Photography Location: Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia
by Chris Nicholson

Southgate (along the Yarra River) has excellent opportunities for street shooting. In summer, go on Friday and Saturday nights: Large crowds gather for street theatre; musicians play on the corners; kids play in the fountains near the casino; people are eating in outdoor cafes. There's an ice cream and coffee bar right on the river, on an island that serves as a support foundation for the footbridge; from there you can photograph back toward Southgate, or you can photograph people at the cafe with the water taxis coming up the Yarra behind them. Get there by 4 or 5 p.m. (especially on weekends) when the crowds begin to come and the light gets good. The sun will be blocked before it sets, and activity goes on well into the night, so bring some high-speed film, too.

During the morning and day, go to the bank of the Yarra River in the Royal Botanic Gardens. From there you can photograph teams and individuals rowing shells and kayaks. Shoot from the shores or from Swan Street Bridge. Every March, the Victorian Dragon Boat Association holds its annual Dragon Boat Race on the Yarra.

Architecture along the river is photogenic. See the churches on Flinders Street, and especially Flinders Street Station (in the background of the above photo).

During the Moomba Festival in March, photograph the Birdman competition, wherein people wear wings, etc., and try to fly off a bridge. Fun Australian culture at its best.

Latrobe Lab, 03-9695-4730

Professional Equipment & Supplies: Vanbar, 03-9347-7788

Weather can get quite hot in summer, but will usually cool down a bit late in the day. Dress cool and wear sunscreen.