Today we have a guest post from Renate Hechter from Pure Dynamics Photography in Sydney, Australia. Earlier this year Renate launched a new twist on family portraits – a concept called Manly Urban. In this post, she explains Manly Urban.
Thank you again Craig for giving me the opportunity to post on Beyond Here.
I have the privilege of living near one of the most beautiful areas in the world. I do not think anyone that has been to Sydney and more to the point, Manly, would disagree with me. One is surrounded by beautiful expanses of blue ocean, with the heads in the background on one side and Manly beach on the other side. If you have ever been on the Manly ferry, you would agree that it one of the most iconic and picturesque methods of public transport. All in all, to be able to have this view, day in – day out, is not only a blessing, but a calling to a photographer.
Manly Urban. Family portraits with famous Manly backgrounds. Copyright Renate Hechter.
For any photographer, it is important to create a service that is new and different to new and existing clients. I have come up with the ManlyUrban idea, as people not only love to get some photographs of the area they live in, but it also provide a beautiful and modern back-drop for some stunning and different photographs. Manly also has a huge expat community, so it is a great keep-safe of your “home away from home”.
As you walk around and through Manly, you will realise it is a treasure-chest of scenic and urban areas. Here are some of my favourite areas.
- Manly Ferry/Heads (in the background)
Manly Urban. Families in context. Copyright Renate Hechter.
The Manly Ferry is a tradition. Since 1855 it is a “must do” for visitors. It is the way Manly locals commute to Sydney. It operates 7 days a week, day and night. It is one of the most picturesque and relaxing commutes in the world. What a wonderful way to include this as a backdrop for a photograph. The same is to be said for the famous Sydney Heads, which is the 2 kilometer-wide entrance to Sydney Harbour. People from all over the world will recognize it and these are some of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks.
- Manly Corso
Manly, Sydney, Australia. Copyright Renate Hechter
The Corso is a busy and bustling place. It provides direct access from the Manly Ferry Wharf to Manly beach. It is also the main shopping area of Manly. You get locals, tourists, buskers, mum and babies, school children, toddlers in the playground, retirees, surfers, skateboarders and many more all mixed together and wandering about. Being photographed in the Corso takes some courage, as soon a crowd of people will gather to see what you are up to. (My urban ballerina kept her cool in the Corso, even though she was surrounded by holiday-makers).
- Murals
Murals make vibrant backgrounds. Copyright Renate Hechter.
There are a number of murals in different alley-ways in Manly that provide fabulous backdrops for urban photography. Note, Manly Urban are not just for children. My friend, Liz, is a local business owner and a Manly local. As an artist (www.muktiart.com.au) she loved the opportunity to have a photograph taken in her beloved Manly in an area where the photograph could double as a piece of art.
When you visit Sydney again, make sure you get your Manly fix. You may even see me shooting Manly Urban in different locations! Please STOP and say HI!