Cameras, video cameras and even projectors were a staple of my childhood – my Dad was always a keen photographer, he took some truly stunning black and white shots of my Mum during the early years of their marriage, way back in the 1970s – some of which I’ve only just seen. And as a kid I always remember there being a heavy camera with a dense a robust lens on many an office or coffee table.

There were also numerous times when the video camera (arguably the size of bazooka at the time) was blinking it’s red light at me, recording various high school Christmas Nativity plays (I was usually a Shepard) or when I was skiing in Europe, clad in an embarrassing puffy shell-suit, comprised entirely of a shocking array of 80’s fluro colours.

I vividly remember Santa giving me one of those fantastic toy cameras (originally called The Viewmaster), where you would click and it clacked a new image in front of your eyes. I honestly thought it was the coolest thing ever, to the point where I deluded myself into believing I was taking a new photo each time (despite the reality of it continuously cycling through the same 10 photos) regardless of what was ACTUALLY in front of me.

The 10 pictures came on a card disc and were rather like the negatives you used to get with your photos using a 35mm camera. Each image was then magnified when you looked through the viewer, so that as a kid they appeared as large as a TV-sized image. It was certainly better than any Kaleidoscope I’d ever had, even if it was limited to a few photos. It made an awesome sound too.

I didn’t get my own “real” camera until middle school, which funnily enough I won in the school raffle. I remember it was painted silver and it looked really expensive, but when I was given it, I was bitterly disappointed because unlike all the cameras I’d seen at home, this one was a light-weight, made of  nasty plastic, with a cheap airbrushed silver look, a no-name brand that didn’t even have a flash.

Fast forward a few decades and I’d gone through a few digital cameras, always handy to capture parties and friends – but nothing that would really capture moments as it were. I use to pull some decent shots from my old Canon IXUS but nothing that I would ever call close to being “professional”.

So in late 2009, I invested in a Canon Digital SLR – several weeks rent, well spent as they say.

Since then, I’ve been putting it to good use and the definition and colour of my photos has come on in leaps and bounds. The difference is quite remarkable at times, even if the photos themselves aren’t always living up to the capabilities of the device itself.

I would never classify myself as a photographer, I’m acutely aware of my technical limitations and utter naivety about what makes a good photo. There are so many truly inspirational photographers out there in the world, who operate on an entirely different level, capturing images that defy logic and take your breath away. Photos that us mere mortals, could only ever dream of taking.

If you read this blog regularly, you’ll know that 2010 has been an incredibly dramatic year for me. But along the way, I’ve had my camera by side – documenting it all, even at some of the most inopportune moments. I think that is what photography should be about, being bold, harnessing a sense of occasion and revealing elements of the world around us, which we are normally blind to or simply take for granted.

With these images below, I hope you’re able to get some insight into the journey I’ve been on thus far, the places I’ve experienced and the emotions I’ve lived through since the start of 2010.

From each of the places I’ve been to, I’ve selected photos of personal significance or simply because I liked the shot.

Simply click on any image to view the rest of the photos in that album, or view the entire collection on my Flickr page.

I hope you enjoy these photos, notice their faults, see their strengths and let the feelings and emotions I tried to convey in each, resonate with you.

Even now, some of these are hard for me to look at, but I think that’s why I took them to begin with.

NORFOLK , UNITED KINGDOM MARCH (2010)

BARCELONA, SPAIN MARCH (2010)

AUTUMN IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA (2010)

HOLIDAY IN KIAMA, SYDNEY AUSTRALIA APRIL (2010)

MELBOURNE CITY, AUSTRALIA MAY (2010)

Alex

Giving a demo at the MySpace Music press conference October 1st 2009

It’s been a hectic few days, in fact the last couple of weeks have been somewhat of a blur. This is largely due to spending excessive hours @ work, in preparation for the launch of MySpace Music in Australia and New Zealand.

On October 1st, key media players across Australia were invited to come down for the great unveiling and celebrate it’s arrival at the press conference. From the major record labels (who have equity in the venture) through to established news outlets such as SMH, News Ltd, to industry coverage from the Music Network and support from the ever dependable ABC, everyone, who is anyone in Australian media, was there.

