Side Door

Perfect Pancakes is a restaurant in a converted church at the top end of Charlotte St in the centre of the city. The old red brick building still stands proud, with most of its original external features remaining. This side door is now a rather shabby green, but it has a wonderful character. Athough it probably hasn't been open in a very long time, given that it now longer seems to lead anywhere, its hinges alone seem to tell a story about another age. (OM4, zuiko 135mm f3.5, f3.5, fp4 @ 125)

Yeoman of the Guard – Photographic Summary of Act 1 in 24 Images

From the Queensland Musical Theatre production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Yeoman of the Guard” which ran from mid May to early June 2007 at the Schonell Theatre, University of Queensland. A wonderful performance of one of the more serious Gilbert & Sullivan operettas and a great viewing experience too!

Whilst I had originally intended to post perhaps at most two or three photographs, the number and chronological sequence of these images lend themselves so well to a photographic narrative, that I just had to present them all. Well not quite, it took me some time to decide on a style that would enable me to present a large number of images in a fairly compact manner. I think this 4 by 6 layout with a single key image in each works well, although I did have to drop one image, originally having 25 in total. Ilford HP5 pushed 3 stops to an ISO of 3200 has done quite a reasonable job of capturing the contrasty scenes.

The other aspect of this process that I have become less sure of is whether posting these images represent "fair use" or a copyright infringement. Are these photographs a sufficiently small quantum of the whole performance? Certainly I have acknowledged the source, I don't believe this post detracts in anyway from the integrity of the producers or participants, and my only real motive in publishing them is community interest. Still..

Victoria Bridge

Victoria Bridge leads from the end of the Queen Street Mall and Brisbane Square across the river to Southbank. I have long been fascinated by the way the street lights almost bracket the traffic and the way lines define each space given over to either pedestrians, cars or buses. I was aiming to capture these various lines and accentuate the space with darkly silhouetted light posts by taking a shot late in the afternoon. I took several frames, but like the way that the cars are all waiting in line to rush off in their various directions home.

Abstract Study 2

I was trying to capture the wonderfully fluid distortion of lines in the early morning river reflections. I noticed that the low angle of the sun created areas of deep shadow and bright highlights where the reflections were generated from the rendered concrete of the waterfront buildings. I am not sure that this image qualifies for my series on lines, but I am reasonably happy with the almost psychedelic (in a monochromatic way) patterns created and the tonal range captured (OM4, zuiko 135/3.5, 1/125s, f8, fp4 @ 200).

In & Out

A blast from the past that fits my "Line" theme. I shot this image with Fuji Superia 100 in late 2004 but I have never been happy with it in colour. I thought that I would play with the scanner, desaturate it and let the graphic elements shine in black and white. If you are wondering, it is taken from the top of the walkway at the Regatta Hotel Ferry Stop. It is not my usual type of shot, but it is sometimes interesting to revist early frames to see how your style changes over time. I hope you enjoy.

95 William

OK, so the subject-based theme that I have decided to explore is "Brisbane Doors". Below is my first posting of an unknown number in the series. 95 William St is now the home of the National Trust in Brisbane and the building has been sympathetically rejuvinated and the enterance is particularly striking. This shot, like my two previous postings, was taken last week early on the rainy morning using the same film and camera body (with the Tamron 135mm). This was the second last shot on the roll and taken after the batteries went flat, luckily the OM2sp has a mechanical mode that allows shots be taken at 1/60th. I guessed the exposure and adjusted the aperture accordingly - you can't do that with a digital!

Abstract Study 1

This is another image from the same roll of film as my previous post (ie OM2sp, zuiko 50mm f1.8, FP4 @ 200). I think that over the next little while I will take a leaf from Martin's book and try to pick a theme or two to explore in greater depth, along with my usual achitectural stuff. One theme will involve a strong element of design–line–the other I am yet to settle on, but it is likely to be more subject-based, like "Doors". My chosen image obviously fits with the former theme. I particularly like the way that the wall has strong lines, and that the reflections from another building add a different dimention that complements the overall effect (no manipulation to the image other than a little sharpening and 180 deg rotation).

