A Photographers Guide to Webb Bridge

Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Designed as a guide for photographers who have an interest in architectural photography.

Open Source Photographic Guide Project.
Introduction
Special Photographic Features and Notes
Night Photography
Special Equipment
Getting There

Open Source Photographic Guide Project.

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Introduction

Webb Bridge is located at the southern end of the Docklands precinct in the Melbourne CBD and joins the northern Docklands bank with the southern residential bank of the Yarra River. The bridge was designed by Denton Corker Marshall in collaboration with artist Robert Owen. The bridge design utilised what remained of the Webb Dock rail bridge and its distinctive design is said to represent a Koori Eel trap.

Photo by Andrew Brown

Special Photographic Features and Notes

The unique and rather stunning design of this bridge provides opportunities to shoot both 'inside' and 'outside' of the structure with its mesh or netting overhead. The bridge winds its way across the river and offers plenty of opportunities from vantage points on the surrounding promenade. The location can be quite harsh with all that steel and concrete and no shade, so the best times for shooting are earlier or later in the day. Although having said that, the design can also provide some great opportunities for those interested in photographing shadows and people at other times of the day. The nearby residential towers can also provide an interesting backdrop for your images.

The bridge itself offers a spectacular vantage point with views across the nearby marina and down the river towards the Bolte Bridge in one direction and the city skyline in the other. The bridge provides an interesting location for weddings and portrait shoots.

Photo by Andrew Brown

Night Photography

A key feature of Webb Bridges is its lighting design and this provides excellent opportunities for night photography.

Special Equipment

A wide angle lense would be an advantage here but there are also plenty of options for the abstract photographer and a tripod for night and low light shooting would be useful. A circular polarizer filter would be a handy addition to the kit bag if shooting during the day.

Photo by Andrew Brown

Getting There

Webb Bridge is a short stroll (approx 500 metres) from the Docklands and Telstra Dome precinct. The Docklands area is easily accessible from Southern Cross railway station and it is also serviced by a number of tram routes including the City Circle tourist tram which is a free service.

From Telstra Dome head south along Harbour Esplanade towards Bourke Street, and then through Docklands Park, following the walking and bicycle trail. If you are coming from Southern Cross walk or catch the tram down Collins Street and then join up with the walking path through Docklands Park.

Comments

Andrew Falcke

Terrific guide to an interesting feature

G'day mate,

Just wanted to say thanks for the guide to Webb bridge.

Never having done commercial/architectural work before I found it inspiring and fun!

Thanks again!
Andrew Falcke

Last edited Apr 4, 2009 3:38 PM

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