world, there are good things that life offers up. Beautiful beaches, sunsets, good friends, cute puppies, yummy food and red, red, wine.
While I was walking (on the Sunshine Coast)
COUNTING MY BLESSINGS.
I went for a walk around the Moffat Beach Headland yesterday afternoon. I popped in to share a wine with a friend at Shelley Beach and then walked back in the dark.
I walk home from work in Melbourne in the dark too.
"Be Careful" people say.
"Remember what happened to Jill Meagher" they say.
I wonder what the statistics are for people getting raped and murdered at night time, as opposed to in the day time or in their own homes. I figure I'm much more likely, statistically, to die or get injured in a car accident. But nobody frowns at you disapprovingly when you say you're going for a drive.
Anyway, it was an absolutely beautiful night. And I was just grateful to be alive and to live in such an amazing place. I feel doubly lucky to also live in Melbourne, which just landed the "most liveable city in the world' for about the 7th time in a row.
I took a few happy snaps along the way. I was a little bit too early and then a little bit too late for the best light (that was the wine drinking time, which is surely a reasonable alternative to taking photos).
I spotted this guy watering his peas and as I walked past I thought it would make a great photo with the old house in the background. My confidence and outgoingness waxes and wanes, and as somewhat of an introvert, I usually keep walking, and then berate myself for my cowardice. (PS. No problem approaching strangers if I'm getting paid to photograph, but when it's just for me...).
But then I thought of my friend in Melbourne who is so sick going through cancer treatment, and I figured I had nothing to lose by asking. So I backtracked, said g'day and asked if I could take a photo. Simple as that. I then had a lovely chat in the afternoon sun talking about old houses, (multi)million dollar views and growing vegies. His daughter came out and got the obligatory squirt with the hose and for a moment life seemed quite simple.
One day this house will be gone and apartments put in its place and I will be so glad I stopped to take this photo. Thanks for being a good sport Travis.
Suburbia at Sunset.
Photos taken with the Fuji X-T2. Night shots balanced on the edge of a railing.
Sensuous Serendipity
I walked outside my back door and the wind had blown this little Bougainvillea beauty right onto my door mat. I stooped to pick it up and study it. Then placed it on my lightbox to capture the exquisite beauty of nature.
I love the details that are so often overlooked in the bigger picture. The intricate patterns of the veins. The sensuality of a curve.
Student Profile - People & Portrait Photography Course @ RMIT
It's always sad when a Short Course comes to an end. We spend an intense eight weeks together (one night a week) and then it's all over. So I've decided to occasionally feature selected students and their work just to ease the withdrawals.
Jeremy has just completed the Rmit Short Course in People & Portrait Photography. He presented this series of photos, 'ORANGE' as part of his final folio.
What camera are you shooting with?
Sony a7rii
What's your favourite lens?
50mm f1.8 lens
What's the hardest part about portraiture for you?
Trying to achieve the closest photo to your idea. I usually have small compromises or have sudden new ideas while shooting. So I would always be experimenting while I’m shooting. This applies not just for portraiture but for photography for me in general.
What did you enjoy or learn or like the best about the People and Portrait class?
I enjoyed learning how to use studio lightings. I’ve always admired photographers create amazing photos using studio lighting in unconventional ways. I also enjoyed seeing other student’s work and perspectives in their photography.
How old are you?
23 years old.
How/why/when did you get interested in photography?
Photography has always been a hobby of mine but I really got into it in my 2nd year of university. The ever-changing creative culture in Melbourne has definitely deepened my interest in photography. Seeing new ideas from students and/or people working in different creative fields are one of my inspirations for my photography.
Why did you choose to do the People and Portrait Course at RMIT?
I studied in RMIT before so I knew that in terms of creative subjects, RMIT is one of the more practical and hands-on universities, which is my preferred method of learning.
What's your next photographic project?
Probably another single color theme. This time, I would like to experiment more with studio lighting with the next project.
Would you like to go pro one day or is your photography strictly for fun?
I definitely would like to go pro one day but I like to find balance between two aspects. I would want my work to be professional and be fun for me at the same time.
What do you like to do when you're not taking photos?
I would be either be hanging out with friends, listening to music or finding new music to listen, learning how to cook new recipes or playing video games.
Working or studying?
I graduated from RMIT last year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Games Design but after realizing that I want to have a change in career to photography, I took a few months off and practiced on my photography and eventually signing up for the People and Portraiture class. My next move would be to look for an internship in photography.
Where did you grow up? (How long have you lived in Melbourne?)
I grew up in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It’s an island kind of town, slow and chill. I have stayed in Melbourne for 4 years now ever since I left Malaysia for university.
Will you continue with portraiture or venture into other genre's?
I would definitely continue experimenting with portraiture but I would also like to develop on my street photography too. I was even considering learning videography at one point.
How did you come up with the ideas/inspiration for Orange?
I was inspired by Korean photographer @ralachoi for his use of strong, single-block colours, as well as his simplistic set design. I stumbled upon his work when I was listening to Spotify and saw an album cover that stuck out to me.
Do you have any portrait tips to share?
Always try to have a good composition between subject and space. Sometimes what you show less is better.
You can follow Jeremy on Instagram: @jrmy_wng
If you're interested in learning more about photographing people, the next People and Portrait course starts in October.
self portrait - jeremy wong
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - Photography Holiday - Sept 2017
Who is it for?
- Anyone who likes taking photos!
- Or more specifically, anyone who likes photography and taking photos and likes to get to the best locations and don't want to be hurried along by others who don't understand if the lights is just right.
- Anyone who wants to learn more about their camera or how to take better photos.
- Anyone from complete beginners through to serious enthusiasts.
- Anyone who wants to be at the best places at the right time but doesn't want to figure out how to get there or worry about parking.
- Anyone who wants to learn more about using composition and design elements and light to take better photos.
- Anyone who loves taking photos. Who loses themselves in the moment. Gets lost in the lens.
- Anyone who loves parks and gardens at their most beautiful.
- Anyone who has questions about photography or their camera but doesn't know who to ask. Or even 'how' to ask or 'what' to ask. Q. "How do you get that thing to do the whatsit so it looks like a thingamibob." A. "Oh, you press that button and spin that dial and bobs your aunty."
The tour offers lots of opportunities to practice different aspects of photography. Macro, low light, action, landscape, movement, fireworks, street photography. There's something for everyone.
My favourite part is getting in amongst the flowers with a macro lens in the early morning light before the crowds move in.
The photos here are of my brother Stew, who is also our bus driver and horticultural expert. I visited the Carnival in 2016 to plan for this years tour and gave him a few photography tips along the way. He's pretty happy with his slow shutter speed shot of the flowing water in the waterfall.
Night Photography at the Carnival of Flowers
Apart from Fairy Floss and Dagwood Dogs, both of which I'll be avoiding (unless there's a good photo opportunity), there's plenty of other action in Side Show Alley at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. A great opportunity to practice those slow shutter speed shots with colourful action rides and fireworks on over three nights.