As you’d expect, there was a tremendous amount of excitement, fanfare and relief on the day. The product had been in development for over a year, with on-going rumors raising the expectation levels each and every day, however, I’m delighted to say they’ve been met & even exceeded with it’s launch. It really is a fantastic avenue for musicians and there’s little doubt in my mind, that it’s a massive step-forward for individuals who are fans of music and want free, quick and easy access to it.

As a result, Australian and New Zealand MySpace users can listen to songs & albums from over 5 MILLION artists on the site, including their extensive back catalogues.

It’s mind-boggling trying to even begin to comprehend that isn’t it

To give you an example,  Elvis Presley alone has 121 albums available on MySpace all of which you can stream in their entirety, unlimited, legally and for free.

(I’ve been listening to Daft Punk’s 2007 Alive album religiously recently).

Plus you can create your own playlists and share them with friends – just like you did with those old-skool mixtapes back in the 80’s & 90’s. Even Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has put together his own personal playlist on the site, respect!

Those two quick examples alone, should demonstrate the reach, influence, impact and potential MySpace Music has. It truly is instant and free access for everyone who is a fan of music. Come and try it out.

Exciting times ahead

Speaking of exciting times, in under a week, I’m heading down to Melbourne to go and see Marilyn Manson play two shows there, how is that for dedication hehe, I seriously can’t wait, my version of a mini-holiday.

I’m actually seeing him twice in Sydney, so all up 4 times in 5 days, and if I’m really lucky who knows, I might even get to meet him again. If I do, rest assured I’m going to send the world the photos! His new record ‘The High End Of Low’ just keeps getting better and better with each listen.

I’ll be updating and using Twitter whilst I’m down there, so please do stay in touch if you don’t already. It blows my mind that I can take a photo from my Blackberry, send it to Twitter, which then syncs with my MySpace and Facebook accounts, allowing you guys to all view it.

I used it today actually.

I found this chap, around the back of Oxford Street, left for dead on the side of the curb, after a big night out. So I took it upon myself to prop him up and arrange him in a manner the locals would approve of….

I left him there like that, so here’s hoping he gets lucky tonight.

It’s true, I rarely fail in finding ways to amuse myself haha!

Alex

p.s. Today I watched my beloved Sydney FC return to the top the league, Arsenal hammered Blackburn 6-2 and EVEN Norwich City won 5-1. Talk about a great weekend of football!

Aside from the fact that I woke up today, to see this is anyone else feeling a little shocked it’s nearly October already?

It seems only moments ago that I was thinking about what hidden surprises 2009 might have in store, yet here we are, with less than 100 days to go until Christmas.

I feel if I’m not careful, I might close my eyes for a few seconds, only to wake up in the future, reclining in a nursing home, with a Yogi Bear cookie jar next to me and a mangy moggy on my lap, who goes by the name of Mr. Bigglesworth….imagine the thought.

One thing I often DO imagine, is the first impression people have when they stumble across my Flickr page. They must genuinely think that my friends are entirely comprised of some of the loosest drunken pirate fiends in the entire Sydney metropolitan area.

I wonder where they might have potentially got that idea from?

But enough of dust, cats, old men and drunk people, there are more important things to consider in this world aren’t there? Specifically, hehe, that back in June (just realizing it’s been THAT long already baffles me) , I mentioned that I was starting work on a new little project . Since then, there has been some seriously late nights spent beavering away, and whilst the timeline has moved a little, I’m really pleased to report that we’re looking good, to potentially reveal all before the end of the year!

It’s been really fascinating watching it develop over the past few months. You feel as if you’re achieving something as each little piece slowly slots into place. But until nearer the end of the year, I’m going to keep you in suspense about any further details. As the below picture shows, I’m all about keeping things on the down low haha

And finally, to recap on worldly matters since my last post

HIGHLIGHTS
I’m playing tennis again (Yes, even I was surprised!)
Sydney FC are top of the table
Got a decent return from Mr Tax Man
Credit Card balance $0.00
Bought tickets to Marilyn Manson
This photograph of Barack Obama

LOWLIGHTS
Still need that new bed
Fucktards who use Facebook to tell me things like this
Tax return is going on dentist
Waking up to the Sydney Dust Storm this morning!
My body trying to reconcile the notion of “exercise”

Hope all is good in your world, over and out

Alex

I’m sitting here writing this on a Sunday night feeling a little dusty after the weekends festivities, oh and what festivites they were.

