It has been a very long time since I was in the city, but today I finally went back in. I think the last time I went into the CBD of Melbourne was before the pandemic.
It was different. I was surprised at how much I didn’t love it like I used to. I am not sure why.
It seems like they are totally rebuilding the city and everywhere you turn around there is a building site. So many buildings have been torn down to make way for other things. I know they are extending the underground train system, but I don’t like what is happening to it all.
I also don’t like what they are doing along the river. Seems it is now real estate for rent too.
After wandering around for a few hours I’m not sure when I will go back in. I am not sure I miss it really.
I was with my friend Steve and we explored a few places. I got some shots that I quite like and some that were a bit more abstract.
Can you work it out?
It is between two escalators in one building. It was an interesting place. There was lots of green glass, but I changed it so it wouldn’t stand out too much.
Steve pointed out this next one.
All these modern buildings and this old one just peeking through.
I believe the old building is the old Stock Exchange Building.
When we stopped and started taking photos a few others did the same when they realised what we were seeing.
Finally, near the end, we went to a place we had been to before and I photographed the whole staircase that is in the feature image.
It was nice to be working on architecture again. It seems like forever since I did that. I want to get back into it, but I don’t think I have to go right into the city to do it. It is time I started looking into what is around me more. I have some ideas, but they will have to wait for another day.
Today was just about wandering and seeing what we could find with our cameras. I was using my Fujifilm X-S10 with the Tamron 18-300mm on it. That lens is fast becoming one of my favourites. I did take my 3 Legged Thing tripod with me, but it wasn’t a great day for that. It was too sunny.
Actually, it wasn’t a great day for photos all around as it was really too sunny and there were too many shadows. It was too contrasty. If that makes sense. That happens.
I will leave it there for now. Is there somewhere you used to go all the time, but stopped because of the pandemic? Have you been back since? If yes, what did you think?
the first two shots i lean more to black and white but that one of the staircase well, the color wins because is just enough to set off what looks to be black and white. thanks for sharing.
Interesting observations Jim, I totally get what you mean about the one with the stairs. Thank you.
super
Thank you.
love this shape and the simplicity
That’s great Diana, thank you.
Brilliant
Thank you.
Hi
hi
Wow, impressive set there.
Thank you.
Love these photographs. I have always enjoyed your architectural photographs.
Thank you RJ, I have to admit it feels good doing more again.
Nice
Thank you Ayi.
Hi Leanne. I can share your feelings. I am seeing similar developments here in Sydney and many cities around the world.
Building going mad and the characters of the places are changing.
All the glass, concrete and steel, may look good on the plan, but in the end, they are sterile and bland.
Even some of the architectural effects they build in, can not cover the fact, that the buildings have no ‘feeling’.
The faces of our cities, in the quest for profits, will age as fast as the one of a chain smoker of 20years.
The playful architecture of the past, sometimes overloaded, always gave the eye something to linger on. On modern facades it can simply slide down as a drp of water in glass.
I think for us photographers modern architecture has too much sameness. But here is the challenge. Too sunny is a problem, in particular in Australia with its harsh light and deep shadows. But for modern architecture it can be a blessing, in looking at the play of light and shadow and use this element to make architectural and cityscape photography interesting. Not easy though and best for black and white.
Norbert
I don’t know if I like it so much Norbert. When they build interesting buildings it is good, but that isn’t always the case.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been really excited when I’ve seen some buildings, but then when they are built they just don’t live up to the original ideas.
Oh yes, that quest for profit is ruining a lot of things. The river used to be this wonderful thing, but now they are letting people build things on it. I hate it.
Old buildings have so much more character and we all know they will last a lot longer than their contemporary counterparts.
Yes, bright sunlight is a massive problem here. I like to get out before the sun gets up, but not always possible.
Thank you so much Norbert, a lot to think about.
You really do creative things with architecture. Don’t give up on going to the city–at least sometimes.
Thank you Pam, that is really nice of you to say. I do love it, but I’ve been thinking about exploring the suburbs more. See what I can find.
This escalator was very incredible. This brings memories back when we visited Melbourne.. great images.
Anita
Thank you Anita, it is nice getting different angles. When were you in Melbourne? I love living here.
Lovely photography. Nice to see Melbourne through an architect’s eyes and a photographer’s lens… via the same person!
Thank you. I am not an architect, but I do love architecture. There is some amazing buildings around the world. I love to look through my lens to capture it.
Marvelous use of spirals, swoops and contrasts.
Thank you Mitch, I love finding things like that.
Love the shot of the stock exchange building. It is stunning.
Thank you Chris, it is a lucky find, I suppose. Good seeing by Steve.
Really like the escalator shot.
Art
That’s great, thank you Loujen.
I love the one of the stock exchange building peaking between the modern buildings.
I went for a long walk last Sunday on a route I haven’t done since the pandemic (only peripherally related to COVID in that I took up indoor cycling as my main form of exercise during lockdown). It has lush green farmland and hills in the background with a wind farm on top. It is beautiful but I realised I had been over shooting it in boring light. I need to save it for interesting days
I don’t think you are alone with the image you like best Sonya.
Oh yes, having the right light is so important. Bad light can really ruin your images. It sounds like a gorgeous place though. Thank you.
Hard to choose a favorite but that framed tower would be mine.
I get the feeling that one is going to be a favourite. Thank you Dawn.
We used to go to this independent movie theater here in town but haven’t been there for almost three years now :(. I miss it. Maybe it’s time to go again. Love the photos!
It is amazing what we have all missed. Maybe it is time to go and see Svetlana. Thank you.
I was sure that the first photo was an escalator, it had the right shape and length, great photo! The others are nice too, especially the old building framed by the modern construction.
It is quite a distinctive shape. Thank you John, I think the old building was a good find. Loved the way it was peaking through.