On Being Trigger- Happy

On Being Trigger- Happy

             I have been inseparable with my digicam for quite some time.  When I leave the house, I make sure that I have my digicam with me.  I don't remember a time when I didn't have it in my pocket.  Together with my cellphone.  And when I see a nice image, I waste no time shooting.  I become trigger happy.  Sometimes time is of the essence.  The subject may not be there anymore after a few seconds.  And the opportunity may not present itself again.

            Digicam is a novelty in that you capture an image at one click and then see the end product at once.  No need for films, no need to have them developed at a photo shop.  You can load the photos and send them to friends.  In an instance, the pictures are viewed and appreciated by the receiver.

           Taking photos is one way of whiling my time away.  And at the same time, I get the feeling of self fulfillment as I am able to do what I like doing.  But taking photos is not an absolute freedom.  You don't go around shooting at anybody or at any object or scenery.  There are limitations.

            For instance, while at the National Gallery of New South Wales, I was taking photos in quick succession.  Paintings, sculptures and other works of art. A big, burly man approached me and said:  "Picture taking is not allowed."  I was thinking that he would confiscate my digicam and I reasoned out at once:  " U see I am a tourist.  From the Philippines.  U have beautiful paintings here, the likes of which I have not seen elsewhere.  I don't intend to use them for commercial purposes."  The man , with a smile on his face, said:  "We usually ask the photographer to delete the photos.  This time I will allow you to keep them.  Just put it back in your pocket."

           At the Crown Casino Complex near the Yarra River, I was busy taking photos of the recreational area adjacent to the casino playing area, when a man, who looked more of a wrestler, made a hand signal and said:  "No, no !! Not here !!  Slowly I backed off and took the escalator to the next floor but contented with the fact that I had completed taking photos of its facilities.

           Here at home ground, a man and his aide were running after me.  This was after I took pictures of a stall selling imported fruits at the 168 mall.  Near the main entrance.  I moved at a faster pace, entered Meisic Mall and took the escalator to the 2nd floor.  They caught up with me near a booth selling dvds.

           "Bat ka kuha pictures? " the man confronted me.  I replied: "Bat ba, wala naman masama doon.  Public place ang 168 at public din ang customers niyo. Marami turista pumupunta dito dala dala camera." The Chinese mestizo answered: "Sana sabi ka muna sa akin."  It was my turn:  "  Kung bawal, nakalagay na dapat mga karatula sa 168.  Pero wala ako nakikita na bawal.  Bat ba parang takot ka?  Hindi ako reporter ng tv o dyaryo.  Sariling file ko lang ito.  Bat meron ba illegal ka ginawa?  Wala naman siguro."  With that, he shook my hand and left with his aide.

           I have about 30,000 pictures kept in my file.  I value them the most.  They are my treasures.  Some have been posted, some have yet to be included in my blog.  They are photos of people, places, objects and events.  Some may not look interesting to some people but I consider ALL as important to me for they connect me or they serve as linkage to people and places at various stages of my life.  And here are some random photos.  They are not in order.  Some photos may not be related to other pictures.  Some are spur-of-the-moment shots. This I consider as one way of unclogging my photo album which has become voluminous as a result of my being trigger-happy.

- Konted

A motocross I chanced upon while walking the grounds of Pipeworks Market along Mahoney's Road in Greater Melbourne

A man touring Melbourne City proper on board his Greenspeed Tadpole Trike, sometimes called Recumbent Trike. Pedals are in front.

Pretty lady texting and smoking at the same time at Federation Square

Artistically designed decor near the entrance of Royal Botanic Gardens

On their way to a wedding on board a nice topdown vintage car at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Waiting for a train ride after biking through the streets of the City Proper

Mother and daughter biking at Swanston St.

Beautiful dog and beautiful owner willingly pose for a souvenir shot.

An all-stainless public toilet

The Yarra River taken from the bridge near Melbourne Convention and  Exhibition Center

Taking this photo right after the speed boat passed under the small bridge connecting South Bank to the Central Business District

A beautiful work of art made of clay at Docklands

A sleek speedboat berthed at Docklands

Take note of the name of the boat at the rear portion.

Victory motorcycle parked near New Quay

The $20 million super yacht Platinum which is available for chartered trips

A nice Ferrari parked near Victoria Harbour

The $40 million ferris wheel at Docklands.  It is called Southern Star.

It offers a good view of Melbourne City and beyond and rotates at a slow pace.

The glass cabin is airconditioned and can be used for special occasions.

Taking pictures of Melbourne's tall buildings early in the morning

A clean alley near the end of Flinders street which has structures built in the 1800s.  I came across this alley while strolling alone.

Cluster of bars and nightclubs at Kings St.

Showgirls Bar 20 at Kings Street.  Entry fee is $15.

Gray Line is everywhere.

The Supreme Court of the State of Victoria

William Street at the Central Business District

Queen Victoria Gardens

A vintage Jaguar parked at St Kilda Road near the Department of Defense

Another vintage Jaguar

At the Department of Defense front yard where a wedding pictorial is taking place.

Taking my own shots though not an assigned photographer

The City Circle Tram that takes passengers to selected tourist sites.  It is free.

Old tram's interior

Unique name of a grocery near Sunshine. 

Shopping for more fruits at Sunshine Market

Taxi stand at Flinders Train Station

Big bikers being tourist attractions themselves

The Burke and Wills Monument.  Burks and Wills led a historic expedition which turned out to be a tragedy.  The two and their companions didn't make it back.

