SAY CHEESE and DIE

2012-02-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

Surf check

2012-01-24T22:10:00.000-08:00

Camping.

2012-01-24T21:54:00.001-08:00

Thee Oh Sees. Woodys, Byron Bay.

2012-01-24T21:50:00.000-08:00

bathing in oil

2012-01-24T21:37:00.001-08:00

Brock

2012-01-24T20:33:00.001-08:00

Brian.

2011-11-07T22:33:00.000-08:00

Under the shade of the paper bark, Brian rests his sunburnt arms and chants his loves for the West Tigers, the club he grew up with. He spent fifteen years at sea in honor of the country, traveled around the world a few time and doesn't regret a thing.

Kye

2011-11-07T22:14:00.000-08:00

Summer is near.

2011-11-07T22:10:00.000-08:00

2011-11-07T22:07:00.001-08:00

MINKPINK campaign two.

2011-10-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

MINKPINK

Rippon, James Rippon.

2011-10-04T22:46:00.001-07:00

no man's land

2011-10-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

2011-09-05T23:36:00.001-07:00

People watching, Melbourne.

2011-09-05T23:32:00.000-07:00

Yelling against the wind.

2011-08-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

Dancing Tom

2011-08-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

Youtube this guy.

Mick

2011-08-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

"dont wanna see my head on that fuckin youtube."

Over the weekend.

2011-08-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Semi-permanent. Creative Conference, Brisbane.

2011-08-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

The kind kids at Semi-Permanent asked me to come along and cover the conference up in Brisbane in August where I got to meet the likes of T-World, Toby Dixton, Gemma O'Brian, the boys from Supervixen, Sam Leach, We Buy You'r Kids, Kelly Thomson, and last but not least, the legendary Reg Mombassa.

www.MINKPINK.com.au

2011-08-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

The images are now up online over at the MINKPINK site. Do you'r self a favor and go check out the pics of the latest range by designer Karla Rose at MinkPink and the photographic stylings by myself.

Finders Keepers.

2011-07-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

7:30 am.

2011-07-03T23:38:00.001-07:00

2011-06-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

MINKPINK Swim Shoot.

2011-06-20T20:17:00.001-07:00

Stay tuned. More to come!

Allan Rushforth

2011-06-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

My girl.

2011-06-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Our new house

2011-04-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

New Zealand.

2011-03-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

A friend, James.

2011-02-27T03:22:00.000-08:00

To see more of James Lake, click HERE

beyond the white picket fence

2011-02-17T22:57:00.000-08:00

a collaborative exhibition in a local house, a visual platform for underground and emerging artists. Works include print, photo, short film, sewing and woodwork, funds raised to support the Blackdog Institute for mental health. Supported by Monster Children and the Critical Slide Society more to come and artists to jump on deck (or porch)

For more images, click here

Bed time.

2011-01-28T22:59:00.001-08:00

Torakina.

2011-01-28T22:44:00.001-08:00

Hang in there Brisbane

2011-01-11T18:55:00.000-08:00

Its good to be high and dry at the moment...

& light

2011-01-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

Brunswick Heads Fair

2011-01-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

Push and peddle

2011-01-11T18:14:00.001-08:00

From Byron to Bondi.

2011-01-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

No summer is complete with out a road trip and to ring in the new year, my friends and I couldn’t help ourselves and we took to the road!

About a month or so I picked up a 1975 Valiant and was unsure if the old gal had it in her to take us there and back but with out fail, she pulled through. Like my old man always said, “If you’re going to do a classic East Coast road trip, you might as well do it in a classic car.”

Our plan was simple. We would drive until we felt like stopping and then eventually sleep where ever we fell. But one morning where Matt and I woke up to the high tide splashing at our feet we thought its time to hot foot it towards Bondi to surprise out mates for NYE.

Another weekend, another waterfall.

2010-11-24T00:38:00.000-08:00

Prostesters Falls

2010-11-15T02:16:00.000-08:00

The Pass, Byron Bay.

2010-11-08T04:01:00.001-08:00

Spent the afternoon down by the beach this sunday, and sure as hell, I've got the sun burn to prove it.

Double shot.

