The mission was to find gifts at Vic Market. I parked at Fed Square and walked there, stopping at Michaels Camera House (on Elizabeth Street) for invaluable advice about triggering a Nikon SB600 on a Sony. Turns out it's easy as. But that's another story.
Fifteen minutes later I'd reached the market. The pace was frenetic as always. But people were polite, often saying "Sorry!" as they bumped into one another. Perhaps Winter days are better because we're not as 'hot and bothered'. It certainly was a gorgeous day. Fresh air, brilliant sunshine, no wind; long shadows. I like this kind of Winter day.
I took my favourite 35mm street camera along for the walk and for photo therapy. There was no 'photo plan'. I didn't take many but quite liked some moments. Here are my favourites. Quick disclaimer: The aim is not perfection cause then there'd be no blog. Just photo-therapy. Guess I walked 6km today and that's good too.
Pics are in the order in which they were taken.
Winter daze on Swanston Street. People conversing, smoke in the air, backlit sun, and bicycle shadows... just had to take the shot. I flipped it horizontally because it feels better.
Some pics are very special.
St Francis Church is located on the corner of Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets. It is the oldest Catholic church in Victoria. I find it interesting how it has been assimilated into the surrounding urban landscape. Including the alignment of the dome behind. BTW the dome protects the historic shot tower in Melbourne Central.
Old Vic Market vs Progress. I hope and pray this market remains. And we do need to pray. Because money has no soul and those who chase it would like to make unwelcome changes. Spend a half a day here and feel the character of the place. We don't need another same as all the others over priced over hyped glossy shopping mall. No. No. No. But Money has no soul.
Giants in the land. And more growing on the right-hand-side. Focussed on the light bulbs to slightly separate my POV from those huge new buildings.
"Searching for the songs to play." (from "The Guitar Man")
1500kg of Plastic Trash in the shape of a Wave at Fed Square to promote World Oceans Day. 1.5tons of plastic is thought to enter Australia's Oceans EVERY SINGLE DAY. Some invades the food chain. "Shock" advertising by Corona. The Seagull was a last second extra.
I can't help photographing these iconic City Circle Trams. It stopped at the light. I walked ten metres East and then waited for the lights to change. And hoped for a moment the Tram could find its place in the scene. I think it worked. As a bonus there are at least two passengers gazing intently out the windows. Applied a 'Matte' preset to this one.
The wheels of Winter ... are larger. I stood here waiting for the light to change thinking "wouldn't it be great if a bicycle came along" as the sun sank low. Five seconds later this fellow rides into the scene. So I shot him.
Heading home. Bet their other bikes are Harley's. Their safety vests were so bright I desaturated the image to save your eyes. Thanks for making it this far :-)