| No matter how tight
our travel budget is, almost all of us carry a camera to record our
adventures in Australia.
Whether you have a simple snapshot camera or an expensive SLR, we all
like to get the most out of our roll of film. I hope I will be able to
give you some useful tips, based on my recent short visit to Sydney.
Before you start pressing the shutter, you first have to make your
choice of film. I normally buy 200 ISO film for city photography. It’s
usually quick enough for street shots, and is not as grainy as a 400 ISO
film.
Loaded with a fresh film, you’re now probably eager to see some of
the city areas. Sydney is not too big, and I did most of my photography on
foot. The advantage is, that you may come up to some unexpected photo
opportunities, which would have otherwise been missed if you travel by bus
or underground.
|
| The best place to start your
journey is on Circular Quay. There are good views on Australias most
famous building, the Sydney Opera House, and the impressive Sydney Harbour
Bridge. There’s good light for photography throughout the whole day.
However, my favourite time of the day is at dusk, when there’s still
some light in the sky, and most of the buildings are already illuminated.
To get a properly exposed shot, you will need to put your camera on a
tripod. Many photoshops sell small ones (10 -15 cm high with flexible
legs), that are sufficient for a snapshot camera or a light SLR, and they
will fit nicely in your daypack too. You
also need to switch off your flash, in order to make a long exposure.
Check your camera for this option (and try!). You will be surprised what
your camera sometimes is capable of!
Note: All SLR cameras and the more expensive compact cameras have this
option.
|
Sydney Opera House
Sydney Harbour Bridge
|
|
Circular Quay
|
From Circular Quay, you can walk
through the historic area of The Rocks, with many old buildings.
I would certainly recommend to take a short walk onto the Sydney Harbor
Bridge as well. There are good views on the CBD and Port Jackson.
|
| From the Rocks, head towards the
CBD. The Sydney CBD has a mix of old historic buildings (like in Macquarie
Street) and modern office buildings. Together they can form a nice
contrast for a close up shot (especially if your camera has a zoom lens).
Close up photos of office walls or reflections in glass windows, can also
create an interesting effect.
|
Ofice building at Darling
Harbour |
| My favourite old building is the
Broadway Shopping centre on Parramatta Road, near the Central Station. The
building is beautifully illuminated at night
|
Broadway Shopping Centre
|
| Sydney is a lively city. There
are plenty of pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues. Although the
Kings Cross area is better avoided for photography, you can practice your
photography skills in various other areas. E.g. you can find dance
machines in the arcade halls in George Street and many colorful people in
the downtown area during Saint Patrick's day. |
Kings Cross
Arcade hall in George
Street
|
|
Darling Harbour
|
After strolling through the CBD,
head towards Darling Harbour. There are many cafes here, in case you’ve
become thirsty of all the walking. Darling Harbour offers splendid views
on the CBD. The colour changes on the office buildings around sunset are
just magic.
|
| There are a number of
interesting places that probably require a bus or train ride:
Paddington Market on Oxford Street (on Saturdays). This lively market
has a number of colourful stalls with interesting people.
New South Head Road (all the way up to the cliffs at South Head) offers
spectacular views on the city.
Definitely worth checking out!
Bondi Beach: The hill on the Southern end of the beach offers a great
view from above. Light is good at any time of the day.
Sydney Olympic Park: The modern architecture of Homebush Bay, the venue
of the 2000 Olympic Games, is certainly worth checking out. Tours through
Stadium Australia are available, and the Novotel offers a great view from
their top floor.
|
Homebush Bay stadium
|
| There are certainly
many more pittoresque places in and around Sydney, that I haven’t
visited myself. I’m sure that when you walk around, you will find a lot
of other hidden gems.
Have fun in Sydney (I’m sure you will)!
|
| Fred Kamphues is represented in
Australia by Auscape
|
With thanks to Sullivans
Hotel in Sydney
|
|
|