Published: April 11, 2023
Photo taken: March 31, 2023 (3/31/2023, 11:03:00 AM)
Sydney, Australia is a stunning city that boasts diverse weather conditions and climates. During early winter, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds, from morning rain to sunny days. Whether you seek outdoor adventures or want to explore the city’s culture and attractions, there is something for everyone in Sydney at this time of year. With mild temperatures and breathtaking landscapes, early winter in Sydney is the perfect time to visit and discover all that this amazing city has to offer.
Despite the weight of my camera gear, I couldn’t resist the temptation to capture the beauty of this excellent weather at the beginning of winter. Although the long summer days are coming to an end and bone-chilling evenings followed by freezing cold nights are on the horizon, the sky was bright and warm as the day progressed. Even though fresh rains fell earlier in the morning, the sky became increasingly dramatic, with this warm and cozy sunshine throughout the day. While carrying heavy gear can cause fatigue and back pain due to my small build, the long sunny days and pleasant temperatures still made it worthwhile.
Leaning against the barrier walls, my attention was drawn to Ellen’s beautiful long black hair as she was walking by (see the video below for more), and I greeted her warmly with a “hi.” I asked for her consent to take a photo, and she agreed, leading us to Hyde Park for a photoshoot. Despite the manageable outdoor conditions, the photo session was made unforgettable by Ellen’s cooperation, enthusiasm, and engaging conversation, making this encounter with a stranger yet another memorable experience.
Furthermore, in my recent interaction with the Latino community I found them very open and cooperative. Many Latinos in Australia come to the country for work, study or travel, while others come to join family members who have settled in Australia. The majority of the Latino population in Australia are young adults, and the community is known for its vibrant cultural celebrations, music, and food.
Latino Australians face many of the same challenges as other migrant communities, including language barriers, discrimination, and cultural adjustment. However, the community has also made significant contributions to Australian society, particularly in the areas of music, dance, and cuisine.
There are various organizations and community groups that support the Latino community in Australia, providing assistance with language, employment, and cultural integration. These groups also organize events and festivals, including the annual “Fiesta” festival in Sydney, which celebrates Latin American culture and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Overall, while the Latino community in Australia is still relatively small, it is a dynamic and growing community that has made significant contributions to Australian society.
“Do you have any sisters or brothers?”
“A brother in Brazil”
“A brother?” “Is a Little one or the…”
“Yes… the little… we have a (brother of) eleven years…”
“Is he a good brother…?”
“Yeah… he is very good…” (now she started laughing)
“you guys fight a lot…?”
“Nahh so so…” with a big laugh she went on.
“You don’t fight…? Sometimes?”
“Sometimes…”
Ellen, originally from Brazil, is now studying English and pursuing a career in web development in Sydney. She previously studied electrical engineering back in her home country, where it was taught in Portuguese. As an engineering student, she was exposed to the fundamentals of programming and web development and became fascinated by it, leading her to pursue further studies in web development in Sydney.
“So, you came here to study… so… what are you studying?”
“Digital marketing and Web development”
“If you can learn web development you can earn a lot of money…”
“What you use to study in Brazil…?”
“I study electrical engineer(ing) in Brazil then I stop my course because I arrive here”
“How long did you study there?”
“I study for three years”
“Three years? in Brazil?”
“Yeah… three years… electrical engineers (ing)”
“But it’s a very boring subject…” giggles 😃
“It’s very difficult”
While reviewing the photos I had taken of her, I noticed a few shots where her eyes were closed. I decided to show her these photos, as it seemed as though she was listening to music rather than posing for the camera.
“I show you one…”
“See this one… looks like you listen to music”
“You listen to music 🎶?”
“What type of music do you listen?”
Once again, she burst out laughing…
“I like Brazilian music… funky”
After some five ten minutes into the session, she wanted to leave as she had to go home to cook some lunch, but I am not done yet. I like to take a bit longer; I like being patient. Patience is a key element of photography, as it allows photographers to take their time to get the perfect shot. It gives them the opportunity to observe and capture moments that can’t be recreated. Patience also helps photographers stay focused on their task at hand, allowing them to get the best possible results from their efforts.
Patience in photography also allows photographers to take risks and experiment with different techniques and settings. By taking the time to analyze each situation, they can make sure they are getting the most out of every shot. This can help them create unique images that stand out from other photos in the same genre or style.
Overall, patience is an invaluable asset for any photographer, as it gives them more control over their work and helps them produce better results in less time.
She agreed to a quick photo shoot when I approached her as she was walking home, but as I prodded her to stay with me more and more, the time spent together grew. While I was preoccupied with my camera, we tried a number of settings and positions, and the time passed quickly. Meanwhile, the person posing for the camera had to bear the burden of posing in different ways as directed. While most of my subjects enjoy this, sometimes it can be a big challenge for them. With time limits like these, I like to challenge myself to be better at what I do, but it may also be difficult to get a fantastic shot.
“So, what you doing when you go home?”
“Making lunch” … “Probably rice 🍚 and chicken 🐔 😋”
“Chicken is your favorite 😍…?”
“Yeah” – she nodded.
“Do you like beach?” ⛱️
“A lot…”
“Which beach have you been?”
“Maroubra… Bronte… that’s it”
“Ohh Bronte… is in Bondi (Junction)”
“Yeah…”
As we continued our lively conversation about the beaches in Brazil, she enthusiastically shared her experiences of the warm and inviting waters of those Brazilian beaches. She apparently loves the feeling of the warm water of the sea and sun on her skin creating a sense of relaxation and serenity. However, she also talked about her recent trip to Bronte Beach in Sydney, Australia, and how the experience was quite different. While people usually marveled at the stunning coastal views and the quiet, secluded atmosphere of the beach, she noted the shockingly cold water that left her shivering and quickly retreating to the warmth of the towels. Despite the coolness of the water, the feeling of the sun on your skin and sand between your toes is beyond words. Even though we may have different preferences, we can all agree that the beach is a magical place where worries and stress melt away, and we can connect with nature and ourselves.
“The water is very clear”
“Uhh…?”
“You know… the water in Maroubra?”
“Yeah…”
“It’s very, very…clear…”
“So, when you go to the beach ⛱️ when you get down into the water 💧… you always like to swim 🏊♂️” – this brought some laughter into her.
“It’s very coldd… the water…”
“Very different if (than) Brazil…”
“How is the water in Brazil?”
“(the water in the beaches of) …Brazil (is) always hot…”
“Is hot?”
“Ahhaa…”
Sydney is famous for its stunning beaches that draw thousands of visitors every year. From the iconic Bondi Beach to the hidden gem of Manly Beach, there is no shortage of beautiful coastal destinations to explore. Bondi is perhaps the most popular beach, known for its lively atmosphere and world-class surfing opportunities. Manly, on the other hand, offers a quieter and more relaxed experience, with calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Bronte Beach, with its stunning coastal views and rock pools, is another must-visit destination for those looking to escape the crowds. The beaches in Sydney are not only beautiful but also offer a range of activities, from beach volleyball to coastal walks, and some of the best dining options with breathtaking views. Whether you want to surf the waves, soak up the sun, or simply take in the stunning views, Sydney’s beaches are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
