#SnapMelbourne: Victoria’s top Instagrammers reveal their favourite photography spots

OUR city is full of gorgeous photography spots, and Victoria’s top Instagrammers have revealed their favourite photo haunts ahead of #SnapMelbourne.

• Get involved in #SnapMelbourne on Wednesday, November 16

• Snap a picture that shows us your take on your city, suburb or street

• Hashtag #SnapMelbourne and post to Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

• 12 obscure Instagram spots in Melbourne
• 12 of Melbourne’s most photogenic desserts
• What is #SnapMelbourne all about?

MELBOURNE city is full of gorgeous photography spots, ranging from city laneways to local eats.

SHARE YOURS: Hashtag #SnapMelbourne on Instagram and Facebook

Whether you’re into architectural photography or food styling, there’s something for every budding photographer.

Victoria’s top Instagrammers each have a different style, and have revealed their favourite photography haunts in Melbourne — check out their recommendations below.

@melbournegirl

The founder of a stylish guide to the city, Melbourne Girl editor Emily Collie has more than 91,700 followers and says a classic view of the CBD’s night lights is to die for.

“Melbourne at night overlooking Federation Square (is) the iconic centre of our beautiful city, and this view from Southbank is unbeatable,” she said.

Originally hailing from NSW, Ms Collie considers herself a fully-fledged Melburnian and, like most Victorians, is also partial to hitting the shops.

Emporium is among her favourite spots to shop, with its open spaces and concept stores.

“Shopping is one of my favourite things to do and I am in love with the golden, sparkling glow of the multi-levels at Emporium Melbourne,” she said.

@georgie_mann_photos

The western district resident is best-known for her shots of rural life, but ticked off a photography bucket list shoot at Docklands last year.

“Princes Pier is a photographer’s paradise, and I love capturing this special part of Melbourne with my lens,” she said.

“The weathered and worn pylons are rich in history, and lead to a wonderful view of the bay and beyond. I especially love photographing the pylons on an overcast day when the water turns an iridescent blue.”

A lush inner city oasis in East Melbourne also tops her list of places to set up a tripod during her visits to the big smoke.

“The Fitzroy Gardens would have to be hands-down one of my favourite places in Melbourne,” she said.

“The avenues of 100-year-old trees and lush green lawns are a peaceful contrast to the towering skyscrapers beyond. It is beautiful to photograph as well as being a beautiful place to catch your breath among all the hustle and bustle of Melbourne.”

@legojacker

Not your usual Instagrammer, Kanesan Nathan has amassed more than 100,000 followers for his tiny vignettes featuring Lego figures in a range of unusual situations.

Ranging from moody to colourful, his portraits aren’t afraid to discuss political topics affecting Melbourne and beyond.

“Melbourne laneways are some of my favourite places to legojack,” he said.

“What draws me to these places is often the street art on the walls. The street art in this city is one of my favourite things about Melbourne and it is why I often bring visiting photographers here.

“In some of those laneways it feels like the colours are always changing, which makes my creative and photographic possibilities endless.”

His snapshots often capture tiny elements of Melbourne life overlooked by conventional photographers, whether it’s the tiny reflection in a city puddle or sparkly sequins on a laneway path.

Some of his favourite CBD legojacking locations include Hosier Lane, Croft Alley, Blender Lane and Loveland Lane, plus Sunshine Lane in Brunswick and Artists Lane in Prahran.

“Because my main focus is macro photography, and making small colourful plastic figures seem larger than life, I look at the city in a very different way — as a canvas to create new and interesting worlds,” he said.

“While other photographers may be looking at the big picture, I am looking at the colour of the paint, nooks and crannies, rust and decay.

“Sometimes photographing tiny figures against large works of street art creates an interesting effect, especially when the figure and the street art are thematically connected in some way. Also working in narrow laneways allow me to cheat perspective.”

@therubycanvas

Fashion blogger Ruby Wang’s feed is a classic snapshot of urban life in Melbourne, ranging from celebrities at the spring carnival and her latest beauty buys.

But it’s the simple pleasures she loves capturing on camera, like vivid sunsets over the Yarra River.

“I live in Docklands and I get to see some amazing sunsets,” she said. “I love capturing them whenever I see them.”

The keen foodie can often be found checking out Melbourne's brunch offerings on the weekends, sharing her discoveries with 20,000-odd Instagram followers.

“I love going for breakfast in Melbourne and there are so many beautiful cafes around,” she said. “I love photographing cafe exteriors, interiors, and food.”

@lauraalycebell

Best known for her dreamy travel shots around Melbourne and beyond, Laura Bell’s outdoor lifestyle shots capture a side to Victoria most have never seen.

The St Kilda local escapes from the city at any given opportunity, saying a landmark formation near the Twelves Apostles was her top photography pick.

“No matter what the weather is doing, this wild and rugged coastline is so beautiful,” she said. “Loch Ard Gorge would have to be one of my all-time favourite spots along (the Great Ocean Road), as well as the Otways.

“Being a beach person, there really isn’t much of this stretch of road I don’t love. Rain, hail, or shine, she is a beauty and no matter how often I visit, I am always excited to visit again.”

Despite being a self-professed water lover, Ms Bell said she made an exception for Victoria’s alpine region.

After climbing to the summit of Mount Buffalo in winter, she said the “breathtaking” views changed her opinion of the snow.

“Being a beach person, I have never been that into the snow until I found my passion for taking photos, but I can assure you this region is worth visiting in any season,” she said.

“There is so much to do — hiking, bike riding, wineries, day spas, photography opportunities around every corner, in winter snowboarding, skiing … the list goes on.

“I always base myself in Bright and then adventure to all of the different mountains from there. Bright itself it a beautiful little town with lots of nice restaurants and cafes.”

Show us your snaps

We want to see Melbourne through your eyes — brush up on your photography skills ahead of Snap Melbourne this Wednesday, when Melburnians are invited to post photographs to social media to build a living gallery of a day in the life of our wonderful city.

Tag @SnapMelbourne in your Instagram snaps, and use the #SnapMelbourne tag on Twitter or Facebook.

Don’t forget to tag your local Leader paper and keep your profile public so we can see your fantastic pictures.