Anzac Memorial

Like Martin, I too have shot a roll this week with more than one useable frame. I decided to post these two photos as my final of a series that I have done of the ANZAC Memorial. I have been detouring past the site every other day to see what changes. Someone must have left a small vase and posy over the weekend, but by the time that I saw it on Monday the heads of the flowers had bowed, seemingly in respect of the fallen. I took this low perspective shot to get the flame in the background (OM2sp, 50mm f1.8 Zuiko, FP4 @ 200).

A couple of days later I passed the memorial again, but this time during light rain (yes, apparently it does rain in Brisbane very occasionally). It was quite dark and I had with me a Tamron 135mm f2.5 (same camera and film), so I shot with it wide open and hand-held. Although the result is not tack sharp, I quite like the paw as a subtle reference to the flame and the reflections of the flowers with the mosaic behind.

The Victory - Corner Charlotte and Edward Streets

This week has proved quite fruitful, two acceptable images out of twenty-four! This and (Brisbane Streets) General Post Office were part of a roll shot wandering around the city during my lunchbreaks. Whilst I'm certain there are literally thousands of great shots in every street block, unfortunately I sometimes find it difficult to identify the unique combination of factors that might lead to the capture of one!

Photography on the Internet

(Article originally posted 10th April 2007), so you saw yourself in an image on a web page? Some interesting links to the Arts Law Centre of Australia site concerning privacy, unauthorised photography on the Internet and legal aspects related to the management of a blog.

Apparently because Australian State and Federal law currently contain no mechanism guaranteeing otherwise, in this country the right not to be photographed whilst in public does not exist. That is not to say that defamation and damages may not be awarded against a photographer as a result of misrepresentation and commercial profiteering. I believe however the commercial aspect excludes a monetary transaction based on sale of the image itself as a legitimate art form.

Irrespective of this apparent freedom however, I would like to believe that as photographers, irrespective of the genre to which to which we subscribe, there is a responsibility upon us to ensure the human condition is always documented with the appropriate blend of sincerity, dignity and authenticity.

240 Queen Street

I was struck by the contrasting styles between the metal work attached to the side of the Queen's Plaza building on one side of the road and the concrete monolith of the Commonwealth Bank building on the opposite side. I think it was the interesting juxtaposition of patterns that initially caught my eye and I think also the passing resemblance to the 1 Eagle Street image I took in December 2004.

Corner Ann and George Streets

Another photograph in the informal "street corner" series, this intersection is on the southern edge of the CBD close to the river. George Street itself (running left to right) is characterised by a predominance of local, state and federal government buildings which are the workplaces of literally thousands of public servants. This viewpoint however has captured some of the older, non-government buildings including the Grosvenor Hotel and Dendy Cinema.

Remember Mont St Quentin

After Anzac Day, 25 April, the wreathes laid during the various services at the memorial in the centre of Brisbane remain for all to see for quite some time. There is something particularly sombre about the sight of freshly picked flowers slowly decaying as the days pass. Nothing moves but the flame, which seems to dance in the early morning stillness. I particularly like the fence in the foreground of this shot, thus giving the impression that the memory contained within the field beyond is forever protected from the passing of time. (OM2sp, Zuiko 50mm f1.8, FP4 pushed 200)

Trapeze

Circus theatre performed at the Judith Wright Centre for Contemporary Arts by graduates from the Circa Rock and Roll Circus Ensemble. A course where individuals not only learn artistic skills, but also discover more about their own inner strength and courage.

This image was rescued from a roll of Ilford HP5, inadvertently underexposed by 6 stops, which therefore required push processing to an ISO equivalence of 25600.

