This entry had been in my drafts section for two months but I haven’t had time to properly post it until now. I almost didn’t post this but these photos were a result of a few winter nights of my Husband and I’s adventure during the Vivid Sydney held this year.
For this year’s Vivid Sydney, the stoic Macquarie Street of Sydney lit up into an art gallery from 5:30pm onwards.
One Thursday evening of June, we trooped down to Hyde Park and started off taking photographs of the Hyde Park fountain enveloped in blue lights.
The Macquarie Visions is a celebration of 200th anniversary and story of two visionary leaders, Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife Elizabeth.
The story started at St. Mary’s Cathedral – “Designing the Nation” – which depicted the arrival of the Macquaries in 1810.
We only had one tripod with us so all my shots were hand held.
I had to lie on the ground (boy was it cold!) in order to get decent shots such as these.
First time that we saw the St. Mary’s Cathedral all lit up so we had a souvenir shot before we left.
Second stop was at the Hyde Park Barracks Museum – which depicted the Australian tradition of a “Fair Go” originated from Governor Macquarie’s practices.
Tried to be creative with The Downer Macquarie Arch by playing with my camera’s shutter before taking photos of the light show of the Barracks Museum.
The Downer Macquarie Arch symbolises the greatest achievement of Governor Macquarie–the building of roads to Blue Mountains.
Even the gate of the Barracks Museum were lit up. It was a cloudy night which added more character to our photographs.
This was the Barracks Museum.
Third stop was the Sydney Mint – “Common Wealth” – Governor Macqaurie introduced coinage to Australia, forever changing the life of its inhabitants.
The Parliament House – “Advance Australia” – in this light show, interviews and images described inspirational projects that have advanced Australia on the world stage.
The State Library of New South Wales – “Words on the Street” – this is to honor Elizabeth Macquarie in highlighting the importance of literature in the early colony.
It was a bit difficult to take photographs of this building due to the big old trees in front of it.
On the way to the Palace Garden, we saw this lighted fountain…the Morshead Fountain.
Palace Garden Gate – “Giving Gardens” – in honor of Elizabeth Macquarie for designing and developing the Royal Botanic Gardens
This was just a small space outside the Royal Botanical Garden.
Last stop of the Macquarie Visions, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music – ” Pastimes” – Lachlan and Elizabeth created a social life for Sydney such as annual fairs, balls and public holidays.
Another difficult structure to take photographs of. There were cars parked in front of the building and there weren’t strategic places for photographers to take photos.
After taking a few shots of the building, the Husband and I went inside the Conservatorium of Music to warm up, rest and watch a recital concert for free. A great way to end the night.
The Macquarie Visions adventure took us about two and a half hours of walking, exploring and taking photographs. This avenue of lighted art gallery leads to Circular Quay which is the home of Sydney’s beloved Opera House which was also lighted beautifully for the Vivid Sydney event. I will share photos of the lighted sails of the Sydney Opera House next!
Photos by Chris & Ivy Sanchez
Copyright 2010