2010-10-18T03:09:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge.

Will Duncan - 19karen

2010-10-18T01:59:00.001-07:00

Plugs.

2010-10-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

Keen for some light reading? I was lucky enough to be featured on Howsyourweekend and also Frankie!

http://howsyourweekend.blogspot.com/2010/09/martin-johnston.html

http://www.frankie.com.au/art/1240-the-boy-can-shoot-part-1

Check it out.

Blast From The Past.

2010-10-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

The other night, I came across this deep within a external hard drive.

Enjoy.

Spring beings.

2010-09-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

Oh god, things are good. The air is warm and the sun is shinning. Heres a few pics from a spring weekend worth having.

Tim David is a seriously serious young man.

2010-09-10T04:07:00.000-07:00

The 50's

2010-08-31T04:40:00.001-07:00

I went to a bangin 50's party on the weekend.

Slide Show

2010-08-10T03:37:00.000-07:00

A simple experiment with the Australian winter, the mundane and good ol' fashoned slide film creating a humble feeling of nostalgia.

Down on the beach.

2010-08-03T04:10:00.000-07:00

Haters Hill

2010-08-03T03:52:00.000-07:00

Amazing, I didn't believe my eyes at first. But it wasn't until they all got out of the car and said hello, that i realized we were still in Bangalow.

B/W Film

2010-08-03T03:30:00.000-07:00

Far North Coast, NSW.

2010-07-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

The biggest little town in Australia.

2010-07-01T06:24:00.001-07:00

Mullumbimby.

The Young, Restless and Optimistic.

2010-06-28T04:24:00.000-07:00

Bondi.

The elegant slide of a home made ride.

2010-06-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

Recently, A mate came to visit from Sydney and it wasn't long until we were both swapping swell lines and my home made surfboards. I've been making a few boards in my workshop lately and I guess he couldn't resist the elegant slide of a home made ride, He just had to have one himself.

I took some snaps while I was creating him this 6 foot Go Fish one dark and stormy night.

Its alive, Its aliveeee!

Rainning In The Hood

2010-06-18T23:43:00.001-07:00

Lennox Head. 06,06,2010

2010-06-07T04:46:00.000-07:00

As fast as the storm came and went, so did the media, but what lays behind for the locals of Lennox Head is months of cleaning up after the beachside village was attacked by an F2 tornado.

Two days after the event on a strangely still sunday afternoon, My girlfriend, Casey, and I walked around the streets where she grew up, observing what is now considered as a natural disaster zone.

Humans and Bugs

2010-06-03T04:21:00.000-07:00

Bruce & Chris

2010-06-03T04:14:00.000-07:00

Ballina

2010-06-03T03:13:00.001-07:00

Home Sweet Home.

2010-06-03T02:51:00.001-07:00

I now drink the freshest water, breathe the finest air and feast on the many colours of the rainbow. I've been here for a while, however it is only until now that I have returned home.

Amybeth

2010-06-03T02:44:00.001-07:00

Byron Shire Echo News paper.

2010-05-29T20:16:00.001-07:00

Click to Enlarge!

Around The World: The contemporary travel photography of Martin Johnston

2010-05-19T00:37:00.000-07:00

This last month after arriving home has been a wild, eventful few weeks for me and I have been lucky enough to have the time to produce my first photography book: "Around The World".

The book focuses on the initial idea that travel is a form of adventure, mystery and art as one would leap forward into the mighty oblivion to experience new cultures and lands that they may have never known about otherwise.
A limited number of copies have been numbered and signed, printed locally in Brunswick Heads. The book is complete with fifty-five photographs expressing the slight similarities people and countries have, as well as exposing the contrasts us human beings live with everyday.
I hope to appeal the book to the younger generation as a form of inspiration to get out into the world and travel with a concise and respectful attitude.

The books are currently on sale at the Art Piece Gallery in Mullumbimby, Northern NSW,
or if you would like to get your hands on a copy, then don't hesitate to email or call me.

E: martinjohnston@live.com
PH: 0413601050

Instax India

2010-05-17T15:47:00.001-07:00

As awkward as it is, I managed to lug this instant camera all the way over to India. I hope you enjoy the shots!

