Tonight, I went to the screening of Exit Through the Gift Shop (Banksy, 2010), as part of the Sydney Film Festival. While I had already been in the State Theatre previously on Saturday for The Illusionist (Sylvain Chomet, 2010), this time round I had my A550 and 20mm f/2.8 lens.

Note I had one photograph of the State Theatre in the Bradleys Head gallery, but I was using a Minolta 35-70mm f/4 on an A350, which does not do so well with higher ISO ranges. The A550, which I am fairly comfortable pushing up to ISO 1600 (as long as the photos are exposed properly), combined with the exceptional 20mm at f/2.8 aperture, allowed for a wider view of the theatre in the allowable light conditions.

There were a lot of people for the screening (the session sold out), and no one actually cares that I was running around taking photos. Of course I put the camera away before the film started.

Built in the 1920s, and opening 1929, this "palace of fantasies" incorporates Gothic, Italian and Art Deco design and is one of the most atmospheric places I have been to.

[gallery] 

Today, I went to Area 77. I was looking for some older ruins but instead found scenes of urban decay. It is also possible that the ruins I was looking for have been torn down.

Despite the abandonment, some of the facilities are still being used for work, probably during the weekdays. Additionally, I do not recommend access during late afternoon/evening, as I found traces of at least three homeless people living at various points around the area.

The level of access was unprecedented for me -- I seriously was not expecting to be able to get into some of these structures, and I am amazed at the relatively light levels of damage they have incurred. To preserve this, the location has been classified, but I'm sure it's not too hard to find out where it is from some of the photos.

In summation: urban decay (two abandoned structures, one house, one office building), nature, heights (roof and stairs to watchtower), graffiti.

PS: The gallery contains comments on most of the photos. 

[gallery] 

I went to see The Illusionist as part of the Sydney Film Festival today. It was screened at the State Theatre. First time I've been in there, but it's an extremely impressive. I was reliving Bioshock levels in there. The first picture in the series is just a view from my chair.

I decided to check out Bradleys Head today after the screening, since I was in the city anyway. This was a possible venue for a photoshoot meant to take place today, but which was cancelled. Truth be told, I have visited this place before, when I attempted to walk to The Spit from Milson's Point station.

To get to Bradleys Head, drive there, or take a bus to Taronga Zoo from Wynyard, then walk. Most people drive right to the end of Bradleys Head Road, which features the lighthouse, shipmast and amphitheater by the sea. This is a popular spot for weddings. Both the last time I visited and this time, I encountered a wedding party (which usually takes place at the amphitheater).

While these spots are very picturesque (with a great view of the Sydney skyline), I will note an oft-overlooked feature of this location, accessed by stopping halfway down Bradleys Head Road, the old military fortifications, complete with a canon still in place.

[gallery] 

First "proper" night shoot! Planned as a Durarara!! shoot with Christie, Ita and Minami originally, but Tsubaki and Rinne came along with fantastic Soul Eater costumes and so we started the shoot with them. Along the way, we played with some GIFs for chance and luck.

Check the [gallery] 

For Durarara!!, we continued using the alleyway for some time, before moving on to an area near the highway/Harbour Bridge approach, and then near an under-cover pedestrian crossing.

Technicals: As the concept from the start was for a night shoot, we actually started past four, as dusk fell over wintry Sydney. The forecast was for a cyclone-force storm to hit the city during the evening so I was rather apprehensive. Fortunately for us, this did not eventuate.

I had been experimenting with Aperture Priority recently, but for this shoot I just went back to manual for everything. From the start, it was important to get the wireless light system up and going since there was no way I would try shooting in twilight conditions with available light (not unless I had a D700, of course).

As per usual for me, a two-light setup with one flash going through an umbrella on a light stand and the other flash on a GorillaPod to be positioned anywhere I want, though usually used as hair light for a dramatic touch. For once, I used every piece of equipment I packed, including the oft-underused tripod. Lenses used were the Minolta 20mm f/2.8 for wide/squeezy places and the Minolta 50mm f/1.7 for near-telephoto reach and portrait-type shots.

I think key to this shoot was the feedback that the cosplayers supplied regarding the shots, meaning we could keep adjusting things (especially the light) until they work and they also had an instant mirror to adjust their poses on the go. Christie, an extremely good photographer, also aided in composition suggestions to ensure we got some epic shots. This is a way of working I will definitely keep in mind for future shoots. Being too secure in your "first shot perfection" capabilities can really cause some lost opportunities.

BTW: cosplayers can request raws for this shoot on DVD ROM. Establish communications via Twitter: pireze_icie 

[gallery]