Forward and back

Guest blog by Kelly Morgan

This time of year we always find ourselves looking back at what was, and forward to what might be. For me, 2012 has been an interesting year – some ups, some downs – but when I think about most of the memorable, enjoyable and ah-huh moments they always seem to involve photography, and Danielle Lancaster.

Very early in the year I was frustrated with life and at a cross-road; at the moment I was discussing that with someone Danielle called out of the blue. Next thing I know I’m part of a photography exhibition!

That whole experience was great – learning a bit about curating and selecting images, getting them right to print well, and hanging them in a gallery. (Hanging my own photos in a gallery exhibition wasn’t even on my
bucket list!)

My husband and I both grew up on farms so heading bush to wide open spaces, peace and fresh air has always been an easy sell to us, but the trip to Cunnamulla was even better than expected. Hanging prints in a gallery was so much more fun than I thought it would be – no stress, but lots of laughs. It may have been a different experience in a fancy city gallery (I'm sure they don't usually allow wine to be imbibed while ladders are in use, even if the featured artist is afraid of heights). It was also wonderful and humbling to be welcomed by a great group of people, some who travelled a long way to be there for opening night.

There's something about people from the bush - they can spin a yarn better than anyone I've met in the city. And laugh - genuine laughter from the bottom of their belly. Some of these people were actually in Danielle's photos from many years before and I can see why she chose them as subjects for her portraits - it's something in the eyes.

While being part of that exhibition was something I’m really proud of and a great experience, it was also a big catalyst for everything that came after. I've been made to think about what I really enjoy doing and what's next (hard to top an unexpected exhibition!). I've focussed on writing and trying to publish my story about my time in Cambodia with Mr Douk. I don’t know if I would have pursued it at all if these things didn’t roll out the way they did.

After encouragement and constructive criticism from Danielle and the Bluedog team - I've also done two workshops this year - I’ve committed to focussing on photography and learning more, challenging myself to be better and do it at a level that deserves payment. An opportunity to be paid to play with a camera
seemed to come out of nowhere too! When a friend with a wedding photography business asked me to join the team I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but it’s a real adrenalin rush and it makes me work harder to get better - I love it.

So this is a very long, round-about way of saying thank you to the top dog and Bluedog team – for the opportunity to learn more and be genuinely challenged, for pushing and encouraging me (and many others) to be brave enough to try harder and try something different, for sharing your knowledge and passion, and perhaps most importantly for your honesty.

That’s long and perhaps a bit gushy, but I wanted to say it, and before the end of 2012.

 Mr Douk formed the study for Kelly's photo essay 'Lessons from an armless man'

   Kelly, middle shooting during the Bluedog Photography Cambodia Tour

 

'The road ahead with no idea'by Kelly Morgan

Here's a link to an interview with Kelly Morgan on YouTube

An interview with Bluedog Tutor and Photographer Linden Neill

We continue to bring to you our responses from our tutors leading into Christmas 2012. This blog we feature Linden Neill who when not jaunting around the world assists us at Bluedog Photography as a junior tutor and photographer. 

Q. Tell us briefly your photography journey to date.
A. I first picked up a camera in 2009. It was just a compact but it had manual controls and I was taking pictures of a waterfall. From then on I was hooked. I did a tour and a few courses with Bluedog and I've been taking pictures ever since

Q. What inspires you – photographically?
A. I'm most inspired most by war photojournalists. To me there is no one doing more important work then they are. They also have photographic access to countries I won't be able to travel to for the foreseeable future, so we get an insight of the countries people we wouldn't otherwise.

Q. What is a highlight of 2012?
A. The three months we spent in Cambodia. It was great to have more time in one while we travel. With the friendships we made there we were given a much more authentic glimpse at their daily life and we will never forget our time there.

Q. What lens can’t you live without?
A. Currently I only have one lens so I guess I would be lost without it. I'm currently using the Fuji XPro-1 and the lens is a Fuji 35mm f1.4. This lens is razor sharp and is by far the best lens I've owned.

Q.  What is your favourite type of shoot (and why)?
A. I like street and travel photography but ialso prefer the documentary/observational approach to taking pictures. I prefer natural events to posing or directing people.

Q.  What do you do in your spare time?
A. As I have a non photographic full time job, I take pictures in my spare time. Also like being outdoors - camping/fishing ect and of course travelling.

