#destination shoot

[corxoran]

The sun’s engaged to the sky

[lotus-pear]

idk if this has been said yet but the fact that chuuya was lucid this entire time means he heard EVERY WORD dazai was saying while he and fyodor were being drowned. the "there were times we did connect..like that time when.." AND while dazai was pleading with him to break out of the vampirism with "chuuya, our fate will not end here. because you and i are destined to-" BRO WAS ACTUALLY PERFECTLY CONSCIOUS AND ACTIVELY LISTENING WHILE DAZAI WAS CONFESSING HIS GAYASS TO HIM

[flamestar126]

SHOOTING + CUPID + RED STRING

[lryghe]

META; the life and death of transmigration

Word count: 1075

Reading time: 4 mins

I’ve put the word count and reading time at the top of today's post so readers can click off when they realise the length (transparency is key), since this post isn’t MXTX related. I just wanted to air out some thoughts I had regarding how transmigration stories incorporate the previous lives of the people whose body they are occupying. Because it’s always so interesting to see how authors work around the ethical issues surrounding actually possessing someone's body. There’s the classic ‘they died in a fever so it’s morally okay to act however I want because they're dead, I’ll just keep them in my thoughts every now and again’ move, which is boring. There’s also the ‘they were a horrible person so it doesn’t matter what I do because I’m not abusing people like they were’ but that’s even more boring!

Of course, lording over other people’s morals is rarely excusable, but it's frustrating to see in transmigration stories because it’s such a lazy way to explain things. When the possession is done well, it’s really refreshing to see. Take Penelope Eckhart from ‘Death is the Only Ending for the Villainess’ (I read this novel around when it first came out in 2019, so my knowledge is a little rusty on some things), who notes very early on that she will never forgive the people around the original Penelope, because she knows she doesn’t have the right. Since she’s not Penelope, she can’t forgive them for how they treated Penelope. And this is so important because it highlights an issue with the transmigration community and its stories. If you aren’t the original, who are you to forgive and move past the inexcusable actions of others? You yourself cannot absolve another person of their sins, and this was explored so beautifully through Penelope, because she sympathises with the villainous girl who’s body she inhabits, which means that while she’s ensuring her own survival, the author can add depth to the new Penelope’s character, and can develop the plot in a way that allows for other characters to be explored too. Adding guilt, or remorse, or even sympathy towards the original adds meaning to the character, in the way that many transmigration authors are sorely missing these days.

In reference to the clear morality issues surrounding this genre, it often results in a less than interesting plot and characters. With the family of the original, the transmigrator rarely holds weight in the other person's family, a distance is drawn, and characters surrounding the original are placed to the side in favour of the newer, more interesting characters that the author can barely develop. But this itself presents a new dilemma, because exploring the family of the original and their relationships would add a new layer of depth to the story as a whole and allows for an exploration of the main characters moral grounds, but allowing the transmigrator to get close could result in something as painful as the family noticing the original is gone, or even worse, noticing but not caring. In a novel I recently read, the main character's brother is the one who is possessed by a transmigrator, and everyone notices this change, but they end up ignoring the fact they know it isn't actually him, simply because they themselves judge it to be a change they like more so than the original.

But it’s an objectively painful thing to consider, because what if people did care about the original? What about their family, their loved ones, their close friends? This type of complacency authors and audiences, even characters in the novel itself, hold towards the surroundings of the transmigrator is something that had ruined the complexity of characters in transmigrations. Not even the main characters are spared from the one-dimensional fates they are thrown into by lazy authors, and oftentimes, characters feel hollow because they don't have remorse or even feelings beyond the need to ensure their own happiness and safety. This in turn ruins the immersion the reader has in the story, because how can you enjoy a novel where the surrounding characters are so painfully empty, the main character has no depth to them at all, and the plot itself would have to be based entirely on action, which is torture to read on a good day.

I feel like I should explain more on the bashing of the ‘lazy author’ since it’s obviously a rude thing to say, and writing is an incredibly difficult thing to do on a good day. But after seeing the influx of one dimensional transmigration stories, it’s so difficult to appreciate them. The inclusion of morals and ethics surrounding the cast of the novel results in a deeply gratifying storyline and whole character arcs, which draws in fans who appreciate deeper levels of writing. It adds complexity! Spice! Layers and hidden meaning! Authors who lack any type of internal character monologue beyond a moment every hundred chapters about the originals pitifulness, or beyond their brilliant schemes they plot in their mind that turn out perfectly and give the main character a million billion dollars and women and a lot of prestige, are what I’m referring to with ‘lazy authors’. The lazy author is complacent and singular with their writing, which draws in a large audience, but the audience are like sheep, drawn to effortless and boring stories which they can consume without thinking too hard about it.

However the blame isn’t totally placed in authors, as authors usually write for audiences. The media landscape surrounding transmigration stories is run by audiences who want to see instant gratification, the new main character appearing and beating people up or flaunting their beauty/wealth/fame and so on and so forth. But this instant gratification that the masses seek ruins complexity and whole narratives. It rather reminds me of SVSSS, how Airplane, despite having a deeply thought out and complex world, for lack of better word, sanitises it to appeal to a wider audience of dude-bros who just want shitty porn.

I feel like I’ve rambled on a lot today, I actually apologise. I don’t mean to rag on people, as transmigration is a really good genre regardless. This particular line of thought comes after me reading ‘The Third Wheel Strikes Back’, which, while frustrating at times, is a really, really good transmigration, that ticks all the boxes I explored before (as in the things a transmigration SHOULD be doing).

