Fitzroy Mural Melbourne for Mural Monday

 

Back from a trip to Noojee on Saturday. The hiking was exhausting but the photos were worth it. Both Joel and I fell into the cold creeks and we both got our injuries. So I am still sore from the trip.

This mural is really reminding me to cover my nose too. Stench is everywhere in that area. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Mural Monday

Spiral Stairs in Spencer St Melbourne for Sunday Best

 

Joel and I are trying to re-examine the photos from our regular walks. I like this one the best. 

We were told to leave when a security officer told us not to photograph the stairs. But we were standing in the public space taking a photo of the steps. We could not understand why they bothered. There were tons of the same images on the net too. 

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 9mm f5.6 

Linking Sunday Best

Butterfly macro again for Saturday Critter

 

A 200mm f4 macro on the butterfly. Of course, I spray sugar water on the leaves first so they stay still harvesting the sugar. 

Linking Saturday Critter

The sea and a sunset for Skywatch Friday

 

Coastal weather at Blairgowrie Melbourne

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM

Linking Skywatch Friday

Hopetoun Waterfalls at Great Ocean Road for Randomosity

 

I used to frequent this location a lot. This was taken before the time a log fell in front of the falls. A co-worker asked for a photo like this, so I found from my large collection of photos. 

It is probably time to go back.

Canon 5D 

EF 16-35mm f2.8 L

Linking Randomosity

Westpac Bank Sign for Sign2

 

In one of the nights out in CBD, I like how the sign was lit up revealing the pedestrian's face.

Sony A7RV

FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Linking Tom's Sign2

Mushroom Light up for Treasure Tuesday

 

This is a mushroom light up at Lightscape held in Botanic Garden in Melbourne

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Portrait for Mural Monday

 

This wall mural is inside a corridor in a building off Russell Street Melbourne.

I spotted a chap coming out of a Chinese eatery, who bought some take away. He was yelling at all the Asians coming into the store "Get some real food!". That really made my day. 

Sony A7RV

FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Linking Mural Monday and FACE OFF

Melbourne Lightscape for Sunday Best

 

This is the royal botanic garden. It costs 55 bucks for all time entry. No refund possible. Joel and I came here ready to shoot on Thursday night. This lake in the garden is usually quite boring for me. Not that night.

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Sunday Best

Ants on the pavement for Saturday Critter

 

Quite scary if got bitten by them

Voigtlander 125mm f2.5 macro

Linking Saturday Critter

Weather has been a bit under me lately. I spent time scanning and editing the old film photos from the days in 2000 doing clinical placement at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. I haven't seen my best friend in medical school over 17 years! He ended up meeting the woman of his life when we worked in New York. 

Moonlight Head Beach for Skywatch Friday

 

This was one of the take I did in the past at Wreck Beach. I never seemed to get a decent weather there. 

Joel and I are planning to do this adventure again later this year. Mainly for astro photography along the great ocean road. Hopefully weather is better.

Panasonic G9

Olympus 17mm f1.2 

Linking Skywatch Friday

Dai Gum San Shrine in Bendigo for Randomosity

 

This tiny garden in Bendigo has been under renovation since 2020. Finally it is completed. 

It does not look too bad.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Randomosity

Bendigo Night Sign for Sign2

 

Since Christmas last year, this sign is becoming a permanent fixture in Rosalind Park. Whenever there is new festival in town, light projection changes. 

Sony A7RV

FE 50mm f1.2 GM

Linking Tom's Sign2

Bridgewater Bay low tide for Treasure Tuesday

 

Among many trips to this location this year, this was one of the unique photo where I managed to get my whole pants soaked wet by rogue waves. However, the silky flow in the foreground works out well.

Sony A7RV

FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Cat family in tea room outside a cafe for Mural Monday

 

This is a mural I would have forgotten in the hard drive if I was not searching for a mural to post on this event

Outside a cafe in Taipei Taiwan

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Night stall at Bendigo for Sunday Best

 

On a cold night at Bendigo, the neon light really gives a good mood.

Sony A7RV

FE 50mm f1.2 

Linking Sunday Best

Butterfly macro for Saturday Critter

No stacking done. Just single exposure. Lucky for my steady hands. 

Pentax 200mm f4 Macro

Linking Saturday Critter 

Grampians Sky for Skywatch Friday

 

This is a reverie in sky. From a while ago. The Sunset was rather poetic. 

Panasonic G9 

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4

Linking Skywatch Friday

Ishizuka Melbourne Cuisine for Randomosity

 

Expensive meal for Joel's Birthday. We were still hungry afterwards, so we went to a dumpling alley. 

I realised the photos would be buried in my hard drive forever after the occasion. I might as well post them here like a diary. 

Sony A7RV + FE 24mm f1.4 GM

This is Joel and I 

Linking Randomosity and FACE OFF

Gelato Girls & Boys for Sign2 Event

 

I was testing out Sigma 17mm f4 pancake lens last week. The stroll was quite relaxing as I observed all sorts of weird design and colours in the hippy Fitzroy Street. 

I did not realise it was a full moon last night. No wonder all the people at my clinic were super mad. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Sign2

Old China Town eatery for Treasure Tuesday

 

I was taking a stroll last weekend. After a nice dining for Joel's Birthday. I came across this old building again. In university days, I ate there a lot. The food quality declined badly over the years. The cook added rice powder to all the dumplings before they get fried. Cinnamon is also added to the stuffing. It is just not the same anymore.

Sony A7RV

FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Taipei Street Mural for Mural Monday

 

This was in a scary looking back alley in Central Taipei. 

The characters did not make much sense apart from suggesting progressive. 

