Phoenix

A photo, a website and a mystery

I can’t apologise for how slack I am about writing this newsletter. Doing so would imply I will change my behaviour in future, which I probably won’t.

Instead, I’ll jump straight into talking about this photograph, which is a recent favourite, taken from one of my regular haunts: the very top of William Street in front of the Coke sign.

I like this photo because it’s a bit more abstract than my usual stuff, and because it took patience. It’s definitely an image that was “made” rather than “taken” - I spent a whole afternoon on it.

STEP INTO THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

I guess if we were to break this photo down into elements, the first one would be the sunset. I already knew this part of Darlinghurst Road gets great afternoon light; that’s why I was there.

The next thing was the skyline. I’d been in the same place a few days earlier shooting the silhouettes of passers-by with Centrepoint Tower in the background, so I knew that was there too.

The new element was the dirty glass on the railing which stops people falling onto the William Street underpass. I decided shooting through it might make for an interesting frame, so I knelt down and started trying different angles, some with just the city, others with pedestrians, still others with a long line of traffic snaking west.

While I was snapping, I noticed seagulls and pigeons flying in and out of the tunnel below, where they must roost amid the road grime. That was the shot I wanted.

So I waited, manually focused on the glass to blur the city, camera set to drive mode, one cornea melting at the viewfinder, until a gull flew across the frame in just the right way. It took about an hour to get it right. Maybe two if you count the setup time.

Sausage made. If you’d like one for your fridge, I can print a postcard for $5. If you’d like a limited edition version, I can do that too. Either way, shoot me an email.

New website, who dis?

I recently redid my website with a photography focus. I’d love if you checked it out and hit me with some feedback. Some of my favourite shots are on there, along with more commercial work in case you’re interested in hiring me to do headshots, family portraits or event photography. I’ll be adding a print shop soon too.

A photographic mystery - help me find Nick

I had an exhibition a couple of months ago. You probably noticed because I spammed you/it was the last time I sent this newsletter.

A lovely stranger named Nick popped in an bought a couple of prints, but hasn’t replied to the emails I’ve sent him about picking them up (it’s possible we took his email down wrong).

Nick was a Greek Australian guy (that should narrow it down, lol). He is middle aged and has quite a magnificent moustache. He is a former professional photographer himself, and we spoke about how he has shot Anzac Day in the city every year for the last two decades. If you know Nick or have any leads, please let me know!

Also, a big shout out to everyone who came to the show, bought prints and made it a great night. Paul, your prints are sitting on my desk next to Nick’s. If you do not claim them I will be forced to destroy them/they will annoy my fiancee forever.