Post Office Square

This, one of the better images from a roll of Ilford Delta 400 shot last week. I suspect that overly busy compositions are difficult to successfully pull off, however in my humble opinion I think that this one works. The original "focal"point was the grand building in the central background, but I find my eye is equally satisfied dwelling on the the two gentlemen conversing in the bottom right corner. Unfortunately, I note that whilst I like the framing effect generated by the tree on the right, it does so appear to be growing out of one poor chap's back. Classic example of what not to do?

Special Assignment 7

This shoot was about finding the back-to-front reality that we encounter every day in the form of reflected images. Here are the results of our mirrored meanderings through Brisbane.

Alchemy Views by Boyd

Alchemy is a new restaurant down by the river. Early in the morning the reflection in the tinted glass of the large bi-fold doors gives a wonderful idea of the view the diners get to enjoy while having their meals.

-O-


Queens Gardens Reflection by Martin

The stately gardens and pedestrian rush captured in the slick doors of Casino Towers, not to mention the reassuring presence of our photographer!

-O-


The Dome by Nicole

This is an impressionistic view of the tropical dome at the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. Shot into the pool it captures the multi layers and the rippling surface. Look out for dim shadows of wishing coins that visitors have thrown in.

Victoria

A left-over shot from the silhouette shoot. I like the combined strength and delicacy portrayed in the sculpture and went for a viewpoint that emphasized the solidarity of the queen's long reign.

Corner Queen and Edward Streets

Whilst I have not finished exploring the lanes and alleyways of t the Brisbane CBD, street corners have also caught may attention lately. This, another busy one, is the eastern end of the mall, recently rejuvenated with the opening of the complex housing David Jones and other sundry upmarket boutiques. Given I took this photograph around lunchtime, I suspect most of these people are scurrying about doing the usual lunchtime chores such as paying bills, shopping, and of course buying lunch!

CDs for Sale

On any week day, at least half a dozen buskers can be found in the mall or surrounding streets. This talented guitar player was busily plying his trade on the corner of Elizabeth and Albert Streets, one of the busier CBD intersections. Dressed as I am, (typical semi-officious public servant attire with complimentary ID tag), I often wonder whether the purpose for which I take these photographs is misconstrued. Playing or singing as they do, I don't formally as for permission, rather I usually point at the camera, and then at them, which always elicits a consensual nod. Maybe they think I'm "the Man" checking up on them!

Special Assignment 6 - Silhouettes

There are times and places where interpreting a scene with a silhouette can make for a wonderfully powerful image. This special assignment was designed to focus three photographers on using a silhouette technique to create a view of Brisbane.

The Equine Veteran

(Nicole)

This proud warrior stands in Anzac Square, with his rider, a monument to the fallen of the South African war.

Looking at the intricate work on the bridle and reins, I was very impressed by the sculptor's skill and thought that the detailed filigree would offset the solid bulk of the noble head.








Green Bridge
(Martin)

This for me was a very inspiring subject to photograph. I was struck by the beautifully clean, simple lines of this thoroughly modern structure.

The gibbous moon was deliberately included to imbue the whole thing with a sense of mystery.










Steel (Boyd)

The Story Bridge is one of Brisbane's most conspicuous landmarks. Looking east early in the morning, I wanted to capture a sense of its grandeur (OM2sp, FP4+, Tokina 35-105mm, f22, 1/1000). I waited until no trucks were visible because their bulk seemed to clutter the shot, capturing the cyclist and the jogger was a bonus.

The Arbor

Southbank has an interesting and intricate arbor made up of an wonderfully shaped trellis covered with bougainvillaea. Although when in flower the colours are magnificent, I was more interested in the repetative pattern and shaddows (OM2sp, FP4+, Tamron SP 35-80mm, f8). I particularly like the inclusion of the walker in the bottom left of frame to give some scale to the whole structure. Not my usual style of shot, but has some themes that I would like to explore some more.