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Bendigo Electrical Wonderland for Sunday Best

 

I was getting back to my car after a dinner in town. There was no queue in this light up event in local park. So I decided to take a stroll.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Sunday Best

Spider in the garden for Eileen's Saturday Critter

 

This week is raining nonstop. I ended up having with dining spree with my friends. Quite a bonding experience. 

Photographing in the backyard is very convenient lol. 

Pentax A200mm f4 macro

Linking Saturday's Critter

Last night, I had some fine food at a city Japanese restaurant. I did meet a friend but my whole focus was enjoying the dishes off Ala Carte menu. 

I will be heading out with Joel for his birthday dinner tomorrow night. 

Glass House Mountain for Skywatch Friday

 

This was taken from the trip up north to Queensland 2 months ago. Joel and I took a turn on the way to Noosa. This was an iconic spot for sunset and Milkyway photography. We did not stay for that. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Skywatch Friday

Mungo National Park Stargazing for Random Fun Event

 

The challenging trip I took with Joel early the year. We both had nasty flu after venturing into this desert waiting it out through the night. The core of Milkyway was not even out that early in the year

Sony A7RIV

Laowa 12mm f2.8 

Linking Randomosity

Brisbane stroll sign for Tom's Sign2 Event

 

Cold and wet weather are keeping me indoor. The sign stands out in a way. The people are in some sort of juxtaposition

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4

Linking Sign2

Mount Dandenong Tea Room for Treasure Tuesday

 

This is a tearoom that mum and I came to try in a cold winter day. 

The place was ambient until the kids came rushing into the door. 

Sony A7RIV

FE 24mm f1.4 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Taipei mural for Mural Monday

 

Melbourne is cold too. Despite me paying the bill, mum's frugal approach to simple life means no heating at all (I spent 20k AUD on the 26 sheets of solar panel and a battery too). She even developed chilblains in her feet. The generation. 

My trip to Cape Woolamai did not happen as the gale was up to 40 knots. The weekend weather was not fitting for me to go into the nature at all. Plus mum and brother were nagging me to stay home boy instead. So I ended up trying the best winning 2023 pie in Australia - I will show later on.

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Mural Monday

Nyah West for Sunday Best

 

I was in Nyah Westing visiting a regular nursing home. It was literally frosty everywhere I walked. The typical morning glory

Sony A7RV

FE 135mm f1.8 GM

Linking Sunday Best

Fly for Saturday Critter

 

The compound eyes are mesmerising.

Pentax K10D

A 200mm f4 macro

Linking Saturday Critter

Bays of Island, Mornington Peninsula for Sky Watch Friday

 

Reverie in the sky

Panasonic G9 

Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4

Linking Skywatch Friday

Mangrove trees in the sea at Cleveland, Brisbane

 

This was taken from a while back in my Brisbane trip. Joel and I accidentally found this mangrove bunch near the coast. 

I was worried the sea breeze would move the tree branches too much causing motion blur during the long exposure. 

Sony A7RV

FE 14mm f1.8 GM

Linking Randomosity

Fitzroy Street Signs for Tom's Sign2 Event

 

Last Friday, a stroll in Collingwood area with my new Sigma 17mm f4. It was a pleasant walk while I tried a few cafes along the way. Not good for my weight loss journey. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4

Linking Tom's Sign2

Bridgewater Bay for Treasure Tuesday

Miscalculation on my part. The low tide on Saturday was actually not so low 1 metre high. So Joel blamed me for it for the turbulent sea hitting at us. 

For me, sea is my treasure. The gentle hiking and the smell of ocean just cleanse my worries away.

By sunset, it was pouring rain on us. We ended up discovering another fish and chips shop run by Greek grandfather. The snapper and souvlaki were so yummy and delish! 

Sony A7RV

FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM

Linking Treasure Tuesday

Cecil Street, Fitzroy for Mural Monday

 

Apparently face portrait like this one sits in this street for about 5 years. I never knew about this. 

I received my new toy pancake lens Sigma 17mm f4. I had to take it for a test run in the nearby streets.

Sony A7RV

Sigma 17mm f4 

Linking Mural Monday 

Rabbit Rock Mornington Peninsula for Sunday Best

 

Long exposure shot from a different angle on the large rock. I really like the silky waterflow. 

Joel and I gonna venture into Bridgewater Bay again. This time mainly on a sea shelf during semi-low tide by sunset. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 

Linking Sunday Best

Stick Insect for Saturday's Critter

 

I think it is stick insect of some sort. Or grasshopper. Not an entomologist here. 

Pentax K10D

A 200mm f4 macro

Linking Saturday Critter

Montfort Beach for Sky watch Friday

 

The sea is turbulent. The sky is actually less angry than what happens beneath it. 

Sony A7RV

FE 20-70mm f4 

Linking Skywatch Friday

Easey Street Tram restaurants

 

On Thursday last week, I took cameras to camera clinic for infra-red modification. Joel was meant to do this a few months ago. He procrastinates too much. So I do it for us instead.

Next to the shop, this iconic restaurant that comprised of 3 abandoned trams were standing right there before me. I happened to have my new toy sigma 24mm f3.5 pancake. So I was snapping away like my fingers having spasms. 

Sony A7RV

Sigma 24mm f3.5

Linking Randomosity

Castlemaine Bookroom Sign for Tom's Sign2 Event

 

Sign2 event made me realise I did not take enough photos of signposts or signage at all. 

This is called introspection I guess.

This is a classic country town where elites tend to retire at in northwest Victoria. People living in the town are quite alternative. 

Sony A7RV

Laowa 9mm f5.6

Linking Sign2