European Highlights: Lauterbrunnen und Jungfrau

Damien Woods December 27, 2015

A new favourite place.

Lauterbrunnen, a small town nestled amongst the Swiss alps, attracts tourists all year round. Located in perhaps one of the most glorious places I've ever had the joy of visiting, the obvious setting amongst the mountains was probably did it for me. I visited during August, with temperatures around 25+ degrees celsius on ground level and with the mountain ranges being so alpine, able to sustain snow all year round. One benefit being the fresh mountain stream running through town. I stayed with my fellow travellers from Topdeck in a cabined site, with on-site facilities such as bar, toilets, showers, laundry. Bring plenty of small change (in Swiss Francs), as the facilities such as showers and laundry cost (not much).

One of my highlights was heading up to Jungfrau (young lady) mountain ranges. Just above 3km from sea-level, the best view I've had of mountains (so far) in my life. To get there, an hour long mountain train ride zig-zagging up to the top. Along the way are plenty of opportune moments to get a snappy hap or 20. The train costs around 151 Swiss Francs, which is not quite $200 AUD.

"I'm on a train!" Heading up the mountain.

With a number of stops along the way to the top, there are plenty of walking / hiking trails, a small holiday village, restaurants, bars and souvenir hunting. Once at the top you arrive inside of the main mountain hub. Find the map and pick your own adventure.

Black and white - Fuji Acros 100. Colour - Kodak Ektar 100.

2016+

Damien Woods October 20, 2015

Coming up to 3 years of shooting film, I am looking forward to what the new year will bring. Currently planning another trip o'seas. Back to Europe, starting in Vienna, then onto Munich, Berlin and Scandinavia. Finishing off with a small piece of Russia, Poland and back to Berlin. Final route to be finalised.

I travel for the experience, different cultures, languages, human experience, scenery, food. The rich history and architecture too. An experience collector. Armed with a bag of film and film camera or 3. In colour and black & white. Most likely heading o'seas in 2017. Between now and then, some smaller projects. Maybe some local travel. And of course some exhibitions between now and the end of next year (check out my events page here). An opportunity to meet new people, discuss, maybe even learn something. And of course drinks and laughs.

My goal in the next 5-10 years is to continue to do a lot of travel. So far 13 countries, my next trip will add another 10 or so. Covering most of Europe. After that? I am not sure yet.

I am also keen on exploring other film camera types, next up will most likely be medium format. A Hasselblad or Pentax. Opening new possibilities of creative endeavour, keeping my creative flow going. New ideas, new techniques, a slightly different point of view based on how the camera reacts to a scene / how I compose the photograph. Shooting medium reduces the amount of photographs per roll from 36/24 to 12/10 depending upon the camera chosen. Slowing me down a bit more, taking the time to consider more carefully each frame.

Then onto large format, perhaps a Speed Graphic, a 1930s press camera. With either the standard sheet film back (hard) or polaroid (easy). Again, a new approach, a new 'look', Don't even get me started on how this all compares to digital. It doesn't even come close. Film cameras date back to the 1800s. About 150 years of development. So many types, formats, lenses, film stocks. So raw, so very different to digital. Not necessarily better, but certainly very very different. And that is the main reason for choosing film.

Let the journey continue.

European Postcards. A journey of discovering new things.

Damien Woods September 15, 2015

Having recently returned from an amazing journey throughout Europe (a good chunk of it at least), I will soon be having an public solo exhibition. On display will be a number of photographs 'postcards' printed in A3 and also in postcard size, available for purchase from my travels. I have released a small amount of photos on my Instagram account, but will certainly be keeping the best to last...

With a strong emphasis on historical places, architecture and few off-the-track spots, where I would wander off in search of something a bit different, tourists, with street documentary / cinematic approach. Armed with 2x Canon A1s (circa late 70s) and having shot 20 rolls of film, I promise you something quite special.

Brisbane, 1st quarter 2016. The final details of the exhibition (date + time) TBC.

This is only the beginning, as I hope to venture on another trip in the not-to distant future. To where yet, I am undecided. I do however have a strong interest in Scandinavian history, so perhaps Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Russia might be on the list. Scandinavian / Russian architecture, every day life, majestic scenery and of course Nordkapp (northern cap) - the most northern tip of the world. Also recent history of the Balkan region as well. Documenting the recovery after years of conflict.

For me travel is about the experiencing of the unseen, the undiscovered, cultures, history, new places, new delicacies and of course the people who you meet and may spend time with along the way. Fascinated by these new places and adventures, I look forward to capturing and sharing with in the future.