Capturing Melbourne's Alleyways with Benjamin Eriksson Photography
Last night, October 12th, members of the Bendigo Camera Club ventured to Melbourne for a special night photography workshop focused on the city's iconic alleyways, led by the talented Benjamin Eriksson Photography. The session, which ran from 6:00 PM to around 9:30 PM, was set to be a fantastic opportunity to capture the gritty, illuminated heart of the CBD and it certainly was, even with an unexpected, but perhaps photogenic, visitor.
The weather forecast had called for rain, and true to its word, the heavens opened up shortly after we began shooting. We were right in the middle of Hosier Lane when the rain started, and it didn't let up for almost an hour. While some might see this as a damper, it turned the familiar laneway into a reflective wonderland. The vibrant street art and neon signs were doubled in the glistening pavement, creating stunning, moody compositions that only the rain can deliver.
My personal goal for the evening was to push myself out of my comfort zone, particularly regarding my lens choice and subject matter. I packed my versatile 8-25mm f/4 wide-angle, but was determined to spend more time with my 40-150mm f/2.8 telephoto lens. My aim was to find unique perspectives and compositions, steering away from the typical wide, sprawling shots that usually dominate my photography.
This focus on the telephoto lens was also a conscious effort to tackle my least-captured subject: people. The longer focal length was fantastic for isolating individuals and small groups against the bustling backdrop, allowing for candid street photography moments without being right in the action. The shallow depth of field at f/2.8 also provided beautiful separation, giving a cinematic quality to the few brave souls who continued to wander the wet streets.
The workshop was a brilliant experience—a fantastic blend of hands-on learning, testing limits (both my own and my gear's), and capturing the dynamic, rainy energy of Melbourne's inner-city streets. A big thank you to Benjamin Eriksson for leading a challenging yet rewarding workshop, and to the Bendigo Camera Club members who braved the elements for a night of incredible photography!
Stay tuned for a gallery of my favourite shots from the night!