Thank you, come again. India!

2010-04-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

It would be difficult to describe a normal day in India. In fact, within India, it would be hard to describe the term “normal.”

Upon our arrival at 3am, our first foot steps in Old Delhi were only because the mini van we were squeezed into popped it's tire and we were forced to walk its anciently narrow streets. Dodging sleeping bodies, dog fights and human excrement. I stood in awe as I noticed power lines roped together and dangling dangerously close to the ground as they were grouped together like vines in a jungle. That first impression soon became 'the normal' for me and little did I know I would soon have a completely different concept of the term. I realised why I came here in the first place; to open my eyes no matter how dark it may be.

My brave and beautiful girlfriend, Casey and I, travelled south to Agra to see the Taj mahal and beyond into the mighty state, Rajasthan, and its many historic cities. Ranthambore, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and the desert village of Khuhri where between the rolling sand dunes of the Thar Desert, we met the two twins, Amelia and Martha. The two ambitious girls from London charmed us with grace as they open heartedly welcomed the influence of the world, and of course, Rajasthan. A state of India which effortlessly puts on a colourful display of reds, yellows and blues. Romantically grabbing your attention, it will demand your heart to learn how to love this country although it will never give you an easy time understanding it.

Being an Australian within India at the time made our journey difficult. We had no idea that in our home country there was racial tension between our two countries. As Australians, we were considered “racists from a racist country”. There were travel warnings for Indians not to come to Australia. There was negative press in every newspaper and magazine that I read. Even in the street, I couldn’t believe the kind of treatment we got. Shopkeepers, Hotel staff and taxi drivers all seemed so hard to connect with. The discrimination we felt was never intimidating however we both knew that we had to change something to simply be accepted. We began telling people we were from New Zealand and the difference we noticed was undoubtedly the most eye opening thing I saw in India.

Before arriving in India, we were living and working in London and for our final month, we planned to use the remaining money here in India which was left from our deposit from the apartment in Shoreditch, however our landlord refused to give back our money. After countless phone calls and emails, The stress was over powering my thoughts with rage as eight hundred pounds of our savings was stolen. Running out of money and time, it was not until we were in Udaipur just before Casey’s 21st birthday when the stress got to much. Casey broke down in front of me and cried, “I just want to go home.” Her homesick tears rolled down her face and dripped into my heart. Filling it with ache as I wept for her inside but held the knot in my throat to be brave enough for the both of us. The next day on her birthday, we were woken up by a knock on the door. It was the twins and they left a little gift on the doorstep. It was this simple act that made her day truly great and I’m forever thankful.

It was also in this area where I learnt that India is like nowhere I’ve ever been before. It’s a jagged country and so is the time you spend there. Never will you endure so many emotions forced upon you at once. A joyful walk down the road complete with laughter, but smiles and friendship can change as the guilt washes over you and sadness flows into your thoughts. Then suddenly, out of nowhere you are confronted by group of dogs, creeping toward you just like the grim reaper would back you into a corner. Your left with nothing but hope as you look for a stick or a stone as your only form of defence against a force driven by hunger much stronger then anything I’ve seen in all my life. Hard emotions go hand in hand with farmland stricken by drought such as a place like the Thar Desert, and yet, a certain element of contentment is very noticeable amongst the villages and communities. Leaving me with nothing but pride, relief and optimism for the future of the people we meet.

We headed south along the ever changing landscape, through mountains and beside rivers that divide the countries regions. Under the cover of darkness and inside our screeching train carriage, we became friends with a family from Mumbai and were invited to stay at their home as we had no where else to go. We were surprised and overwhelmed with their acceptance of two scruffy travellers and jumped at the opportunity. When we became comfortable in their home, they urged us to change out of our rugged desert clothes that we had just spent the last 24 hours in and to dress in our best “western” attire. We headed to the very western “mall” and it almost made me feel as if I had a role to play as they introduced us to the impressively modern city of Mumbai which they call home. Light hearted conversation in broken English consisted of questions about our home land, what we do for fun, movies, money and what is most important for all Indians: politics, religion and cricket.

