The Year 9 Photography Field Trip was a culminating adventure following a semester-long unit of study. This subject, and indeed the associated field trip, is a much-anticipated milestone for our Year 9 students. Evolving year on year, this year's photographers headed first to UQ (as previous cohorts have done), before continuing into the Brisbane CBD for the first time.
Here's a lovely reflection of the day, curated by our Photography Guide, Sandy - enjoy!
We started out on an overcast and drizzly day, and, having already rescheduled once due to the possibility of inclement weather, we were determined to make the day work, come rain or shine.
And boy, did the day deliver.
Overcast conditions can actually be a photographer's best friend for many types of shots, with cloud cover naturally softening the light and reducing the harsh contrast between highlights and shadows. That being said, some picturesque landscapes simply call for sunshine and blue skies to capture a bright and beautiful day.
As it turned out, we somehow got the best of both worlds.
The first drizzles upon arriving at UQ saw us taking shelter beneath the magnificent walkways of the Great Court. Rather than seeing the weather as an inconvenience, students embraced the opportunity to slow down and really look. Cameras turned towards the stunning sandstone textures of the buildings, while hundreds of intricate carvings around the Court quickly became a source of fascination. University crests from around the world, Latin and Greek inscriptions, Australian flora and fauna, quirky grotesques... even dinosaurs! There was beauty and wonder around every corner.
As soon as the rain eased and the sun began to peek through, students spread out to explore the wider campus. The UQ Lakes proved particularly rewarding, offering beautiful natural landscapes, reflections across the water and plenty of wildlife, while students also turned their cameras on one another to capture candid moments throughout the day.
After lunch at UQ, we boarded Brisbane's iconic three-segmented M2 bus into the city, arriving at King George Square where students continued photographing the magnificent City Hall, its surrounding architecture and the many statues throughout the precinct.
One destination had been on our itinerary from almost the very beginning of the course. In the very first week, one student asked whether we could visit Brisbane's Skydeck, and the idea stuck. It quickly became part of the plan, giving us spectacular elevated views across the Brisbane River, the city skyline and South Bank.
Then... the rain returned.
Rather than dampening spirits, it sparked some wonderfully creative thinking as students lobbied for a semi-educational detour into a handful of indoor locations. We began at one of Australia's largest and most magnificent second-hand bookstores, Archives, before making a couple more brief stops, including I ❤️ KPOP, Culture Kings, and finally Dymocks in the Queen Street Mall for, naturally, even more books. There was something for every student to delight in, even if only briefly.
As we meandered through the soggy streets with brollies in hand and rain jackets draped lightly across our backs, we had the marvellous fortune of quite literally bumping into our illustrious Principal while waiting at a city intersection.
What are the chances?
By late afternoon, the weather once again began to clear as we made our way towards Victoria Bridge. Throughout the semester, students had learnt about the elusive "golden hour" and why photographers treasure it so highly. They had studied it in class, but had not yet been able to experience it for themselves. More than anything else, if there was one thing we hoped the weather might grant us before the day was over, it was that fleeting window of perfect golden light.
It did.
As the winter sun slipped towards the horizon, Brisbane was bathed in that unmistakable warm glow photographers dream about. Students finally experienced first-hand what they had only discussed in the classroom, and it was every bit as spectacular as we'd hoped.
Following dinner and a well-earned snack break at the Uptown Food Court, we wrapped up what had become an unforgettable day of creativity, exploration and discovery.
Our creative, playful and dedicated photographers returned with the most wonderful collection of images from the day. The photographs throughout this article are just a small selection of the moments, perspectives and creativity they captured along the way... we hope you enjoy them.