SUNDAY AFTERNOON IN THE GARDENS

ROYAL ARCADE, MELBOURNE – LOCKDOWN – PART 2

The day before Lockdown (112 days) ended in Melbourne.    This is the main northern end of the Royal Arcade where it opens on to the pedestrian-only shopping area and main department stores of Bourke Street.

Hairdressers and the 5km close-to-home limit had been lifted the week before, hence me being in the city for a haircut.   Only a minute to take the shot before the lone figure moved on and my appointment were due.

I was surprised at the number of people around on this day compared to the empty ghost-town like images on the TV news some weeks before, but I suppose there were people living in city apartments who had ventured outdoors for a walk.

Melbourne city pre-COVID below.

ROYAL ARCADE, MELBOURNE – LOCKDOWN – PART 1

The Royal Arcade, Melbourne, the day before Lockdown (112 days) ended 28th October 2020.

Hairdressers and the 5km from home restrictions ended the week before, hence me being in the city centre for a haircut.   I was surprised to see a few people around, but only had a couple of minutes to take a photo before they moved on…….. and I was due for my appointment.

ARCHITECTURE – OLD & NEW – Southgate, Melbourne

STREET ART & A FEW RANDOM SHOTS – Southgate, Melbourne

Dusk over the river and city skyline changes in light from minute to minute.  Sometimes bright and well-lit, sometimes dull and lacklustre.

It’s all good fun to practice on (either way).

 

SILVER GULL AT DUSK – Riverside Walk, Southgate, Melbourne

CENTRE PLACE, MELBOURNE

I never cease to be amazed at the size of the cafes in the narrow pedestrian lane in Centre Place in Melbourne.  Most have only 2 tables outside, although some are double roller-door’s width and have small table & chairs inside as well.  The lane itself is dark and only really well-lit when the cafes are open, or the summer sun shines directly overhead.

The image above shows exactly how wide – probably about 6 feet.  The image below (which I shared a few posts ago) show how dark and gloomy it can get at dusk on an overcast day.  Despite this, it is a vibrant and well-used area as the lane is a major route for office workers and shoppers heading for home.  Weekends have a slightly different clientele – more bohemian and altogether more interesting for street photography.  Next time I’m in the city on a Sunday, I’ll make (and share) some more images.

COFFEE FOR TWO (also?)

For those who read my “Coffee for Two” post I uploaded this morning, I’ve been able to find the other image I made in the same location a month ago.

(AS ALWAYS, IF YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ONE OF MY STREET PHOTOS AND OBJECT TO IT’S PUBLIC VIEWING, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME VIA THE EMAIL ADDRESS ON MY ‘ABOUT’ PAGE AND I WILL WITHDRAW THE IMAGE PROMPTLY.  BUT I HOPE YOU DON’T ASK ME TO WITHDRAW IT,  AS IT’S RANDOM SHOTS LIKE THESE THAT BRING TODAYS LIFESTYLE ALIVE FOR THE FUTURE INHABITANTS OF OUR WONDERFUL CITIES & COUNTRY TOWNS.

I love viewing Black & White Street Photography and reading the stories behind the images of the early 20th century Street Photographers and I’m sure many other people will feel the same about these present day photos that I’m sharing with you on my PhotoBlog.

VACANT SEAT – City Laneway

DARK CITY LANE at the End of the Working Day

It was overcast and getting dark and I had an armful of shopping which I must admit made this hand-held shot at a shutter speed of 1/25 too difficult for me to hold the camera still, but there’s something about this image that reflects the atmosphere of this city lane so well.

COFFEE FOR TWO?

Or iPhones for Two?

Winter in Black & White

Methinks I’ve neglected my Black & White blog lately.

I’ve been into Melbourne’s city centre twice in the last few weeks, (shopping), and taken the DSLR and NOT MADE ONE SINGLE PHOTO !

Unthinkable.  But there it is.  Me…….. go to the city…….. and not take a photo anywhere!

I’ve been outdoors on the odd sunny day in the Royal Botanic Gardens, but only taken the occasional photo there.

I am in remission from Photography Addiction.

So it’s back to the archives to find a Wintery Day scene down by the far end of the Ornamental Lake in the Royal Botanic Gardens made on 28th June 2011.  Not much light.  Mostly fog and a shaft of sunlight to light up a patch of murky looking water.

Spring will be DownUnder in a few weeks, so hopefully, it’ll be photography weather again.