Q.   What's your best 2012 photography advice or quick tip?
A. Look for the light first. Nothing else matters if you haven't got the light.

Even outside the golden hours there is good light to be found - you just have to look.

Q. What are your plans or highlights for 2013?
A. We are counting down the days till we return to Cambodia next year. Also plan on pushing my street work to include more of a human element. 

For more information on Bluedog's workshops, retreat and tours visit:

www.blue-dog.com.au

 Images all by Linden Neill during 2012

Photographing autumn foliage

Words and images by Danielle Lancaster
 

For the past ten days I have been visiting Japan during the changing of the leaves as autumn kicks into full swing. Japan is renowned as one of the best places on Earth to witness the colours of autumn. While many of the locals are saying this year the colours are not at their best, the sea of golden yellows, oranges and reds have for me been a thrill to see and photograph.

Colour is an important compositional tool in photography and we use it in all genres. Colour can tell a story, therefore the placement of colours in the image is very important.

When photographing the colours of autumn try using the strongest colours in the foreground as this will really grab your viewer’s full attention. Look for patterns and line to connect elements from the foreground to the background.

 Red is a stronger colour then green or yellow.
The image above is not as dynamic as the red is in the background while the
image below is more dramatic as the red is now in the foreground.

Find colours that are complementary, this is easy in autumn. For example: brilliant yellow leaves contrast against a bright blue sky. Try looking to the ground for a red leaf on green grass or against a pile of yellow leaves can make for striking images.

Keep your images simple. Minimalism is powerful so look to isolate a tree or leaf to make a strong focal point.

I generally find underexposing my autumn images brings out the vibrancy and gives the colours the saturation level as seen by our human eye.

We’ll have more tips for photographing autumn coming up both here on our blog and on You-tube.

For more information on the Bluedog Autumn in Japan Photography Tours please visit www.blue-dog.com.au or email us at info@blue-dog.com.au

A lady I met yesterday

Words and images by Danielle Lancaster

Japan in autumn is mesmerising. As the temperature slowly drops in preparation for winter’s icy chills, the leaves of the maples, plums, oaks and ginkos transform into a myriad of captivating colours.

One of the best places to see the colours of autumn in Osaka is at Osaka Castle and the neighbouring Nishinomaru Garden.  Sitting under an old maple tree outside the castle entrance I met this lady. Her name is Nagawa-San and she is 85 years old. As I sat next to her we silently nodded politely to each other and she softly spoke pointing and nodding towards the castle.

I nod back and tell her I am going there soon but for now I just want to sit. She bows lower and gently touches my hand as if reassuring me it is OK. She is happy to chat and tells me she comes and sits here every day. It is part of her daily routine that has lasted a life time.

During World War II a building next to the castle was a bomb shelter and Nagawa-San along with her family and other Osaka residents would take refuge there. ‘I remember seeing the planes flying by, low, very low and dropping bombs, many, many bombs. The noise was loud and each day we’d walk seeing less of our city standing,’ she recalls. ‘The castle was safe and we wanted to believe the US didn’t want to bomb it because of its importance to the Japanese’.

After the war Nagawa-San worked at the castle which became a US base. ‘It was very secret work and we are not allowed to talk about it, not ever,’ she tells me pressing her fingers to her lips.

Nagawa-San’s favourite season at the castle is autumn and she tells me she is glad I am seeing it at its best. ‘I paint and autumn brings me great inspiration,’ she continues as I pry a little asking more and more questions. She seems happy to sit in the dappled shade and continue our conversation.

 Nagawa

Traditional Japanese style ink drawing and oils are her favourite mediums. ‘I am still being taught by a man very well known. His name is Uemura-San and maybe he is one of our most famous modern oil painters,’ says Nagawa-San. 

I ask her for the best place in Osaka to see the autumn colours. ‘Why here’ she says ‘in my opinion Osaka Castle is the best scenery in Osaka’. And as another ruby red maple leaf drops to the ground between us, I think she may be right.

About Osaka Castle

The construction of this magnificent castle started in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi who intended the castle to be the centre of a new, unified Japan under his rule. It was at the time the largest castle in Japan.

Unfortunately a few years after his death, Tokugawa troops attacked and destroyed the castle and terminated the Toyotomi lineage in 1615.