For starters, it involved, multiple bird cages hanging from ceilings, clarinet playing dwarfs, various love triangles, discussions about the awesomeness of Bill Murray and then morphed into debates on the blight that is auto-tune in music, the unbridled spending of Kevin Rudd’s stimulus package, muffin wars, small-talk about the virtues of pole dancing (and why it really should be an Olympic sport), stolen drumsticks tapped vigerously, even Satan and a Cardinal (in stockings) made an appearance.

I wish I could have actually recorded some of the conversations onto film, because some of them were incredibly funny – but alas, you’ll have to make do with some equally amusing photos (which I guess only tell half the story) but it’s better than nothing right?

As you can see, things got a bit out of hand hahaha. In an attempt to wake JJ up, the girls decided it was STACKS ON!!! He must have thought all his Christmas’s had come at once!

More happy snaps from the night are on Flickr, but if you can’t see the slideshow below simply click here to view them (see I’m full of good ideas.)

Also, thanks to help from my friend Dan, I’m going to be adding a new feature to Colours And Light. When you spend 12-14 hours a day on the internet like I do (scary huh?) you tend to see some really inspiring examples of people’s creativity in the world. From photographs, to illustrations, to blogs, to graphic design and independent film-making – there is so much quality and undiscovered talent out there.

So in attempt to share with you things which I think deserve to be seen, talked about or highlighted, I’m going to be creating a mini microblog which captures articles & images from the web.

It’ll be like an online scrap book if you like, constantly updated in real-time which will be cool. Its a few weeks off yet, but I hope you’ll dig it when it does go live – it’ll help you unearth new sites, communities and talent which you might not have seen before.

Until then, you might like some of the work featured here

Hope you’re doing well
Alex

I don’t profess to be the greatest photographer ever, but when it comes to taking  photos, I try to do so, first with my heart and then my head. 

I hope you find a little bit of Sydney in them like I do. If you can’t see the slideshow below, click here 

Enjoy,
Alex

Yayoi Kusama: Mirrored Years
Yayoi Kusama, is an avant-garde painter & sculptor. She’s also an award-winning film producer and fashion designer and even at the age of 80, she’s still creating and developing her art. She has experienced hallucinations and severe obsessive thoughts since childhood, often of a suicidal nature. She claims that as a small child she suffered severe physical abuse by her mother.

Early in career, she began covering surfaces (walls, floors, canvases, and later, household objects and naked assistants) with the polka dots that would become a trademark of her work. The vast fields of polka dots, or “infinity nets,” as she called them, were taken directly from her hallucinations.

Currently her new exhibit is on display at the Museum Of Contemporary Art.

The example below, is actually on display at the MCA.

You can read more about her via Wikipedia or visit her official site at this location.

Inspiring stuff don’t you think?

Alex

It’s March and that means it’s time for the annual Mardi Gras celebrations here in Sydney. Thanks to my friend Omar, who’s new apartment overlooks Anzac Pde, we were able to watch the whole parade go past throughout the night – even my friend Kate was part of it!

Dykes on Bikes, Sex In The City, Bears In Leather, Divas, Drag Queens, Twinkies, Tributes to Harvey Milk – you name it, it was there, strutting around, covered in glitter and feathers.

I had a really awesome night, it’s fantastic that the people in Sydney can celebrate their acceptance in such a wonderfully colourful and theatrical way.

You can see photos from Mardi Gras here.

Photos from the house party that evening can be viewed here – special thanks to Omar for putting it on and inviting the likes of us reprobates, you rock dude. 

I hope you like photos, despite being sick (man cold!) it always puts a smile on my face, to know that I live in one of the most tolerant and multicultural parts of the world.

