Hi and welcome to my blog where I write about my life as a photographer, writer, podcaster, and Nintendo nerd! Yes, I am a huge Nintendo and video game nerd, and I play video games daily on my Nintendo Switch. More on that later. I’ve been in a creative funk (once again) for a few months and have not gotten out very often to walk the streets and capture life on the move. While I have been busy writing photography-related articles, running a photography podcast, and meeting up with camera clubs, I haven’t felt the urge to pick up my camera. However, over the past few weeks, I have gotten out a few times and captured some street shots that I am happy with. Plus, seeing the results of my efforts has inspired and encouraged me to get the camera out more and more.

I am super proud of being a nerd. How times have changed. Growing up, being a nerd was a bad thing, making you a target for bullies. I’ve played video games for as long as I can remember, and we owned the odd home gaming console over the years. Nothing fancy – just simple gaming consoles played on a black and white television. That’s right, kids, TV used to be black and white only. Given the close relationship with gaming and Japanese culture, it’s no wonder that it’s something I gravitate towards. I am a Nintendo fanboy and have played and collected Nintendo consoles, games, merch, and more. With adult money, I have gathered quite a collection and continue playing the Nintendo Switch daily. I’m excited by the launch of the Switch 2 but equally daunted by the prospect of more games being added to my backlog (if you know, you know). The reason why I bring this up now is that I am considering creating some dedicated gaming content on here. Perhaps just for fun, to test the waters, and possibly to make something more of it. We will see.

As for street photography, I’ve been out and about with a dedicated intent to get my camera out on two or three occasions recently. I’ve also been on several photo walks with camera clubs recently. On each occasion, I have opted to take my Fujifilm X70 only. Regular readers will know of my near godlike idolization of this tiny little powerhouse. It’s compact, lightweight, offers manual control over the exposure triangle, and provides an 18.5mm APSC (27mm full-frame) fixed focal distance ideal for street photography. Given the size of the X70, it’s an easy camera to carry all day in my new Bellroy backpack. It’s not a camera bag, but given I need optimal comfort to prevent neck pain, it’s the best bag for me. And the X70 slips into a neat little side pocket inside the bag. I’m rocking a Lucky Straps Deluxe Wrist Strap with The Camera Life embossed into its soft black leather. It’s a little big for the X70, but I love its comfort and support.

My recent street photography adventures have included an early morning (golden hour) walk along Chapel Street in South Yarra, a laneway walk in the heart of Melbourne, and a little stroll around South Melbourne one evening (golden hour again). On each occasion, I got out and about and made a mental note (via my internal sundial) of where the sun was and how the shadows and highlights resulted. I didn’t have any set agenda or specific topics in mind. I simply walked and observed; if the timing and light were right, I grabbed shots. I was also aware of my surroundings, how shop windows reflected light, the colours of shop facades, and how people moved through light and shadow.

I’ve gained a lot of confidence just from these short walks and have organised to participate in and run some additional street walks in the coming weeks. The shots featured in my article here today are from those handful of recent street walks around Meblourne, South Yarra, and South Melbourne. I hope you’re all well and that my friends in QLD and NSW are safe from the heavy weather they are experiencing. G