[ladystardustinblackjeans]

i looked it up and xfiles started airing in '93. and its far enough away for me that the technology is familiar but absolutely ancient to me. and i am sure it was cutting edge back then (they had a voice analyser they borrowed from a different department!).

there was the episode (5 or so in s1) where they were dealing with a sentient super computer, and first of all shout out for taking an anti ai stand lol, and second they were woefully unprepared for dealing with it. compare it to leverage and they were trying to fell a tree with a nailfile, so they could get to the operating room and destroy it. i kept thinking of the sterenko in leverage and how different the writers were treating and dealing with a computer system that controls a whole building.

[dylan-rodrigues]

Imagine being so hot, swoony and romantic you make your crush forget the time your dad melted her coworker's eyes into goo

[downfalldestiny]

Flying through a fish rack to the top of Reinebringen ❄️ !.

[nadineaucampphotography]

[icantswim-03]

Blah blah blah Sidney Crosby is so weird because he was born to be a goalie blah blah blah

[practically-an-x-man]

torn between the sadness of realizing that since the Captain technically outlived him, Wojchek never actually got to captain his own ship

and the knowledge that shooting that death scene was very likely David Dastmalchian's (certified monster kid and writer of his own vampire-based comic book series) favorite day on set

[quixoticrobotic]

thinkin about the reason sereas talks like a fucking furby boom is because unlike pollo, nimue, and sierra, who were made to help adults do tasks more easily, sereas was made to be the companion to a lonely child who needed a playmate.

[traaanskimkitsuragi]

crying bc i found the master sword by complete accident today

[scrapbuuk]

Niah Caves National Park, Miri - Sarawak.

Circa 2004, capture on film with Canon point and shoot, with friends from Brunei and England.

[okcoolthanks]

Me and who

me.

[kristiecarrick]

The Ultimate Sydney Photography Tour: Must-Visit Locations for Travelers

Sydney, Australia is a destination that’s as vibrant as it is beautiful, and for a destination photographer , it offers an array of breathtaking spots that are perfect for capturing the essence of the city. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or simply want to snap some stunning photos during your travels, Sydney has something for everyone. If you’re planning a photography tour, here’s a guide to some of the must-visit locations in Sydney that every destination photographer should check out.

1. Sydney Opera House

No list of Sydney's top photo spots would be complete without the world-famous Sydney Opera House. Its unique sail-like design makes for an iconic and instantly recognizable image. Early mornings or late afternoons provide soft lighting for the perfect shot, while the night views, with the building illuminated against the dark sky, offer a completely different vibe. The Opera House is a must-have in any Sydney photography portfolio.

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Just a stone’s throw away from the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge is another iconic landmark that offers amazing photo opportunities. From the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of the harbour, the city skyline, and the Opera House. For those who prefer a closer shot, the bridge’s pylons offer elevated platforms with fantastic vantage points. A destination photographer in sydney will find both the bridge and the views from it a photographer’s dream.

3. Bondi Beach

Sydney is famous for its beautiful beaches, and Bondi Beach is one of the most popular for both tourists and photographers alike. With its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and surfers carving through the waves, Bondi is perfect for capturing the coastal lifestyle of Sydney. Early mornings are ideal for snapping shots of the sunrise or the beach’s iconic pool, while midday captures the vibrant energy of beachgoers.

4. The Royal Botanic Garden

For nature and landscape shots, The Royal Botanic Garden is a haven in the heart of the city. Just a short walk from the Opera House, the garden provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while offering gorgeous greenery and flowers for stunning compositions. The backdrop of Sydney Harbour is an added bonus, making it the perfect spot for both macro shots of plants and wide-angle landscape photography.

5. The Rocks

For a touch of Sydney’s history, The Rocks is a charming area filled with cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, and quaint laneways. As a destination photographer in Sydney, this area allows you to capture the more rustic side of the city. Whether you’re photographing the old warehouses, bustling markets, or historic pubs, The Rocks has a rich character that makes for compelling photography.

6. Darling Harbour

For urban shots, Darling Harbour offers a stunning mix of modern architecture, waterways, and entertainment precincts. You’ll find beautiful reflections of the city in the water and plenty of dynamic, contemporary buildings that stand out in photos. The area is especially vibrant at night when the lights reflect on the water, giving it an entirely different feel.

7. Watson’s Bay

For a serene escape from the city, Watson’s Bay provides some of the best coastal views in Sydney. The white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and the lighthouse create an idyllic setting for photography. Here, you can capture the vastness of the Pacific Ocean as it meets the rocky coastline, making it perfect for long exposure shots during sunset or sunrise.

8. Art Gallery of New South Wales

If you’re looking to add some culture to your photography tour, head to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The architecture of the gallery itself is an interesting subject, with grand colonnades and elegant design. Inside, the exhibits showcase Australian and international art, and the gallery often holds special exhibitions that can provide unique photographic opportunities.

Conclusion

Sydney’s rich mix of natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and urban charm makes it a dream location for any destination photographer. Whether you’re looking to capture cityscapes, beach scenes, or historic streets, Sydney offers endless inspiration. With these must-visit locations, you’ll be sure to leave with a collection of stunning photographs that truly represent the essence of this vibrant city. Don't forget to take your time exploring and experimenting with different angles and lighting—each corner of Sydney offers something new to capture!

[insanechayne]

~ ~ ~