Update : it's been awhile : Dragon Wolf Press Zine Launch : other chit chat

I can't believe how long it's been since my last post.
So, I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and shared the day with those closest to you, and had a very safe New Year.

They don't call Melbourne : MelbBurn City for no reason.  The past few weeks we've all been meeeeellllttting - not unlike that wicked witch.  After discovering 50+ sunscreen I've been spending a great deal of time at the beach.  Swimming in the ocean! It's great, I love it - i've got some photos I might post later on that subject.

I did go to Kustom Nationals this year - though only for a day - and honestly I think I took 10 photos, if that.  I found it a little uninspiring this year.  There was a time I'd shoot for hours, finding different  angles, cars, people.  This year, i just didn't feel it, maybe it's because we were up at the crack of dawn to drive there, and had to drive back before night fall.  Or maybe it's more to do with the fact that I was feeling uninspired all together.

Anyway all this, "I feel so uninspired",  got me thinking, what does inspire me.
So, I've started a few new projects and one of them is working with film.  I studied photography when everything was on film.  There was  a hint of digital and i think photoshop may have been up to it's 2nd edition.  There was no way a girl like I could afford a digital camera.  Besides, I loved film, though I was very curious about digital manipulation.

Fast forward in time, I'm shooting with a digital SLR - like most people, though I am feeling like a Granny, hating on all the controls.  So I figure, why not go back to what I love.  Digital will always be in my life, and I will continue to work with it on a few projects, but at the moment I will be spending alot of time reacquainting myself with an old flame.  Believe me it has been fun.

I took my old Canon AE-1 Program out of the cupboard, went to Camberwell Markets, and searched  the internet for new cameras that will fit with what I want to do.  Since then, I've bought a number of cameras, some as cheap as $10 - an awesome Olympus trip that is nothing more than AMAZING!!!

I've also just bought a Canon QL17 pretty in Black, and a few Yashicas - I got addicted to the Yashica, and I'm not finished with them yet, I want one more ( I don't know when it will end)

Not only did I buy up a few film cameras, I also bought a new digital camera - "WHAT!" I hear you say "that makes no sense".  But I couldn't resist, a good friend was upgrading, so I also now own a Fujifilm x10.

Which brings me to my weekend.
It was a pretty busy one, where I found myself packing up to 3 cameras to leave the house (not including my iphone).  Some may think this is over the top, but I needed each one. Besides that I need to test them all, and work out how to use them - to be at one with them, all.

On Friday night I went to Kustom Kommune for the Dragon Wolf Press Zine Launch.
We got there a little late, it was coming on dusk, so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to use my x10.

It's a pretty rad zine, get one if there are any left, I also meet Nick, the guy who producers it and he's a pretty rad guy.

Here are some photos from the night.  There aren't many, this is because I've never really used this camera, and had to adjust myself to it.   They are a little graining, and due to low light the focusing isn't the best, but I still like them alot.

I'll post some more photos from my new "film" project soon, and maybe some other fun ones too.
If I don't post for awhile it maybe because I'm trapped under a huge pile of cameras - so maybe send out a search party.

Ps : I am going to Europe later in the year. I was tossing up between the US and Russia.  I thought about it long and hard.  A very dear friend will be in Russia at the time so, it looks like this time Russia wins.  So keep a keen eye out for my blog posts and photos on instagram, it's going to be amazing!!

PPS: don't ever let anyone tell you that you shouldn't follow your dreams.  2014 and beyond will be great.  

Oil Stained Brain 2013

So it's been a year already since the last Oil Stained Brain.
Buzz had the opportunity to have his bike in the show this year, along with many super rad bikes.

I took some photos on the night they set up, and a couple at the party night (though not many photos as I was too interested in tasting the different Sailor Jerry cocktails - I must say that the Perfect Storm won me over)

The venue this year was the new Kustom Kommune on Easey street Collingwood.  Where guys and girls can go to work on their motorbikes.  I think there maybe a cafe opening too.

When this bike turned up we felt like we had returned to Japan, for only a moment though. Ahhhh Japan. <3 br="">

I love the photo in the background by Micro of the woman, her bike and cigarette. 

It was quiet late when we left. 

Before we left, someone set some tires on fire or was it a burn out.  Either way, my clothes stank of burning rubber.

Zombie Walk

Yesterday we went along to the Zombie Walk to see if we could capture some awesome images.
Needless to say, I think every other photographer and Zombie fan was there.

That guy in the background is praying for salvation - not laughing

Spittin' blood, real bad.  Btw I inhaled some of that blood.

Zombie Love

L - MIFF

In true blonde style tonight I mixed my dates up. I drove up to Melbourne expecting to see the movies I'd booked for next Tuesday night.

Not wanting to waste the trip I quickly bought a ticket to L.
To my delight the film maker Babis Makridis, was there for Q and As afterwards.

Before the movie started he told us that he expects that we will have a lot of questions following the film. He gave us a clue, to help the journey - the title L is for Learner. As in when you get your licence. This is a comedy, feel free to laugh.

Filmed on film, the story is of a man who lives in his car. But not in dirty Hollywood style where there are clothes and soft drink cans everywhere. Not even in a way that makes you think He's homeless.
He looses his job delivering honey to a man who falls asleep in his front yard, walking the dog, watering the garden, to a better driver.
Our man also has a best friend that he worked with, that died collecting honey, acting like a bear. He grew his beard and hair so that the bears would adopt him, allowing him to steal the best honey.
Then one day a hunter shot him, thinking he was a bear.
Our man, dreams of his friend regularly.

I won't tell you anymore about the actual story. After listening to the Q & As I am being to think that the film isn't really about the situations. It's about trying to find your place. Where you fit. This guy has lost his family, his best friend and now his job.
Though it is a deep and sad story line. I didn't feel sorry for him, he wasn't a victim. He kept trying his best and moved on.
Makridis is from Greece, this film was made in Greece. Over 27 days of shooting, with friends and some extras helping out. With the financial trouble that his home county is currently in, there was no funding available.
Making this a self funded film.

Side by side MIFF

Keanu Reeves explains how the world of film is changing, by speaking to all those in the world if cinema that are for and against how digital looks, feels, works and what it means for story telling.
Very enjoyable. Easy to digest.
In short I walked away having my feelings reaffirmed. That along with books and everything in general, the world is changing and always has been.
Enjoy the ride and make room for the new experience.

7 nights in Havana

One film directed by 7 directors.
Great visuals!!
Had to leave early. I had a majorly stinky guy sitting next to me.
Now for [REC] Genius.

Love Story

The Blur between what is reality and what is film. Not too heavy. Great concept, great look. Loved the New Yorkers.
So, what does it mean when a beautiful woman holds a piece of cake?
I am lucky enough to have been able to stay and listen to the Q & A with the writer director and star. Many secrets were told.
Fabulous!
Look at the time it's already 6.15. Time to move on.

Old mout - Boysenberry

Whilst waiting in the VIP lounge I thought i'd have a drink. Room 237 truly drove me to it. After a few swigs I realised it tasted like red wine on a vomit filler night.
So no thank you to that one.