Postcards from Sydney

Photographing Sydney is proving to be quite difficult. Not because it isn’t a photogenic city, because – without exaggeration – Sydney is as photogenic a place as you could dare to dream of. I’m living in the supermodel of world cities, and it’s hard to stop staring. The problem that I’m finding is that this city is rather too photogenic, and it’s turning my head.

Honestly, it’s next to impossible to not be blinded and dazzled by the beauty of the harbour, the intensity of the light and the iconic draw of the Opera House and harbour bridge. I’m sure this is normal. I’m sure that it takes time to see past the stunning loveliness of what is one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world. But, lord alive, this place is gobsmackingly beautiful. And I’ve lived here before, I knew what to expect.

Does that sound weirdly like a complaint? I don’t mean it to – but as a photographer interested in people, place and culture, my interest tends to lean towards capturing the feel of a place. Searching for the stories that walk along the streets, sit on benches and make up the substance of what makes a city unique. At the moment, however, I am blinded by sea and sky and sparkling bodies of water. All I want to capture is the surface beauty that confronts me every time I look out the window, or go for a walk along the clifftops.