While I was walking...

Glimpses of Melbourne. On the walk home from the State Library. 
I walk these roads often but they always offer something new. The seasons have a way of transforming the cityscape. I like the way the trees compliment the architecture.

La Trobe St. Hints of Physical Graffiti. Anyone agree? Anyone know what I'm talking about? lol

Carlton. Trees and architecture create winter tonal delights. 

Carlton. Something about the trees and architecture again. They were really talking to me (visually) on that day.

Sidewalk art. 

Winter tones in Carlton. 

Carlton. Just caught my eye and appealed to me. 

Oh the stories that must live in these walls! 

Almost home. Carlton North. 

State Library - Part Two

Some more favourites from hanging out at the State LIbrary in Melbourne. All of these photos were taken on the Fuji xt-2 Mirrorless Camera. 

I like the idea that the birds are playing chess. 

This guy didn't feel the cold at all! Everyone else is rugged up in layers and coats and scarves. He's not even shivering!

State Library of Victoria

This is my last Saturday off for a while. Next Saturday I start the next Level 2 - Introduction to Photography - Technical & Aesthetic at RMIT  in Melbourne (Still a couple of places if you want to join us).  Once of the activities we'll be doing is photographing the State Library, so I thought I'd head down this morning and see where the light was falling and make sure it's not covered in scaffolding like it was one other time. I ask the students to edit down to 6 of their favourite images so I limited myself to the same number.

I love the State Library. It's a fantastic building inside and out with so much to see. It's a 'must see' for any visitors to Melbourne.  I stuck to the outside of the building. Apart from the striking architecture, I'm always impressed by the 'life' and activity that goes on out the front. 

I have more favourites though so I might cheat and do another post! Oh, and I had arranged a meeting at the Cafe (Mr Tulk) but in the end no one else could make it, so it was Eggs Benny and a Bloody Mary for one. 

Alowyn Gardens

What an absolute delight these gardens are. I left Melbourne in the morning with an anxious, muddled mind and came back clear headed and relaxed. Best medicine ever. 

I'll be making a point of visiting this garden every season. It's such a wonderful design.

Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Change is slow coming but I hope for a time when as a Nation we respect and honour Australia's First People with a genuine pride. 
I went with my housemate Phil to the Melbourne Botanic Gardens for an Aboriginal Heritage Walk. It was a wonderful way to learn about the people and the culture. The walks are held every day but as part of Reconciliation Week they are free (you're too late, today was the last free day, so you'll have to pay unless you want to wait 'til next year). 
We had a terrific guide to educate us and were treated to a traditional smoking ceremony. I was struck most by the talk of listening to your spirit and felt a sense of the purposefulness of the culture as opposed to the busyness of todays society. It was humbling.

Come to the Carnival (and learn to take better photos while you're there!)

This is the official video launch for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. If you've always wanted to go and see what it's all about, come with me and I'll show you around (and teach you some photography tips too).