Sydney Photo Fun (SPF) is a group with over 900 members – “camerateers” who meet regularly at various city locations to make and share photographic images. The group’s online archives boast stunning photographs from more than 250 meet-ups.
I first heard about the group in conversation with Jim Brownett, a commercial and art photographer with a fondness for Hasselblad medium format digital cameras. Jim is an event organiser and founding member of SPF (January 2011) whose profile lists interests in cycling, travelling and long lunches with friends, citing the wise words of Spike Milligan: “Enjoy each day as if it’s your last, because one day you will be right!”
On visiting the SPF homepage I’m drawn to a notice regarding the Mike Martin Commemorative Street Photography Walk 2016. The February meet-up in King Street, Newtown, produced some exceptional work, including images by Saša Zivkovic (member since May 2011) and Stanley Anagnostou (member since October 2014).
Mike Martin, I learn, was a very prolific and creative photographer. Using just his point-and-shoot Canon, he amassed 29,913 photographs and over 1.5 million followers on the photo-sharing site Flickr.
Each afternoon Mike would set out for a walk across the inner west and surrounding Sydney suburbs taking photographs of Sydney life: people, animals, architecture, festivals, protests and graffiti. Mike was an active member of Sydney Photo Fun, and a great bloke to share a beer and chat with at the end of a meet-up … Filmmaker Rachel Jordan compiled a documentary of Mike’s story as a street photographer, Mike Martin Newtown Graffiti. She followed Mike around capturing what Mike did best.
The annual commemorative street photography walk retraces Mike’s footsteps through hidden little lanes that wind through Newtown. This year the group walked the streets and lanes along the north and south side of the T2 railway line between Newtown and Liberty Street, finishing at 12 noon at the Town Hall Hotel to partake in Mike’s favourite refreshment, a Fat Yak beer.
March meet-ups included an excursion to Bare Island and a walk around Chippendale, Haymarket and Ultimo.
Catherine Selden (member since September 2014) comments: “It’s at least 30 years since I stood at La Perouse and my first time on Bare Island … another special Sydney spot and another brilliant weather day.” She admires a photograph by Fran C. (member since December 2013) entitled “Ruby on a Family Outing”, a gorgeous composition in red, blue and green.
Event organiser Gaille Force has been a member since February 2011. “It never ceases to amaze me how diverse our ‘eye’ is in capturing time or place in the space we move through,” she says. “Awesome images and fun interpretations draw us further into the challenge to connect.” Gaille’s image of the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building (UTS) draws praise from fellow camerateers. Says one: “You’ve captured the essence of Gehry’s building.”
Meet-ups in April will include exploration of the former convict prison and industrial shipyard at Cockatoo Island, venue for the Sydney Biennale. Organiser Neil says: “Make your own social comment by using your lens to interpret the artworks exhibited, then upload your spectacular images for everyone to enjoy.”
There’ll also be a smart phone meet-up in April for participants to learn techniques specific to the mobile format – the best free apps, filters, the art of composition and the “selfie”.
If you’re passionate about taking photographs, editing and sharing images with like-minded artists, if you enjoy being social and the prospect of day trips in and around the city, then Sydney Photo Fun is a group you might like to join. Costs are kept to a minimum and new members are welcome.
