Berlin
The five life lessons street photography has taught me
Street photography has taught me many things here are my top five life lessons:
1. Take a look at things from a different angle.
We can often get caught up in our own way of looking at things, believing our way is right or better. Looking at things from a different angle opens us up to new possibilities new, ways of seeing the world and moments we miss when we are stuck on one point of view.
2. You learn from your worst
Sure we all want to get the best shot we can but that’s not where the learning happens, the learning comes from the stuff you mess up, the mistakes you make, the shot you missed. Sometimes it hurts when you know you could have done better, it sucks when you didn’t get a shot a client wanted but life happens, you get past it and if you’re smart you learn for the next time.
3. Slow down and really look
A common misconception about street photography is that you have to be really quick to capture a moment. While a little part of this is true, I have found slowing down to be one of the most beneficial things I have done for my photography. Giving myself time to feel out my surroundings, setting up my shot and waiting for the magic to happen, which it always does when given enough time.
4. I am the best I will ever be right now
The time is NOW this is the best I am ever going to be in this very moment.Will I get better? Sure. But right here right now my I am at my best.
5. The action happens when you get close
Fear stops us all from getting to close but it’s where the action is happening. The best parts are up close, where you can feel the energy, good or bad. It’s the stuff that gets your pulse beating faster and the adrenaline flowing. Up close is where life happens.
Feel free to leave a comment about what you have learnt through photography.
The Hoff – David Hasselhoff in Berlin
A few weeks ago development began on some new luxury apartments in Berlin. The location of the apartments ment that part of the East Side Gallery, the longest section still standing of the Berlin wall would be removed. Read more here
I went to the first protest a couple of weeks ago and I have to admit, I left because the music was really bad. I got up 6am the next morning to go back and see if they were going to continue with the removal thankfully they weren’t, I was doubly thankful because the bongo player was terrible.
Today came another protest and this time the music was just as terrible but it was supplied by none other than The Hoff. David Hasselhoff turned up to show his support this time for keeping the wall up.
I love The Hoff, you can quote me on that.
Check out the video here: The Hoff in Berlin to save the wall
Travel Bloggers Workshop
On Sunday I had the pleasure of running a photo workshop for five fabulous bloggers who were in town for the ITB. During the week we had a taste of spring with temps in the double figures but by Sunday we were back to freezing temperatures and lots of snow!
With the nature of my workshops being really flexible and tailored to my groups needs (and amount of snow outside) we spent the majority of our time inside talking technical stuff and some philosophy behind how and what we see, and how we can translate that into awesome images.
Thanks to Jaillan of Savoir There
Kash of Budget Traveller
Peter of Traveller Unmasked
Jeanette of Love and Passport
and Alex of Crazy Sexy Fun Traveller
To find out more about my workshops and bookings visit here
Reisen durch das Objektiv // Traveling through the Lens
Our exhibition on Friday was a huge success, thanks to everyone who came down!
An even bigger thanks goes out to the special ladies who exhibited along side me, Tanya Dyhin, Michelle O’brien and Meriam Mikhail.
It’s open again next Friday and Sat so if you missed out, get on down! Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/119577391544876/
REISEN DURCH DAS OBJEKTIV // EXHIBITION
I am stoked to be showing my work along side three other Australia photographers, I would love to see you there!
Reisen durch das Objektiv // Traveling through the Lens
Photography Exhibition & Vernissage
Opening Friday 1 Feb, 19:00-23:00
Four photographers trace their journeys of observation through disparate locations and situations. Although following unique paths, a commonality exists in action – they are compelled to record, to trace and to remember. Their works raise questions of identity, perspective and transformation through exploration.
Vier Fotografen folgen den Spuren ihrer Beobachtungsreisen durch unterschiedliche Orte und Situationen. Obwohl sie eigenständige Wege gehen, gibt es Gemeinsamkeiten in ihren Aktionen – sie verpflichten sich aufzuzeichnen, den Lebensspuren nachzugehen und zu erinnern. Ihre Arbeiten stoßen die Fragen nach Identität, Perspektive und Verwandlung durch Annäherung an.
ARTISTS
Tanya Dyhin | Katrina James | Meriaam Mikhail | Michelle O’Brien
Curated by Meriaam Mikhail
OPENING TIMES
Sat 2 Feb (12-19), Sun 3 Feb (12-19), Fri 8 Feb (12-19), Sat 9 Feb (12-19) & Sun 10 Feb (12-19)
GALLERY
Retramp Gallery, Reuterstrasse 62, near the U7 & U8 U-Bahn Hermannplatz
Feature image: © Katrina James
Happiness
Happiness.
What’s my secret?
I choose it.
It’s not always easy, in fact it’s often really hard but nothing feels better than happiness so even after all the shit I always choose to return to it.
Today I cried.
A lot.
It’s been awhile, in fact I have the last time on camera, but that’s another post.
I moved to Berlin two and a half years ago. The why escapes me now.
I am so fucking far away from anything I know.
I don’t want to go back, but I can’t stay here either.
Snow White
I saw snow for the first time in my life two years ago. I was 29.
Waking up to this on Thursday morning was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
As i walked around the streets of Kruezberg my heart was literally hurting from the beauty I was experiencing.
The last rays of summer?
Today:
I slept in.
I met friends for coffee.
I tried not to juge, myself.
I soaked up the last rays of summer.
Folsom Fetish
Do something everyday that scares you a little.
That’s the thought that went through my head when i accepted the job of being the official photographer for Folsom this year.
I quickly realised there was little to fear, in fact being a straight female made me the strangest person there.
