A few days ago, I received a phone call asking if I was willing to take some photos for the Ballarat Cancer Research Centre. Apparently she had not seen my website, merely Googled St Kilda photographer, and had no idea that I have personally been effected by cancer.

Thus it seemed like fate, because of course I was happy to help out.

They have their major fundraising event coming up, the Ballarat Spokes Cycle Classic on Sunday 12th February 2012.

Whilst my assignment was some quick promo shots (very quick!), I am hoping to make the trip up to take some action shots on the day as well, so if anyone wants to share a car ride, let me know!

“Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured”

~Gordan B Hinckley~

Last Tuesday I attended the screening of “Bill Cunningham New York*” film at the St Kilda Openair Cinemas – of course, the forecast was for rain which is to be expected in Melbourne in summer I suppose. As my mum said later on, ‎”I do think an outdoor cinema in Melbourne is a real statement of optimism”.

If youre in Melbourne over summer, I highly recommend the Openair Cinemas. It is well set up, and you can choose the deck chairs or beanbags, and sitting beneath the surrounding glass walls, you are quite protected from the cold winds that could blow. Regardless of the weather forecast when you visit, I highly recommend taking a blanket, if only to pad the seat a little bit.

The film itself was lovely – a very insightful and interesting look at the life and times of Bill Cunningham – the fashion photographer for The New York Times, who has been documenting the city’s fashionable folk for the past 50 years. He does the NYT’s Style On The Street, as well as the runways and after dark events. Bill is an unassuming chap who, at the age of 80, still rides his bicycle around New York City, looking for the clothes and fashion which intrigue him and represent the fashion at the time. He is not a paparazzi, especially, as he says himself “Im not interested in the celebrities with their free dresses! Im interested in clothes.” He is gentle and respectful and nice.

His personality is quiet and humble, with strong moral beliefs which are refreshing, yet seem almost out of place in current New York and the fashion industry. Many in the audience were giggling at some of the quotes and scenes as the film-makers met and explored the relationships Bill has with some of the most visually interesting and eye-catching folk of the city.

If you have an interest in photography, fashion or human anthropology, I highly suggest watching this film. It is light and fantastic to watch, and has been receiving rave reviews. Keep an eye out at your local independent cinema, or you can purchase the film at Amazon*.

Here is the trailer for the film.

The film’s dedicated website: Bill Cunningham New York
ABC’s At the Movies Review

*please note that as an Amazon Associate, I will receive a small commission should you purchase an item after clicking the Amazon links in this post.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~Marianne Williamson~

One of the first photographers I remember being inspired by, is Steve McCurry. He is famous for the Afghan Girl photograph (above) which graced the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985. Its fairly amazing that 26 years later, it is still has a strong visual impact.

I fell in love with the use of colour in all of McCurry’s work, as well as his amazing portraits. In some of the poorest, often war-torn countries of the world, he seems to capture not only their circumstance, but also their personality and dignity.

In 2005, the photographer I was then assisting gifted me a signed copy of one of McCurry’s books*, and I still love reading through his accounts of each image. As a testament to his status as a well-respected photo-journalist, Steve was given the last ever roll of KodaChrome – you can see those images on his website.

Steve McCurry runs his own blog, as well participating in Phaidon’s One Minute Masterclasses (which are quite good). And if his fantastic range of books* just arent enough inspiration for you, he also conducts photography expeditions, and it is my goal to attend at least one, one day soon.

I hope you enjoy these inspirational images as much as I do.

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Steve McCurry website
Steve McCurry blog
Steve McCurry at Magnum Photos
National Geographic

*please note that as an Amazon Associate, I will receive a small commission should you purchase an item after clicking the Amazon links in this post.

“What would you attempt,

if you knew 

you could not fail?”

~Robert Schuller~

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As a new addition to this blog, I will be adding inspirational and thoughtful quotes every week. I love quotes. I even have a special notebook that my best friend gave me, as a place where I could write down all my favourite quotes and sayings.

Many of them will undoubtedly end up here and I have started off with my absolute favourite.

Please feel free to comment and contribute your thoughts if you find the quotes particular relevant to you.

-e-