Melbourne in Film from a Leica virgin

[Thedraperyfalls]

The entire train was filled with supporters heading to an AFL game. One of them told us that there's going to be about 80, 000 people attending the game.

Tightly clutching her prized finds.

Both adults had their interest piqued by whatever the boy was looking at.

The flea markets there are fantastic, and filled with all manner of antiques to strange knick-knacks.
You see people from all walks of life, buying the strangest items like candle holders and table-lamps.

It's hard to argue with a sign like that.

 

[hookonclassic]

Great story line to accompany all your wonderful pics. Looks like you had a good trip. Looking forward to more pics and accompanying foot notes.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

+1....great series with narrative.

 

[Orcinus_orca]

Nice photos especially the street musicians. Hope to see more from another trip in the future.

 

[NazgulKing]

Nice pictures

 

[hydroburn249]

many of these deserved to be re-scanned at higher resolutions. are these shop scans? such a waste they seem quite low res. please dont shoot me and say sharpness is a bourgeoisie concept. hahah.

but lovely pictures nonetheless. the light in most of them are just great! you have a great eye!'

-edit-

maybe sharpness isnt the right word. cos there's obvious focus in the shots. i think details. yes the scans seem to lack some details. dont get me wrong i'm not saying the pictures are bad, just the scans seem low res to me, which is a waste cos the shots are brilliant.

 

[adamadam]

I really enjoyed all the photos you showed.
Especially with the captions! Fantastic!

 

[astroboy888]

Phil, keep up the great work. I totally felt that I was there with you! Traveling the way you did with a GF in tow (understanding partner, don't let her go) is one of the best ways to immerse yourself into the culture and people you visit.

When I was much younger, that's the way I travelled too. I had such great times! Now with a family, their comfort requirements doesn't allow me to travel that way any longer. Fortunately I might be joining our Drunken Master, Gary on his trip to Katmandu and will relive my old traveling style. I'm looking forward to it. When I told my wife of the kind of trip it will be, she laughed and wished me well.

On a sad note, I'm down to one acoustic guitar. My beloved Gibson SJ200. That is also up for sale to help fund a new lens!

 

[Thedraperyfalls]

Glad that you guys enjoyed the photos and captions!
I include captions in a frail attempt to give some context, otherwise nobody will know what's going on.
Maybe one day when my photos are good enough to speak on their own, I'd stop including these liners.

hydroburn249:
Thank you for the comment, I will take note of the resolution for future posts.
I scanned them at 2400dpi w/o digital-ice on a V700, not the best -
But frankly, I thought it was adequate for web usage - but I'm no expert.
I hear you and when time permits I'd get some of my favorites scanned using a Coolscan 9000.


astroboy888:
Hi Jonathan, thanks for the encouragement!
I'm lucky in the sense that she shares the same passion, though her interest lies in still-life and landscapes.
She shoots film too loves big cameras, big format - the bigger the better.
And nothing matters more than bokeh to her..

I can totally understand where you are coming from, traveling along or with a like-minded partner is much easier.
It was almost impossible to wander around when traveling with the family.
Great to hear of your upcoming trip, very excited to see the ensuing pictures!
And what can I say, you chose an excellent guitar to retain. We only have a pair of hands, one guitar will suffice!

I'm still sorting out the remaining photos, and getting them scanned.
But here's a classic cam-whore shot with the M4P, hahahaha! :

 

[Thedraperyfalls]

This is the majestic Flinders Street Station. Our backpackers' inn was just beside it, making traveling very convenient.

Hagrid spotted Next Door.

Little angel finding her way home.

Sisters of the Scarf - central Melbourne is a very ethnically diverse area with as many Asians as there are Caucasians.
My worries of racism were unfounded. Though I've heard some stories such as Asian being spat on and such.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Really great series and very interesting to see my home country through your eyes

 

[aomoon]

Woooo!!! really love your Melbourne escapade ! Looks like you are really having fun and shooting at the same time!!!

 

[amritsg]

Awesome stuff! that's what's best about photography its just expressions of visions and thoughts mixed with experiences. Lovely.

 

[Thedraperyfalls]

Thank you Amritsg! I didn't think anybody was still viewing this thread.
Anyway here's some more, apologies for dragging it out for so long.

Martin, these following shots of performing musicians were in some way inspired by your 'freeplay' series.

They played some of the best mix of gypsy jazz and flamenco I have ever had the good fortune to hear.
They were electrifying and had the crowd completely mesmerized.

When I heard him play, I immediately thought of the Bireli Lagrene.
Luscious licks, terrific timing, and phenomenal phrasing.

 

[Thedraperyfalls]

Right away the breathtaking street performance above, we encountered a protest.
It was a peaceful protest, but it was still charged with emotions and the police were flanking the stream of protestors.
They were protesting against against al-Assad, and were shouting themselves hoarse through the loudspeakers.

It was difficult to get a good shot because of the crowd and the fact that they were moving really quickly.

 

[hydroburn249]

u experienced so many things while over there. must have been a great trip.

 

[mamypoko]

Excellent shots, the narrative is excellent.

 

[Bravia]

Thanks for sharing.
Taking that extra effort to put down the stories being the photos made this photo essay even more enjoyable.
And the magic is not in the camera.
You made the magic.