I went to a workshop!
I was looking forward to attending my first photography workshop with Benjamin Eriksson Photography along with members from the Bendigo Camera Club around South Wharf in Melbourne. Arriving just before 5:30pm, the anticipation was palpable as we gathered to learn and explore the vibrant waterfront area, renowned for its dynamic scenes and exquisite lighting. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow across the Yarra River, Benjamin guided us through practical techniques and creative approaches, encouraging each of us to capture the essence of the landscape. The camaraderie among fellow participants added to the experience, allowing for shared insights and constructive feedback.
Around Seafarers Bridge
The meeting location for the workshop was set at Seafarers Bridge, a stunning vantage point known for its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the golden hues painted the sky, creating an ethereal backdrop for our first shoot. The transition from sunset to darkness provided a unique opportunity to capture the changing light, with reflections shimmering on the water and the city’s lights gradually flickering to life. It was a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm, ideal for honing photography skills in varying conditions.
Around Webb Bridge
Shooting at night around Webb Bridge presents a captivating opportunity to explore urban landscapes in a new light. Long exposure photography allows for the transformation of the scene, creating a dynamic atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the static architecture of the bridge. The intricate lines of Webb Bridge transform into artistic patterns, while the Bolte Bridge looms majestically in the background, illuminated by city lights.
With the right settings, you can draw out subtle textures in the shadows and highlights, revealing the unique details often overlooked during the day. The reflective surface of the water enhances the visual impact, producing stunning mirror-like effects that contribute depth and interest to your images. Each long exposure reveals a different story, showcasing how the interplay of light and darkness can highlight the harmonious blend of urban structures and the surrounding environment.
Whether you're focusing on the intricate designs of the bridge or the serene reflections in the water, night photography at this location offers endless creative possibilities.
Across the River
Crossing Webb Bridge, the transformation of the cityscape around South Wharf came alive through the lens as the workshop participants settled into their evening shoot. With the vibrant hues of twilight casting reflections on the Yarra River, long exposures painted a dynamic flow of light and movement, while sweeping panoramas captured the grandeur of the skyline.
The path along the river guided the feet of the photographers and directed the viewers’ gaze, leading them through a stunning composition of architectural elegance and natural beauty. As the workshop concluded around 9pm, the soft illumination from Seafarers Bridge added a delicate finish to the night’s exploration, encapsulating the essence of the vibrant city across the water, now enhanced by the enigmatic presence of the moon overhead.