Corner Mary and Edward Streets

This image is from a much earlier shoot involving the interior of the Belgian Brasserie (the building in the central background). I very much enjoy shooting more traditionally styled street photographs that include people in the composition. This, a winter's afternoon around 4:30pm at which time an evening chill was starting to make its presence felt. Nikon F80 using Ilford B&W film.

Special Assignment 5 - Environmental Portraits

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances and one man in his time plays many parts... Here are three of life’s players; in bit parts that they themselves may not consider their greatest roles, but which nevertheless, generated sufficient empathy in each of us, such that we paused to freeze a single scene for the benefit of a wider audience.

Mick - Boyd

Vendors of The Big Issue, a fortnightly current affairs and entertainment magazine, are folk who have experienced hardship, homelessness, unemployment, etc. Mick often "holds station" on the steps leading to the Cathedral of St Stephen and uses a very passive approach to selling. I wanted an image that captured him backlit with the early morning sun and located with a hint of the majesty of the church behind.

Smile in the Boutique - Nicole

This lovely lady graciously agreed to pose for my camera. Though she was a little apprehensive about being photographed, she gave me a wonderful smile and a showed a fine sense of pride in the fashion on offer in her Brisbane Arcade boutique. The mirrored wall was a bonus, creating a seemingly endless line of linen and frocks.

Man with a Camera – Martin

I thought it quite ironic, that I as a man with a camera should shoot a man with a camera. His consent to being photographed was almost unspoken and came with nary a hint of concern, after all as we both knew, to photograph or be photographed are equally important parts of the game.

Metal Elegance

Quite a few of these beautiful pressed metal ceilings can be found under the awnings of city buildings. Sadly, many of them have been damaged by workmen with ladders, not quite passing trucks, or the unstoppable march of progress. This lovely specimen on Adelaide Street has survived. I have decided to present the photo as I shot it - no crops and in colour(!), but seeing the subject is still monochromatic, I hope my fellow bloggers will pardon the lapse!

To the Fallen

With all the restoration work going on at Anzac Square, it is impossible to get a classic shot of the shrine, so I went for this compressed view instead. Decided to give it an old-fashioned, pushed contrast, sepia tone to fit with the memories tinged with regrets. We can only hope there is never another reason to build a monument like this.

End Grain

A still life from the collection of images taken of the sculpture "The Blitz" (see blog entry 11th October 2006). After all what's a truck without a load on the back, in this case a collection of sleepers embedded with bits of iron work. Nikon F65 and Ilford HP5 pushed two stops.

Monochrome Brisbane

Taken this very evening rom the top of the Kangaroo Point cliffs whilst in the company of the motley crew (Infocus Community Camera Group). I sometimes need to remind myself that night shots don't always need colour to prop them up, (well I don't think so anyway). The title suggested itself.

1 Eagle Street

Cloaked in aqua tinted glass, Waterfront Place can't help but mirror the prevailing mood of the heavens. Thus given a digital infra-red interpretation, it is easily transformed into a pseudo smoke stack, covered in the same grime it appears itself to be belching skyward.

Special Assignment 4

This group project was aimed at changing the shape of our view.
The challenge was to create an image in the square format where the subject also has a direct or indirect reference to the word 'square'.
Here are our offerings...

Martin's 'Brisbane Square' is a simple and fitting choice. In fact, all of us took shots at this location - the newly opened BCC building. The slick glass sign is framed in a large metal square, accurately caught by Martin's camera as it obeys remote orders from its owner who lends his presence to the shot.

Squares feature in classic Brisbane architecture, often in combination with exuberant Corinthian columns. Boyd has captured the neat juxtaposition of severe lines and rococo swirls in his study of 'Column at 311" which is the portico of the Masonic Temple on Anne Street.

And to round things off (pun intended), Nicole's shot rather cheekily contains no visual squares at all but is based on the circle. 'Post Office Square' is the location which provides the necessary link and the postmark engraved tables confirm the spot.