To escape the melting heat of Mumbai, we headed for Goa. The nations state famous for its beaches and party lifestyle. From Anjuna beach we headed north to Arambol where I fell sick for days. Twisting gut pains and a shaking fever stole my attention from the picture perfect beach and delicious sea food. The coconut trees covering our bamboo hut were watching over me almost like my own caring mother as I tried to shake away the bug. With a little medical help from the twins, I was fighting fit and back on another night bus headed for the ancient village, Hampi. A village beautifully situated amongst towering hills of brown boulders and contrasting healthy green rice patties below. A sight that will forever leave a fresh, clean impression on my memories.

After spending some time there, Casey, Martha, Amelia and myself decided to use our time wisely and see what south India had to offer. We boarded local buses, trains, rickshaws and boats. We walked and waded through streams and river beds and when we had finally made it to our destination, our routine was to split into two groups and search for the cheapest room that simply included a fan and mosquito net.

Late one afternoon, after giving into the wondrous selection of street food in Mysore. I became sick, very sick. The sickness pulled me back into that strange realm between sane and insanity that I had not long ago forgotten about. Voices spoke within my mind, my vision began to swing. Stomach cramps took a hold of me. Twisting and churning, I rushed and slipped in the mould that covered all surfaces of the bathroom and landed face down and helpless, uncontrollably vomiting and, well, you get it. I spent the next couple of days reliving the same pain I felt only weeks ago in Goa. Little did I know, but with in those last few weeks, I lost 10 kg’s. I was so weak that I couldn’t find the strength to lift a cup of sweet chai to deliver my much needed energy kick. But I guess its just a part of the experience, and I always found it funny to meet other westerners and instantly start talking about our newly acquired toilet habits as if we were old friends. Other travellers were always interesting to meet and I enjoyed learning the reasons why he or she were travelling. Sport, leisure, lifestyle, a spiritual enlightenment perhaps. What ever the reason and what ever the case, we all met on the road; the road that we knew so well but didn’t know us at all in return. Our own paths running parallel to each other for that one moment in time, giving us something to relate to with each other. A talking point; a comfort zone; a helping hand and some needed advice were never far away in India. Tourism was big business here and I was surprised to see the road so warm, yet so exploited.

The trip was almost coming to an end and the thought of heading home after 11 months overseas had me shaking with nerves. I had no idea what to expect, I wondered and feared of becoming too familiar with the one location I call home and yet I was excited to see my loved ones and spend time with friends. To simply sit in the grass with the warm sun soothing my skin or the sand between my toes just before my first surf at my local beach was all I needed to think about to fuel the excitement. Good healthy fruit, beautiful fresh salads and hearty meat was all I craved after I had lost so much weight to an illness I’m still confused about today.

We checked out of our hotel in New Delhi and drove out of the city that was bursting with life, The afternoon sun was blazing hot reds, yellows and casting long black shadows creating pockets of salvation from the dry heat. Time creeps by as Casey and I sit in the moving vehicle without a word, too belittled by the country which at times we both hated and loved so dearly. An untouchable Indian man approached my window begging for change, I paused and handed him a Beedie cigarette. A simple head wobble in appreciation and he is on his way to inhale the tobacco in the same way as I was trying to inhale my last breath of India. The sweet smell of incense mixed with teas, spices and rice cooking in the distance but it wasn’t just the smells I’ll miss. Visually, India is the most stimulating place I’ve ever seen in my life. A women’s sari catches my eye and also the wind as she drives on by my window at a fast pace, a man cooking chai by the road is doing it with so much charm I cant help but watch and engulf myself within the flame. I questioned, “Why am I leaving?” there was so much more to learn and see of India. But my time here has come to an end and now all I have to do is unpack the car and walk towards the departure check-in desk and soon I will be home.

Singles. London & Yorkshire.

2010-01-31T10:19:00.000-08:00

A Letter i wrote to a news paper in Yorkshire, UK.

2010-01-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

Dear readers of the Selby Times.