The Alexandra Garders.  Perhaps my best photo of a city garden.

Park with big trees

Carlton Gardens

Beautiful fountain at Carlton Gardens

The historic Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building at Carlton Gardens. Built in 1880, it is the first building in Australia to be awarded UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE status..

Masarap Bakery in Greater Melbourne owned by a Filipino

Deborah buying some bread at Masarap Bakery

Donna & Eiffel's house at Caroline Springs

With or without passengers, the bus leaves on time.

A friendly game at Dev's place

The 7-hectare Flagstaff Gardens is the oldest and most popular park in Melbourne City.

Family gatherings or parties are often held at Flagstaff.

Sunbathing and studying at the same time at Flagstaff Gardens

Light Vespa PX200 scooter

Train bound for the City Proper

P sticker on the windshield means Probationary Driver.  He is not allowed to carry multiple passengers. And must have 0  alcohol reading.  A full license holder is allowed up to .05 level.

The escalator at Parliament Train Station.  The steepest escalator I have ever seen.

Old Melbourne Gaol where Public Enemy #1 Ned Kelly was imprisoned and, everntually,  hanged.  He is considered by some as a folk hero.

The Old Melbourne Gaol is classified by the National Trust of Australia for its cultural historical significance.

Small park by the Yarra River

At the Crown Casino Complex

Taking photo of  a bird with Melbourne's Central Business District and the Yarrra River as background

Promenaders at the paved walkway by the riverbanks.

Crown Casino Complex main entrance

St Patrick Cathedral under the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Melbourne.  Known for its Gothic architectural style.

Cathedral's interior

Water cascading down  to the exit point

The 26-hectare Fitzroy Gardens at the heart of the City

Pathways leading to a lake, conservatory, etc.

The model Tudor Village at Fitzroy Gardens

The story

Cooks' Cottage located within Fitzroy Gardens

Cooks' Cottage where British explorer Captain James Cook spent his childhood days.  From England, it was shipped to Australia in parts. Captain Cook discovered  New South Wales.

A favorite tourist destination

Rear portion of cottage

Visitors' Information Center inside the cottage

Closer shot of Cooks'  Cottage

Telstra Dome.  It is now Etihad Stadium.  It is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment coliseum near Docklands.

From the upper portion of Etihad Stadium

View of Victoria Harbour and the 2.5 km West Gate Bridge

Victoria Star docked at Victoria Harbour

Victoria Star also functions as a restaurant.

Showboat berthed at Victoria Harbour.  It also functions as a restaurant.

Buildings at New Quay

Where you buy Fish n chips at Docklands

Menu board

Nice building at William Street

Serving Italian Gelato at the Crown Casino Complex

Tandem of 'Abu Sayaf ' ragtags

Maximus' favorite tractor at his favorite community playground

St. Francis Church is the oldest Catholic Church in Melbounre

Church's interior

Giants Gog and Magog, said to be guardians of the City of London, stand near the Gaunt's clock at the historic Royal Arcade in Melbourne

Albert Park Driving Range

Crown Casino Complex Bowling Alleys good for small groups.  There is privacy as the other alleys are blocked from view.

There are more than 700 Coles outlets in Australia.  Coles has the 2nd largest market share.

Fruits and Veggies section of a Coles outlet

Where there is a Coles store, there is also a Safeway outlet.  Safeway is now named Woolworths Supermaket.

No preservatives added

Jeep brand outlet at Highpoint shopping mall

A typical alley at Melbourne City Proper

A vintage car still in good running condition

Old Ford pickup sighted near Lilydale

State Penitentiary in Greater Melbourne

Bunning's Warehouse is Australia's largest household hardware chain. It is owned by the same owners of Coles Supermarket chain.

A common sight in the City

Hummer Limousine parked in front of St. Paul's Cathedral

Florsheim shoes outlet at Bourke St.

After having a haircut at the Vietnamese Village in St.Albans

Armin's wide, wide tv screen

And the accompanying apparatus

Selected wines at Armin's viewing room

Brimbank Library

Free use of computers at Brimbank Library

Fruits and Veggies Store at Watergardens

Women's Rowing Team preparing for a race

They carry the boat themselves  as there are no helpers.

Oars used in rowing

Rowing is a popular sport activity  in Australia

Monitoring the team preparation

The Men's Rowing Team

Teamwork is essential in rowing.

Races are held at the Yarra River

Trophies up for grabs

Warming up

Making a maneuver at the Yarra River

Birrarung Marr park near the Yarra River

Trendy bracelets

The Princes Bridge with  Southbank as background

All public CRs in Victoria and New South Wales are clean.

The Treasury Gardens

Showroom at Ikea

Restaurant and Cafe at the upper level of Ikea

Delicious meatballs with fries at Ikea

Southern Cross Train Station

Grilled food resto at the Southern Cross Station

Bar at the Southern Cross Train Station

Assorted wines and liquor available at the bar

Traditional English bike at Federation Square

Strictly for adults only

In sweet surrender

Free tour of the City in 1 1/2 hrs

Taking photo of the shuttle's interior

Taking refuge from the cold by riding the bus

 Home for the Aged

Waving the Aussie Flag

Citizenship Ceremony at Melton with the Mayor and Congressman in attendance

Melbourne Aquarium by the Yarra River

Historic Windsor where the Constitution of Australia was drafted in 1850

Old Graphophone at the Melbourne Museum

Old car still in mint condition