Special Assignment 3 – Transport 3x3

(Click this link to access the individual photos)

People live in cities. People need to move around and need to move things around. Transport, therefore, is needed for life in cities to survive and thrive. Three photographers, Nicole, Martin and Boyd, have captured aspects of boat, bicycle and rail transport within Brisbane.

The Blitz

"The Blitz" is an example of the work of Chris Trotter, a local sculptor notably responsible for the metal kangaroos lazing on the George St footpath (near the corner of Adelaide St). This work was "parked" outside the entrance to old Government House (QUT Gardens Point) where it formed part of a display. Taken with my Nikon F65 using Ilford HP5 (pushed 2 stops to ISO1600, just because I could). Didn't quite get the in-camera, "rule of thirds" composition I was aiming for, though I thought it still sufficiently interesting to be worth a share. The LED time stamp was mistakenly activated during this and a number of other exposures. Rather than digitally remove it, I thought it could serve as a reminder of of times past when such mediocre detail on a print was considered highly useful, even desirable! ("Oh yes Joan, this was taken on our.. ? September! Skegness holiday, terrible weather, just poured.. )

Roma Street Dome

Every once in a while, modern architecture breaks into something like this that makes me forgive it for leaving ornate cornices and carvings behind. This is actually a half-dome, tracing only a semicircle. I really enjoyed finding a viewpoint that would isolate just a section to give the illusion of a massive fan vault. It's the lines that are the stars, arching from edge to edge and compartmentalising the two main textures of the ceiling itself and the supporting glass wall. Guest appearance from the late morning sun with its suffused glow.

Path to Glory

This was shot in midday sun, which while not always the photographer's best friend, was perfect for picking up the repeating horizontal surfaces. After processing the image, I liked the effect of the lower half of the flight being bathed with a slightly mysterious light and was instantly reminded of the Biblical account of Jacob's dream of the angels on the ladder or stairway reaching to Heaven. In a more transient and earthbound sense, the title is still appropriate as this flight leads to the stage in the Roma Street Parklands.

Special Assignment (Part II) - The 3x3 Project Sequel (Parallels)
(Click above link to access individual images)

Following on from the success of the original 3x3 project, I volunteered a theme for the sequel, a CBD street shot after dark, and an initial subject. Apart from the condition that the photographs were to be taken after sunset and before dawn, and must include some aspect of the street (in any way, shape or form); there were no real constraints regarding composition. I personally found shooting black and white under these conditions quite a challenge. However I think the results confirm what all "great" photographers already know, and that is there are worthwhile pictures everywhere, of every kind, irrespective of light quantity, quality or colour. My fellow MB'ers certainly seem to be aware of this.

This 3x3 assignment has been dubbed "Parallels", given that the CBD streets chosen, (Mary Street, Queen Street, and Adelaide Street) run (you guessed it!) parallel to each other.

Sword of Themis

While I was walking to work one day without my camera I passed the statue of Themis outside the Brisbane Law Courts. I thought that the shadow would be an interesting subject, but on closer inspection when I returned the next day revealed that shadows from nearby trees were far more distracting than I first noticed. I was, however, drawn to the sword. In this shot I have attempted to simplify the composition of the statue (OM4, 135mm Zuiko at f5.6, tmx400) to convey a feeling of strength.

111 George

The awning over the footpath at 111 George has some thick beams supporting glass panels to let through the light. I noticed that from some angles the glass (stained and dirty as it is) is obscure and you can only see the profile of the structure. I used a 135mm prime to compress the perspective and stopped it well down (f16) to maximise the depth of field. Because I had no tripod, an available post provided the necessary support for this rather long exposure (about 2 sec with Tmax400). I like the repetition and the way that the indirect early morning light gives interesting shade to the metallic finish.

Special Assignment - The 3x3 Project

Three photographers... Boyd, Martin, and Nicole
Three structures... 173 Wickham Terrace, The Belgian Brasserie, and the Walter Taylor Bridge

See the results...