Enjoy,
Alex

So as many of you know, I’ve been living in the same place now for over 2 years in the city. My lease ran out several months ago, so it’s just rolling over. It means I can leave at any time with minimum notice, but that my landlord can increase my rent at any time – not the best of positions to be in.

As it stands renting a place is nigh on impossible in Sydney right now – which is why my rent has gone up 4 times in 2 years. 

Anyway, I got a letter recently with the new amount and when I worked it out, it came to over $50 per night. Which in my mind is a total joke considering the size of my place, but ultimately due to demand being so high, they can pretty much charge whatever they like.

I earn a decent wage for what I do, but due to my rent and cost of living being the bulk of my out-goings, I really struggle to save anything. The look on people’s faces when I tell them my monthly rent, really does speak volumes.

This is what I like to do with my pay every month.

If you live in an affluent suburb, the area surrounding it tends to be expensive, things like groceries, bars, shops etc. All of which combine to siphon as much of my hard earned cash away as they can.

So I’ve decided to move and move IN with somebody for a change. I’ve lived with girlfriends, best friends and randoms – so I’ve experienced it all.

Living by myself was something I needed to do, but I’ve got the t-shirt now and I’m a bit over it. Same route to the office, same faces, same restuarants, same scene. And now the increase in rent has just served as the catalyst. I don’t know where I’m going to move yet, I’ll tell you about it once I’m there. A place where a potential Ruffles could roam would be nice haha.

It’s been a good few years @ my present location, although I can’t actually believe I’ve lived here for 2.5 years. I’ve had some amazing memories (some haunting ones too) and I’m glad I’ve done it, but its time for something new. 

I’m going to find a change of scenery in the next month or so. I would invite you to a going-away party, but seeing as you can’t even swing a cat around in my place, it might be a trifle difficult haha. House warming though @ the new place? Definetly. Consider yourself on the list.

Actually, thinking about it maybe I should re-locate here who’s in?

Speak soon,
Alex

SYDNEY FC’s A-League season remains bleak but the long-term future looks much brighter after the 1-0 win over Wellington at Sydney Football Stadium.

Ghana-born 17-year-old Kofi Danning, in just his second A-League appearance, scored in the 85th minute to end Sydney’s four-game losing streak and leave coach John Kosmina believing they can still sneak into the finals.

See the goal here

Kosmina fielded a youthful starting team with an average age of just 23, but it was 63rd-minute substitute Danning who broke the deadlock with the game looking headed for a scoreless draw.

The promising midfielder, who grew up in Australia and trained at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, combined with late substitute Steve Corica and Alex Brosque to coolly slot home his memorable first A-League goal.

“I saw my opportunity and I just took it and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” a beaming Danning said after the match.

“Kossie always told me the harder I worked, the more opportunities I’d get to play and I finally got my chance and worked hard and I’m very grateful.”

Kosmina was delighted not only with Danning’s performance, but also those of 17-year-old defender Rhyan Grant and 19-year-old Zach Cairncross, who was handed his debut.

Sydney’s team also included 20-year-olds Brendan Gan and Adam Biddle, while promising striker Chris Payne, 18, also come on in the second half, boding well for the future of the club.

Kosmina said he would continue to rely on youth though Sydney will lose both Danning and Grant for next week’s clash with Sydney FC with both set to represent Australia at the Youth Olympics in Sydney.

With two matches remaining, sixth-placed Sydney are now five points outside the top four.

Asked whether his side could do the unthinkable and sneak into the finals, Kosmina said: “Mathematically, yes.

“If we win next week and the week after, we’ve got 29 points.

“(Third-placed) Queensland have got three games to go, they might lose three and (fourth placed) Central Coast have got (to play) Adelaide and Melbourne, so anything is possible.”

Source FoxSports

Alex

So before I went back to work, on the 6th of January I did the Coogee to Bondi Beach walk along the cliffs. if you haven’t done it yet, you really should it’s beautiful. Also a really good way to clear your mind, get away from the city and just stare out in the vast expansion of the Pacific Ocean.

I took some photos whilst I was there, here’s a preview of one of them.

You can view more at the bottom of this blog, or on my official Flickr profile.

Hope you like

Alex