Today, Monday, 25 January 2010 I visited your town for the first time in my life. It was a cold day. Grim and wet, but that didn't stop the local vibe warming it up. I have always heard about the legendary markets held on Mondays within the towns center and I wanted to see it for myself. I wanted to meet people and talk about the town. I wanted to learn of its history and, of course, its culture. My name is Martin Johnston, I'm 23 years old and I have come from Australia to visit Yorkshire for the forth time as I have family here. I have always came back because I love this part of the world and, as I'm highly interested in photo journalism, I wanted to cover Yorkshire, its Villages and the most welcoming people in the world. However today was different. Today I walked around your town talking to local people, visiting local shops and, as I do — taking photographs. I walked into the chicken livestock market and was amazed with the sense of community I got. Never in my life have I seen such a good collection of birds and happy punters. I took a series of five photographs of the birds and one of the entire crowd all with their backs turned and then I heard abuse over the microphone from the auctioneer, a short lady with reddish brown hair started belittling me in front of everybody. Asking what I was doing and did I have permission to take photographs. Embarrassed, I instantly turned to the crowed, raised my hand and an apologized to for my actions and looked for a sign that said "No Photos!" funny enough, I didn't see a sign. The only thing I saw was an entire crowd staring at me like I was a terrorist. But I'm just A 23 year old Australian who was simply documenting his travels who was made to feel unwelcome by a little auctioneer as she said into the microphone, "I think we have somebody here who shouldn't be!" Now I raised my hand apologized to the good people for taking pictures of the chickens before but to be continually embarrassed is not what i Know people from Yorkshire to do. I couldn't do anything else but leave.
Now tell me who is in the wrong here. An inspired photographer or a bully of an auctioneer? In this day of age what was my crime? Was it invading the privacy of the chickens or taking an interest in your culture? I would love to come back to your town and capture its humble vibe, iconic market and wonderful people but I wont. I'd rather go some place where the auctioneers are a little more light hearted.

Thank you for your time...

Disposable Camera

2010-01-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

When i first came to London, i went to a pub in Hackney to met up with a picture framer from Ireland to see if i could get some work. He was a short man with a round belly. long beard and slicked back hair. We didn't do much talking about work however he did teach me the wonders of the world. He taught me how to drink Gunniess and the sixty year old man also me the best things in life are free as handed me a disposable camera...

Heres some snaps,

Bless him.

Half Frame.

2009-12-10T05:14:00.000-08:00

I have recently purchased a Diana Mini Half Frame camera from my store in London. I wasn't really sure how the photos would come out as its been a while since i've used film so decided to document an ordinary day going to work.

Sleep Furiously - Squatting in London

2009-11-30T02:44:00.000-08:00

London is without a doubt, the most expensive city I've been too. One can pay as much rent for a week living in London as they can living in Berlin, Germany, for a whole month. The prices are so high and with property value growing every year, middle classed people are forced to look else where for living arguments.
Off shore investors are buying properties in central London and let them sit there for years until they feel the need to sell it off.

SQUATTING is when someone occupies an empty or abandoned property without the owner's permission.
It is often done without his knowledge and in the absence of any normal legal right to do so. It is not illegal, and most squatters are evicted within weeks after the owner gets a court order for possession. Squatters do not make the choice to live like they do, but they are simply forced to do so.

I met Aonghus through work and he told me of his story. Aonghus has been squatting for some time and has become used to the lifestyle but openly admits he had found it difficult without hot water, heating or electricity. But after Aonghus and his crew came across this mansion in Mayfair, life has been sweet. This five story ex strip club is owned by an Arabic businessmen and is currently occupied by Aonghus his friends. They had welcomed me and some mates to a party hosted by Vice Magazine in this amazing location but we couldn't get in. Literally thousands of people were ramming at the door pushing against swat police and security guards - claimed Aonghus.

The following night, we went back over to the glamours area of the city for a jam night and some quite drinks and were blown away by this amazing squat.
Enjoy.

The following night, we went back over to the glamours area of the city for a jam night and some quite drinks and were blown away by this amazing squat.

Enjoy.

Claus and Aonghs. Up stairs in the penthouse suite.

Folk singer, Claus, joined us for the night and entertained like no other.

The penthouse suite.

Sitting comfortable.

The office.

Inside the strip club.

Bar and dance floor.