Tokugawa Hidetada rebuilt the castle in the 1620’s however in 1665 the main castle tower was struck by lightning and the castle burnt down.

The castle you see today was built in 1931 and the castle miraculously survived the ferocious air attacks on the city during World War II when much of Osaka was flattened.

The only other area in Osaka that was spared was the red light district:)

It is a major tourist drawcard for visitors to the city. An elevator allows easy access and the interior of the castle which houses an informative museum about the castle's history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Autumn leaves at Osaka Castle

Hours and Fees
Castle Tower
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (entrance until 16:30)
Closed December 28^th to January 1^st
Admission: 600 yen

Nishinomaru Garden

Hours: 9:00-17:00 (entrance until 16:30 from November through February)
Longer hours during cherry blossom season
Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday December 28^th to January 1^st
Admission: 200 yen (350 yen during the extended hours for cherry blossom season.

 Osaka Castle

Photographers fun raises funds in Birdsville for RFDS

In late October 2012 an intrepid group of 11 photographers met at the Birdsville Hotel after a jaunt out into the Simpson for sunset. After a round of drinks they launched into an auction for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and raised an incredible $1,200.00.
 

The group were on an Outback Odyssey Photography Tour led by Danielle Lancaster from Bluedog Photography and Alan Smith of Outback Aussie Tours. Items for sale included a signed print from Birdsville artist Wolfgang John, limited edition signs, a recipe book and bottle of liquor from the Mackay region and a copy of Danielle's Out Around the Bulloo and prints from the Birdsville region.

'What a great effort, it really blew me away,' said Alan Smith who shared the auctioneering with Russell Jordan a participant of the tour. 'We launched the Outback Desert Odyssey Tour last year and it is now one of our signature events as those who join us not only see the amazing landscape but experience meeting the people who have become friends of Danielle's through her long association with the region. It's more than a usual tour'.

The auction followed some fun and frivolity for the tours outback sunset shoot where many dressed up in theme for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert which was first released to in 1994. And yes, all did go into the bar for a drink in full dress. What a great way to have fun and raise funds for such a worthy cause. Again a huge thank you to all involved.

For more information please visit
Outback Aussie Tours at www.outbackaussietours.com.au and
Bluedog Photography at www.blue-dog.com.au

Images courtesy Glenda Riley

"A big thank you to you and the Blue Dog Team for putting together such a fantastic tour.

I have done quite a bit of travel of recent years and this one has be in the top few.

This was my first visit to the outback and I am so pleased to have been part of your tour and to learn so much about both photography and the outback experience.

I will be keeping an eye open for other tours you offer in the future." from Anne V.

A day on the beach

Words and Images by Danielle Lancaster

I awoke yesterday to grey skies and rain gently falling on the roof. Thankfully this did not spell doom and gloom for our day on the beach as by the time we manoeuvred the 4WD down (after a short stop in the Scribbly Gum forest) onto the beach clear skies were there to greet us.

Fraser Island’s Seventy File Beach has become a major drawcard for anglers, campers and four wheel drivers. Being a Sunday there were plenty of people throwing in lines, families relaxing along the pristine Eli Creek and plenty of four wheel drivers weaving their way back and forwards.

The beach itself is a designated road, as are all the tracks on Fraser so normal road rules apply. The only difference to this section of beach is you share the ‘road’ with planes which have right away.

The Pinnacles are most probably the best examples of coloured sands on the island. For those keen shutter bugs morning is the best time to visit while the sun still shines on their multi-coloured layers.

Our stop at the Maheno was perfectly timed. A landmark of the beach, its rusting hull seems to have everyone pulling out cameras. Thankfully we timed our stop so we had the old ship to ourselves. Due to its state getting in close is warned against though one can still capture fabulous images of its textures from the recommended 3m distance simply by zooming in. 

 

The rusting hull of the Maheno on Fraser Island 

The day was topped off by a dingo sighting and a top tick on most lists to see while visiting the island. The dog happily trotted around are vehicle and others, sniffing at tyres and bull bars and when satisfied there was nothing there for him, continued his jaunt down the beach. 

A lone Dingo dog trots along the beach.

With sand in our toes, a touch of red in our cheeks we headed back for ‘home’ (currently Kingfisher Bay Resort) and toasted the Gods of Fraser for our great day out on the beach.

 Bolts and coloured rust of the Maheno gives fabulous textures