Just Another Smith...

After dropping Galina at Melbourne airport on Sunday, I drove myself and the trailer to Bendigo. It was a pretty easy drive and I enjoyed the views along the way. I cannot put into words just how much I've loved getting back behind the wheel, even if I do have to drive an automatic. Several downpours of rain tried to ruin the fun, but I made it into the town centre in good spirits. I found a free carpark and attempted to collect keys for our apartment. They wouldn't be ready until 2pm so I had a few hours to explore. First, I wandered through Rosalind Park. Even though it was pretty chilly, it was a lovely walk. I climbed up to the top of a Poppet Head and enjoyed the view across my new home for the next fortnight. Heading next to the visitor centre, a lovely lady let me use the toilet and I read about the Talking Trams operated here. The walk to the Central Deborah Mine/Tram Stop wasn't too long. I arrived in time to catch the 12.30 tram. It was a beautifully renovated c...

Nearly a month into the job and I am now the main photographer on Set 8. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown. It seems only yesterday when I could barely hold the camera, and now I'm responsible for every shoot. I feel so much more confident in my abilities and have received some great feedback. Looking over photographs even from the beginning of the promo, I can see the improvement myself. After two weeks with the girls down by the coast in Warrnambool, I have since moved to Traralgon. This is a smallish country town and is very quiet compared to the last promo. To stay amused we have actually purchased a little speaker. Whenever it's a little empty, which is quite often, we treat ourselves to a little boogie. Being a team of two is a different experience to the three-strong team I was used to. We work together so well and are able to bounce off each other during the day. We have become known in the centre for our smiles and crazy dances. Galina is also a fant...

As of last week, I now work for a travelling photography company. I have relocated to Victoria and am currently training in a shopping centre close to the Great Ocean Road. My primary role is as PR and Photographer's Assistant. Today, I was thrown in at the deep end and taught to shoot children. Photographically, of course. My first day as a kid's photographer was certainly an experience. I don't think I have ever had to think and react as quickly before. I had so much fun, but boy was it exhausting. There is so much to consider; the lighting, the background, the framing, the angles, the pose, the use of props, the child's safety, the parents. Then you have the different ages, different genders and very different characters. All of which have to be assessed and altered accordingly within seconds. I felt a lot of pressure and at times I did feel like I was swimming against the tide. My first few "customers" were varied ages, a fair few toddlers and a newborn....