The list of future prospects.

downstairs in the basement where we found seven kegs of beer.

Jim, Claus and Dan.

Bringing the beach to the city.

2009-11-27T03:49:00.000-08:00

As I walk to walk through the city of London, As the cold wind splits me to two.

I'm constantly reminded of a different lifestyle. Physically I'm here, but I'm mentally,

I'm thousands of miles away. Day dreaming of warm sun and

Salt water. The distant call of a sea bird, and the smell of my surfboard wax.

However, London is a very inspirational town. The amount of quality street and poster art

Around these walls is amazing. Free to the public, the art here says a lot about the city.

And this is where I have gathered my inspiration from.

I've collected these images together and printed them as posters. I plan to paste them

on the walls of the city so each time i walk to work or catch the bus, i will be

transfixed in a moment of sun and pleasure.

I will soon post photographs of the finished project.

i miss home.

2009-11-25T15:56:00.000-08:00

They don't make em like they used too.

2009-11-16T04:17:00.000-08:00

Recently, My girlfriend came home one afternoon with a present for me. She had been at the famous Brick Lane Markets here in London and picked up this Kodak Brownie D for an easy 10 pounds. Excited as I was to start using it, I opened it up and noticed it still had a roll of film in it from the owner before me. I got the the film developed hoping to find some evidence of who it used to belonged to and found these photographs maybe dating back to the 50's or 60's.

Amazing.

Singles: Travel Photography

2009-11-03T15:09:00.001-08:00

If I could describe to you how it felt to begin travelling around the world, I could simply say it was just like skydiving.

The anticipation of buying your tickets and walking out to the runway. The smell of fuel and the heat rising from the tarmac only adding to the tension as you step into the plane. Spending time in a non- English speaking country will change you just like the moment you let yourself fall out of the plane, letting every part of your unwanted troubles behind – even if it is just for a few moments. Lost in time and space, you will roll and tumble, flip and twist until you pull yourself together and take control of the situation giving you an outstanding, overwhelming since of clarity and a perfect view of life on earth.

Looking back at both of the two life changing events I can see similarities in all aspects. The thrill, excitement, the rush, the unknown but most importantly, the final view on the world after truly looking at it for what it is. No brochures, no lonely planet guilds were needed. Just a map, the erg to explore at free will.

These collection of photographs were taken with in the last 6-7 months.

SUCH IS LIFE.

Peace - Croatia.

Casey - San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco.

The woods - Holland.

Sunset - Berlin.

Beyond the city. The Amsterdam outskirts.

Ann Frank's House - Amsterdam.

Industrial estate - Belgium.

Build an empire to only burn it down - Germany.

Wheat - Portugal.

The Alhambra, Spain.
The louvre - Paris.

The floating human - Croatia.

Sand dunes - Portugal.

I was lost, yet again. Portugal.

Soaking it up on The French Rivera.

I was lost but moving 30 km's an hour. Somewhere in between Portugal and France

Take a photo of them taking a photo. Italy

At the office, Paris.

Barcelona - Spain

Paris.
A collection of pebbles and people, Nice - France.

Tom and the death train, Morocco.

Disneyland - Paris.
Bees V's noghurt, Morocco.
Backstreet football, Morocco

Tangier, the gate way to Morocco.

Nice, France.

The city of lust, Paris.
The free traveler, Florence - Italy.

The Seine River, Paris

Marching band, France

Local butcher, Fez - Morocco.

What on earth? Switzerland.

100 euros a day, Biarritz - france.

I see red, Balboa - Spain.

Dying pits, Morocco

Back ally beers. Florence - Italy.

X marks the spot, Monaco.

No love - spain

Cityscape, New York - USA

No photo, Pisa - Italy

City life, york - UK

Over 9000 streets. Seriously. Morocco

An overview, New York - USA

Berber kid, Mazooga - Morocco

Portugal.

