A Year of Happy Places on Film

Looking back on 2024, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic about the travels that defined my year.

The places I visited weren’t just destinations—they were moments of growth, creativity, and connection, most of which I captured on film. From Sydney, where my husband and I shared one of our first trips together, to the surreal landscape of Cactus Country, and the little camera stores I sought out in Japan, each trip brought something new to my photography, and to me.

Sydney: The Grounds of Alexandria and Our Beginning

Sydney will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where my husband and I shared one of our first trips together while we were dating. We found ourselves wandering through The Grounds of Alexandria, surrounded by lush greenery and industrial charm, simply soaking in the sights and each other’s company - glorified hot dogs in hand. Those early days away felt like the beginning of something beautiful, and I wanted to capture that magic in every photo.

I returned last year with my mum, mostly to see a musical, but I couldn’t resist sneaking away for a few quiet moments to capture the places that bring me joy—photos I now display around our home. Sydney has become a bit of a tradition for hubby and I; whether it’s a little getaway or a theatre production drawing us up (seriously, why does Sydney always get the best musicals first?!), it’s a city that keeps calling us back.

When I look back at these photos, it’s not just the city I remember—it’s the energy we shared, the thrill of new beginnings. Each image holds a piece of that first chapter in our story, and to me, that’s priceless. Every time I pass these photos in our entryway, I’m reminded of where we started and the exciting road ahead.

Cactus Country: Infrared Photography and Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

Then there was Cactus Country. I never imagined a desert landscape could spark so much creativity, yet there I was, surrounded by towering cacti and vast skies, trying something completely new: infrared photography. For weeks, I’d been pestering one of my friends, a total photography GENIUS, about how to pull this off. And when I developed the images and saw the results—wow! They were nothing short of magical. I was absolutely beaming, and I’m so glad he got to witness it firsthand. The desert seemed to come alive before my eyes—what was once dry and barren became dreamlike, filled with depth and mystery… almost extraterrestrial.

That trip was a powerful reminder to push beyond my comfort zone. Sometimes, growth happens in the most unexpected ways. Cactus Country gave me the freedom to experiment and experience the world in a completely new light. Those photos are more than just images; they’re a snapshot of a moment when I let go of the familiar and embraced something entirely new.

Japan: Camera Stores and the Joy of Discovering Hidden Gems

And then there was Japan—what a trip that was. As a photographer, I couldn’t resist seeking out the hidden camera stores nestled in every neighbourhood we explored. One of my absolute favourites was Nisshin Cameras in Tokyo. It wasn’t a flashy, big-box store but rather a small, intimate space where you could feel the history and passion for photography in every corner. I found some unique gems to add to my film collection, but it wasn’t just about the gear—it was the entire experience of being surrounded by fellow photography lovers, connecting through a shared passion, even if we relied on Google Translate to bridge the language gap.

Every photo I took in Japan felt like a discovery, whether it was capturing the serene beauty of a quiet temple or the vibrant energy of a busy street corner. It reminded me to stay curious and embrace the hidden stories that often go unnoticed at first glance. One of my favourite days was walking the streets of Fujiyoshida with the hope of seeing Mount Fuji. Despite there being no visibility that day, it still turned out to be one of my best days of photography. The atmosphere, the peace and serenity of the surroundings—it made the day unforgettable.

My most cherished memory, though, will always be when we visited Sakata and explored the rice factories there. Walking through the industrial spaces, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the craftsmanship and history that filled the air. In those moments, I stopped, took it all in, and remembered the power of slowing down to truly see the world around me. Oh, and Disneyland was a HOOOTT!

What makes these photos even more meaningful to me is that they’re all unedited—pure, raw film. No filters, no heavy adjustments—just the world exactly as I saw it in those moments. I wanted to preserve the authenticity of each place, each emotion, exactly as it was when I captured it. There’s something uniquely beautiful about the natural imperfections of film, the way it tells a story without trying to conceal anything. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful moments don’t need any touch-ups to be perfect—they’re already beautiful just as they are. And honestly, I wouldn’t want to experience life any other way.