First Shanghai Self Portrait Session

I haven't yet made a lot of time here for ongoing photography projects. I've been out photographing obviously but alas it's been hard to feel on my game when I haven't really had anything I've wanted to pursue as a subject. Nonetheless the work I have been getting has been great fun and here's hoping that accumulates in good time. 

I rarely spend evenings at home here, just because life is pretty fast paced here and I hate feeling like I'm missing out when there's fun to be had. Though last week I had a couple hours at home before going out on a Saturday night. It's been a while since I've had a self portrait session, and I guess I forgot how therapeutic it can be. It's nice to feel like I'm working on my skill set (because of how uncomfortable I am in front of the camera) without leaving the house. Though I gotta say, taking photos of myself in my bedroom felt a little odd haha. Back at home in Auckland it was always with the afternoon light we had in our bathroom or the morning light through the study. New place, new way of doing things I guess. 

So yeah, some selfies for the sake of them. I'd also just bought a new sweater and was pretty excited about it. Here goes. 

Classic selfie

It's a really positive feeling to be getting more used to putting myself in front of the camera and I'm hoping it's helping with the way I photograph portraits etc. The next step is a self portrait session in Century Park. Gonna make it happen soon hopefully. 

Macau In A Minute.

A lot has been going on in my little life, recently. You've already gathered that I have moved to Shanghai, China to spend some time working and just, living, really. While I would apologise for not being more onto it with blog posts about that - the three months I've really just been finding my feet and these things will all happen in good time. I've managed to get a couple paid jobs here already and have made some cool contacts and I'm really excited to see where things go in the future.

Before moving here I had a lot of people remark on how few holidays workers in China get. Not that I'm doubting that, but what you don't hear is that the Chinese get 22 public holidays a year! The last week has been a public holiday; Golden week! A large number of locals here travel around during this time which makes doing anything domestic an absolute nightmare (or so I've been told), so after a few days in Shanghai, my friend Rosie and I jumped on a plane to Macau! We spent three nights there checking out the Portuguese architecture, Catholic churches, casinos, and even managed to squeeze in a night in Hong Kong!

 Senado Square was beautiful, I've seen photos of similar set ups in Lisbon so it was quite odd to find myself in a place where all the signs are in Cantonese and Portuguese, yet be surrounded by Chinese people. 

Rosie and I were pretty churched out after a walking tour of a bunch of them on our first day there.

We're not really sure what this meant either.

Manderin's house was beautiful.

We discovered this awesome little area near the wharf with all these crazy different kinds of architecture so decided to spend an afternoon chilling out there. Worth it. 

Classic Rose.

The view from Guia Fort was the highlight of the trip for me. Decided on a whim to wander on up (we actually caught a gondola) the hill to check out the lighthouse, and happened to time it during golden hour and it was really rather beautiful. 

And of course, there were the casinos. 

The Venetian

New Beginnings.

I know, I know, I've been really MIA recently. But it's for good reason, I promise. I had been planning on making a blog post about this earlier but I've been so busy that it's been far to hectic to - plus it just kind of made sense to post something now that I'm all settled into my new place. 

That's right. My. New. Place.

My best friend who has been living abroad for the last seven months came home last month for a bit of a holiday. Obviously I've been rather envious of her life this year, but because I've been overseas a fair amount and I had plan to save money whilst at home, I had always swept that prospect under the carpet. However, when your savings aren't going well, you're not getting the hours you need at work, and all three of your parents suggest you move overseas without you even saying you were thinking about it... you kind of have to jump at an opportunity. Am I right?

So four weeks after applying for a job teaching English in China, I have found myself in Shanghai, in my own apartment. I've only been here just over a week but it feels pretty good, I gotta say. Things have moved so quickly but when in your life are you able to just pack a bag and move overseas just like that? There's very few times where it's possible and now it's pretty cool to be able to say I've done it. 

It's all very early days obviously and I haven't even taken my camera out to photograph the city itself, but I have just kind of wanted to get settled and used to work and things before I go out shooting. And I mean, I will be living here for a year, at least. So I think I'm good for time. 

So, if you hadn't worked it out already, that means I'm no longer able to take bookings in New Zealand. If you're in China - hit me up! In the mean time, here's some photos of my new place. I promise I'll get out photographing soon. Watch this space. 

My shelves are a bit empty at the moment but I have a whole stack of rolls of films to use so hopefully that works out! My prayer flags, prayer beads and malas are all on my walls and out of sight from the windows unfortunately - the last thing I want to be doing is making a political statement about Tibet in China. It's nice to have some mementos from home though.

IKEA, I am your biggest fan. Spice jars and a spice rack sitting on my windowsill to hold loose change and jewellery. 

I've taken up Gaelic football while I'm here - I bought these Nike boots for $75NZ, so cheap! 

I am obsessed with these plants. Will be needing more soon enough. 

The wider view from my room.