Was talking to Jen Mei and she reminded me of this shoot we did ages ago. My first ever photoshoot to be exact, taken with the standard kit lens. Now do you see why i really dislike this lens? The quality is horrifying and i had to do whatever i could to salvage them through Photoshop (and let's be clear, my Photoshop skills aren't nearly satisfying enough). But the transgression of photo skills are really evident hey. Definitely not my best work but to me it shows how i've improved over the past 3 years. Given the opportunity to shoot with them again, i think i could do a whole lot better.

So i saved the best for last! It was really difficult choosing pictures as they are all so lovely but i do hope you guys enjoy these pictures as much as i do :)

The sun was shining bright on Sunday morning, giving us just the perfect weather for a day out frolicking among the gardens. Before our trip to Melbourne, we were doing research on ideal photo locations and i knew i wanted to have one at the Botanical Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance. Turns out they are actually located right next to each other, which made moving about all the easier.

Our first location was the Alexandra Gardens. Our little photoshoot managed to attract this lady which seemed pretty happy watching us at work. We were moving around quite a bit so i couldn't keep track of which garden we were in after that.

 Respecting my roots. There was also another pillar in which 'Malaya' was carved.

I don't think we actually took pictures around the Botanical Gardens because 1) there were too many people, it being a Sunday and 2) we already took too many at the previous locations. It was really tiring covering such wide hectares of land that at one point i was struggling with our bags and such acting as weights.

To compensate for our aching backs and feet, we had yums good gelato before heading home. Well hey, there will always be that sliver of energy to walk a distance for guilty indulgences no?

It was so hard finding a place for brunch on new year's eve, and after 2 attempts at different locations, we finally settled for one that was open; Inkr7 Bar & Grill. I give this place 2 thumbs up because it was just that good! And to think we stumbled upon this place as a last resort. Very satisfied tummy indeed.

Toast with the most on multigrain tost with cannellini bean dip, ham, herbed ricotta, avocado, fresh roma tomato and pesto oil.

Potato & zucchini hash cakes topped with smoked ocean trout, poached eggs and chive sour cream with extra mushrooms.

Eggs pancetta with eggs on toast, pancetta, cherry tomatoes, fetta and pesto oil.

Address:

7 Inkerman Street,

St Kilda VIC 3182.

Yeah just realized the food pictures aren't exactly in proper focus cause we were way past starving by then and just couldn't wait to start eating. Apologies for that.

We had plans to visit Brighton's beach that day, and the weather could not get any hotter than it was. Being the photographer meant sore feet from the scorching hot sand so i'd do this little dance after taking a picture, just to cool them off. It was also our last day of photo-taking and after going through the pictures, i am so happy with how they all turned out. Great end to my Melbourne adventure :D

I think the splashes of colour are what makes me love these pictures. Unfortunately, i was feeling pretty unglamourous that day so no pictures of me heh.

// With Melissa and Boon Hee.

Located about 4hrs away from the heart of Melbourne, sits mysterious stacks of rocks lining up against the coastline, otherwise known as the 12 Apostles. Mel's friend, Valerie, was wonderful enough to agree on taking us there and after what seemed like forever, we arrived in a huddle of people all as curious as we were. We did however, make a couple of pit stops along the way, prolonging our arrival. Driving along the coastline, it's hard not to stop and marvel at the scenery and outskirt beaches.

It was already late afternoon when we finally arrived, making the sun at the worst position ever. Sad to say, what was known as the 12 Apostles has since become only 7 due to massive deterioration. What's worse, i had to fight my way to get decent pictures and snapping at the right moment before anyone walked into my frame, which was rather difficult. I guess this is what you get at tourist destinations ey.

It felt funny to be traveling so far, looking at a bunch of block-ish rocks for a minuscule of a time, then heading back home. Luckily enough, the drive home was much faster as we traveled back inland. And as i watched the sunset through the windows of the backseat, i couldn't help but feel a serene feeling. The comfort of traveling with the right company and doing the things you love; this just is bliss.

Chicken cottage pie - delicious potato topped pie accompanied by 'Miss Marple's Own' sauce.

Quiche lorraine (egg & bacon) served with hot chipped potatoes and garden salad.

Fish and chips in a tempura batter served with hot chipped potatoes and fresh garden salad.

Plain scones served with 'Miss Marple's Own' delicious home-made jam and lashings of freshly whipped cream.

Address:

382 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road,

Sassafras VIC 3787.