Photographing the Soul of Melbourne’s Inner North

Hidden Gems of Melbourne’s Inner North

There’s something magnetic about Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Northcote — places where the past lingers in cracked tiles, faded signage, and brick walls layered with time. These overlooked details are what I’m drawn to. I’ve been quietly documenting them over the past year, and now I’m sharing that work in my upcoming exhibition:

📍 Blackcat Fitzroy | Opening Night: April 11 - May 1st

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Why I Photograph the Inner North

This series started with quiet walks and a camera. I’d stop for ghost signs, tiled entries, unusual angles — anything with story and texture. Inspired by urban photographers like Fred Herzog, I’m interested in everyday spaces that feel timeless and a little forgotten.

Noticing the Small Stuff

I’m always looking for subtle contrasts: shadow on brick, ivy reclaiming a wall, an old sign half-lost to weather. These fragments of Melbourne speak to how cities evolve — and what we leave behind.

Prints & Exhibition

The works are printed as limited edition photographs, framed simply to let the details speak. Select pieces from the show will also be available as prints online at LesleyBourne.com/shop from April 11.

Come See It

If you’re in Melbourne, come to the show and see these portraits up close. If not, follow the journey on Instagram at @hidden__north — I’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes and print drops there.

Hope to see you there!
– Lesley

Portraits of the Inner North: A Glimpse into Melbourne's Urban Elegance

Melbourne's inner north is a treasure trove of architectural history, blending the faded grandeur of bygone eras with the vibrant chaos of modern urban life. These photographs capture the essence of this unique area, showcasing its layers of beauty, decay, and resilience.

1. Heritage Facades and Grit

The first image captures the intricate details of an old building facade, marked by the delicate artistry of bay windows, ornamental moldings, and the weathered texture of peeling paint. The graffiti layered over its surface tells a story of urban evolution, where art and history intersect. The lion motif on the corner reflects the grandeur of the original design, contrasting with the surrounding neglect.

2. A Beacon of Time

In the second image, a golden spire rises into the blue Melbourne sky, crowned by a globe-like ornament. This structure, part of a red-brick and sandstone building, is a reminder of the city’s heritage, with its steep gables and ornamental crests. It stands as a quiet guardian, witnessing the constant hum of life in the streets below.

3. Ghost Signs and Forgotten Elegance

The final image brings us to the iconic Paterson’s ghost sign, a hallmark of Melbourne's streetscape. The faded lettering and chipped paint serve as a canvas for nostalgia, inviting passersby to imagine the store's past glory. The crumbling facade, complete with overhanging balconies and intricate windows, reflects the ebb and flow of a city in transition.

Why the Inner North Stands Out

The inner north isn’t just a location; it’s a mood—a space where old-world charm meets a distinctly urban edge. Walking these streets feels like moving through an open-air museum, with each building whispering its own story. These portraits capture that feeling, offering glimpses into a city that wears its history boldly while embracing the vibrant energy of today.

Urban photomontage series

I have embarked on a new project recently and this piece is my starting point for exploration. I have been capturing the ghost signs and architecture around Melbourne for the past few years. I am constantly inspired by the old buildings and the faded lettering, they are so unique and visually beautiful.

I decided to take these images a step a further. Using photo collage I can reassemble the image, making an everyday urban landscape into striking, surreal image that dwells in the space between real and imagined.

Photo collage, Melbourne

I’ve been looking back through the archives and it’s interesting to see ideas that don’t go on to be developed.

This is a photomontage I created in 2018. It’s inspired me to explore this technique further in combination with my urban photography.

Minimal Melbourne - Urban Photography

So a little while between posts, but I’ve been very busy working on a new series these past few months. Many of you know my main interest lies in street photography and urban landscapes. Stylistically, I’ve taken a slightly more simplistic and graphic approach with these images.

Essentially, the goal of minimal photography is to be eye pleasing, with a very careful consideration of what should be part of the photo and what should be left out. Living in Melbourne has led me to become an urban photographer and some of the architecture is perfectly suited for this genre of photography. I’m also interested in exploring photomontage techniques as seen with the image below.

RMIT Building

When I go out hunting for minimal urban photos I tend to favour a simple sky, ideally blue and free from clouds. That guarantees a smooth background which is less distracting. Then I look for a single something I can isolate against that plain background, usually a section of a building, a sign or simple concrete shapes.

When my focus leans towards architecture, I search for buildings with repetitive elements, simple lines and interesting patterns. Through careful composition I aim to reduce the elements of the photograph to basic form and design.

Royal Melbourne Hospital

The minimalist images bring attention to symmetry, lines and patterns prevalent in the urban landscape. The images selected illustrate how exploring lines, structures and space rejects the banality of city scenes, reforming them into inspiring collages of geometric shapes. This an ongoing series I intend to continue exploring throughout the year. Stay tuned!