3rd highest train station in europe - Switzerland

Instax 200

2009-09-14T00:28:00.000-07:00

In normal circumstances a photographer would have access to all his equipment letting him freely stroll through the world of creativity, however as I’m on the road, I’m nailed down to only one camera and one lens to save space in my back pack. Creatively, this is so frustrating and using the same lens for months on end is too repetitive and boring! That was until I came across this Instax 200 in a second hand shop in Portugal about 3 months ago. I was told the instant film is very hard to find as they don’t make it anymore and I spent about a month looking for it in all sorts of different countries until finding it in a small shop in Paris.

As a kid instant cameras were used during social events such as Christmas, birthdays and of course, family holidays so this is where I have gathered my inspiration from.I have decided to shoot my subjects in relation with the country I’m in to create and continue the straight forward documentation that travellers have on stereotypes.

Enjoy!

Pebble beach - Croatia.

Hemp - Holland

Float - Croatia.

PUNK NOT DAD - Croatia.

JUMBO Supermarkten - Holland.

Erotic Megastore - Belguim.
The sea side - Belgium.
Bern - Switzerland.
Heinenken - Holland.
Windmill - Belgium.
Sunset - Paris.
Sun bathers - Paris.

Lucerne’s river - switerland.

Merzouga - Morocco.

2009-07-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

European Beach Culture

2009-07-19T03:58:00.001-07:00

Wide tourist photos

2009-07-07T00:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the wonderful world of photoshopped tourist photography.

lick a stamp, and send one back home to your mumma.

NYC
Italy
Spain
Croatia
Croatia
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Tuscany
Tuscany

Tuscany

Sweet exchange - Tuscany.

2009-07-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

I try not to turn the camera on myself mainly for two reasons:

1. I'm really bad at stretching out my arm to self document things. I'll tend to miss and take a shot of my arm instead, Leaving a blurry photo of what seems to be a forearm.

2. Plain and simple, I'm no Brad Pit. I leave all charisma at the door step when I leave the house exposing all goofy-ness to the world.

But every now and then, when the time, light and mood is just right. It all comes together so perfectly. I'd pulled my camera out from my bag along with any charisma that was in there and self documented this sweet exchange.

Hope you enjoy it as much as i did.

"Pitty" the cat that said cheese and died.

2009-07-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

As I rushed to the kitchen one afternoon, I walked past a 6 month old kitten just sitting in the sun. Pity's shadow stretching over 2 meters, her eyes were bright lit and were set focused on me, as I watched her. I noticed she had a slight shake but nothing to worry about I thought. I took a photo and continued to the kitchen.

The following afternoon, jack — a friend of mine, found pity's cold body surrounded by two other cats.

I'm no vet but I can't help but to blame the name of my blog for this one. Sorry mate, R.I.P.

Tuscany - shadows, wine and a farm.

2009-06-18T07:11:00.001-07:00

Traveler.

Beam

Alley way.

Dry.

Inhale.

Words.

Wisdom.

Ghost town.

Slaughter.

Deli.

Rounds.

Eat.

Relax.

Jack London.

This is Sorrento - Italy

2009-06-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Great Britain.

2009-06-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

Down stairs Danny

It rain's sometimes.

I screamed.

There's something not right about this...

Every beach needs a roller coaster,

And donkeys.

Urban pets.

Graves.

Center court

Power lines.

Sammy.

Nanny and Granddad.

Rape seed.

City.

2009-06-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Grandmothers come in all sorts of sizes. Short, big, fat, little, tall and small. But no matter how different they look its never the size or shape that matters or defines one’s love and gratitude for their grandson/granddaughter, And upon my arrival at lady Doreen’s house in east Yorkshire it became apparent to me that you don’t even have to be related to be treated like a young king.

Here, my girlfriend, cousin Zoe, myself and my Nanny were invited over for the weekly hair wash and were entertained with all sorts.

-Enjoy.

Welcome to New York

2009-05-16T01:44:00.001-07:00

The smell and grime that leaked through the under ground tunnels linking the city together was our first impression of this hard city. the train was hot, cramped and moved like a giant earthworm that had been forced to work. we arrived at our stop and walked up the stairs to find ourselves in the middle of Times Square.

Although the nitty, gritty subway was our first impression of New York City, it was impossible for it to be the last. We discovered every emotion that this city tries to hide and i couldn't help myself, i just had to click away.

Click to enlarge,

Enjoy.

Central Park.
Brooklen Bridge.
secruity gard.

Rockfella Center.

Shadow puppets.

This is the norm - Central Park.

Apartment blocks,

Toy collection.

Young girl - The Hudson River.

Tiles For America.

Jungle.

On lookers view the scars left from the attacks on the World Trade Center.

The more sensitive side of the city wasn't hard to find.

Only in america.

The Subway.

Rainbow.

On lookers atop the Rockfella center.

Breakdancers,

Negative.

San Francisco

2009-05-11T18:57:00.001-07:00

Well, what can I say about this town that hasn't been said before. The town houses, the cable cars, the parks, the bay area and its history combined with beautiful weather and welcoming people all make me feel like there's something special for everyone.

Heres a few random shots for you.

Cali sunset.

Bay area.
Pier 17. (we snuck inside)
Seeeeee
And snuck back out again..

China town.
For some reason, this shot reminds me of jazz music.

The washing.

The coffee.

I met this scientist down by the waters edge. He said he needed money for further research. There was a pub down the road that had 85 beers on tap and he was researching them all.

Even though the sign tells you to EAT AT JOE'S, don't bother. Its crap. Cool sign tho...

Out of town mail boxes.

Golden Gate Bridge - SF

2009-05-07T23:15:00.001-07:00

Sure, I’ve heard the rumours, but I didn’t actually think there was pumping surf under the massive hunk of iconic metal. From afar, we could see hints of white wash slamming against the rocks and roughly make out the shape of the bridge through the fog but when we got there I was so envious to see dudes getting shacked under the most amazing backdrop…
So I sat on the rocks with a camera, wishing I had a 20 mil wetsuit and my Go fish twiny surfboard, but at the same time running around with excitement and a Californian grin.

Damn you San Franciscans have it good here!

Click to enlarge…

Kneeboarder barrel

Fog city

Jump off

Boogie barrel

Bridge babe

Thrift stores. SF

2009-05-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

These Thrift stores are awesome! Bigger, better and wayyyy cheaper than back home. Seriously next time you come to San Fran just bring a bag and your wallet. Come here and load it up. There are plenty of goods awaiting here. Just jump in line with the homeless, trendy young folk and the mexicans and shop till you drop!

Alcatraz

2009-05-06T22:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah, that’s right. While Casey and I were in San Francisco, we thought we’d drop in to see how things are turning out at the old gaol, Alcatraz. From the instant I set foot on the island I couldn’t help but thinking about two things. The movie Escape From Alcatraz and the stage from Tony Hawks Skateboarding that was based on the big rock. I couldn’t help bragging that I’ve flipped that set of stairs, grinded that rail and aired over that bowl.

But in all seriousness, the historic island really is amazing. To be there at night, to feel the cold air chill our bones to the core, to hear the city from across the bay almost gave a taste of how it would have been to have considered yourself an inmate there once apon a time. The still, creepy quietness of the old building ran shivers up my spine.

Heres the 107656th bunch of photos of the place.

yew

Cronulla, 3 years later.

2009-05-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

On December the 11th, 2005, the beach side Sydney suburb of Cronulla saw an unbelievable display of tension that had been building for months as gangs of Lebanese and Australians swarmed the beach, after two lifeguards were beaten, more than 5,000 Australians turned up at Cronulla determined to "reclaim the beach". A series of text messages were sent out and Riots broke loose and that day is now remembered by all Australians as not one to be proud of.

I was down there the night after the infamous riots and I got a first hand glimpse of the tension as I found myself hiding from Lebanese "gangs" in the beach side park across the road from the Northies pub. Every time I visit the streets of cronulla, I remember how it felt to be scared in my own country and nowadays, three years later, I could even see the unspoken tension between two cultures as I walked through the suburb. I have never been to a place, city or town and seen this many flags hung in windows as a display of some body’s pride and honestly, have never felt so on edge.

I took the time to go out and collect these images a day before I left the country. it felt strange to be an Australian but not feel the same pride for what happened on December the 11th, 2005. And I guess it made the reasons of my leaving seem more acceptable as I’m trying to open my mind and respect every culture I come across.

-Marty