No wise words here.
I accidentally turned into a dead end street only to find a street full of homes with their period features, in particular their garage doors, all in tact and seemingly loved.
The light was awful but I had to make the best of it for a shot. While I was framing this a Poodle down the way was keen to tell everyone what was going on. When I turned around one of the neighbours was watching on. I made the first word by telling her she had a wonderful garage door. "Really, do you think so" she replied! I then got chatting with her (I'd learnt her name was Sadie by now) telling me she had lived in this street since 1960. Her garage door has had a few colour changes over the year but the one in this shot is the same now as what it was when new. Some people don't like change.
I left her after a 20 minute chin wag telling her she will see me again on a sunny day.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Learning to Count - December 1961
No wise words here.
Well aint this a fine Kodachrome picture? It's one of several dozen from a box of slides I took a punt on and bought from an antiques shop in Clemton Park. $AU20.00 well spent I think.
The whole set covers the years 1957 to 1962 and include a wedding, what looks like a honeymoon to Lord Howe Island followed by lots of pictures of a son and daughter. The family scenes are all set around Oatley and Hurstville near where I live. I find it sad that they are no longer loved by the family they are from but WOW do they bring a smile to my face (as well as a bit of a nostalgic feel).
Well aint this a fine Kodachrome picture? It's one of several dozen from a box of slides I took a punt on and bought from an antiques shop in Clemton Park. $AU20.00 well spent I think.
The whole set covers the years 1957 to 1962 and include a wedding, what looks like a honeymoon to Lord Howe Island followed by lots of pictures of a son and daughter. The family scenes are all set around Oatley and Hurstville near where I live. I find it sad that they are no longer loved by the family they are from but WOW do they bring a smile to my face (as well as a bit of a nostalgic feel).
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Sunbeams
No wise words here.
So I "invested" in three packs of new Impossible PX70 film as I did enjoy using my folding Polaroid SX70 and thought I should support the great effort the Impossible crew have made to date. What I'm not madly thrilled about is the images I've so far shot along with the stuff ups my SX70 cameras have performed.
1st SX70 I pulled from the shelf was the one I now remember didn't work so well.
2nd SX70 I pulled from the shelf was the working one but no amount of fiddling in a dark bag had me successfully re-fitting a dark slide to swap film packs. OK 1 shot lost as it acts as a dark slide!
Took some shots, did all the cover and keep them dark stuff including ignore them for an hour!
PINK, PINK and PINK shots I get. Yeah they look OK I guess.......
Hey I think. I'll try a pack in a lesser model 1500 SX70 camera. Load the pack, out comes the dark slide....woo! Take a shot, get the noise but no pic spits out......great another dud shot, another pack swap = another lost shot.....Jeez.
Whats a guy gotta do to get a colour shot from this colour film?
So I "invested" in three packs of new Impossible PX70 film as I did enjoy using my folding Polaroid SX70 and thought I should support the great effort the Impossible crew have made to date. What I'm not madly thrilled about is the images I've so far shot along with the stuff ups my SX70 cameras have performed.
1st SX70 I pulled from the shelf was the one I now remember didn't work so well.
2nd SX70 I pulled from the shelf was the working one but no amount of fiddling in a dark bag had me successfully re-fitting a dark slide to swap film packs. OK 1 shot lost as it acts as a dark slide!
Took some shots, did all the cover and keep them dark stuff including ignore them for an hour!
PINK, PINK and PINK shots I get. Yeah they look OK I guess.......
Hey I think. I'll try a pack in a lesser model 1500 SX70 camera. Load the pack, out comes the dark slide....woo! Take a shot, get the noise but no pic spits out......great another dud shot, another pack swap = another lost shot.....Jeez.
Whats a guy gotta do to get a colour shot from this colour film?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Dunlop Factory
No wise words here.
So, I recently got taken to The Dunlop Factory in Alexandria. I'd seen numerous shots taken by people appear on Flickr and was mildly interested. It's a pretty large complex that actually has "Dunlop - Slazenger" branding on the exterior. Its a pretty graffiti filled space a la Glebe Tram Sheds and with easy access.
I thought there would be a couple of people there but was amazed to see a dozen plus, all with cameras, including a whole group (with make up artist) participating in an off camera flash course. Now this is a property that someone owns, someone may have insurance policies for, may even have plans for aka demolision but there it sits as a public liabilty nightmare.
I kind of find the whole graffiti thing dull but seeing this once busy and productive space in ruin, loved it!
I was also amazed at how well my Polaroid 103 with Fuji FP100-B worked. The strong light was on the XO floor panel but it exposed nicely right to the back.
So, I recently got taken to The Dunlop Factory in Alexandria. I'd seen numerous shots taken by people appear on Flickr and was mildly interested. It's a pretty large complex that actually has "Dunlop - Slazenger" branding on the exterior. Its a pretty graffiti filled space a la Glebe Tram Sheds and with easy access.
I thought there would be a couple of people there but was amazed to see a dozen plus, all with cameras, including a whole group (with make up artist) participating in an off camera flash course. Now this is a property that someone owns, someone may have insurance policies for, may even have plans for aka demolision but there it sits as a public liabilty nightmare.
I kind of find the whole graffiti thing dull but seeing this once busy and productive space in ruin, loved it!
I was also amazed at how well my Polaroid 103 with Fuji FP100-B worked. The strong light was on the XO floor panel but it exposed nicely right to the back.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
XVS
No wise words here.
So I have this backlog of Fujifilm FP100-C "peels" to process via a bleach wash to give me a transparency. As I work through them its a nice surprise to see results I'm not expecting, this shot being one of them. The original print is a nice soft shot of a blue car so getting a green from this is nice but the big white square I think result of peels sticking together while drying.
I think I prefer this to the print here http://www.flickr.com/photos/frontdrive34/4892830487
So I have this backlog of Fujifilm FP100-C "peels" to process via a bleach wash to give me a transparency. As I work through them its a nice surprise to see results I'm not expecting, this shot being one of them. The original print is a nice soft shot of a blue car so getting a green from this is nice but the big white square I think result of peels sticking together while drying.
I think I prefer this to the print here http://www.flickr.com/photos/frontdrive34/4892830487
Thursday, September 9, 2010
BOLWELL
No wise words here.
Well aint it nice to have my Yashica mat 124G repaired and working!
Some months ago I dropped it on a hard marble (well is there soft marble?) floor in Old Parlaiment House in Canberra. When it happened I was quietly distressed but put on a brave face to my friends.
I sent it off to the Camera Service Centre in Castlereagh Street in Sydney and they expertly did the following:
Realingn the focus rails
Repair the light meter
Clean the taking lens
Fix and test the shutter
This shot of a Bolwell Nagari taken at the Shannons Eastern Creek Raceway event. Close to 2000 classic cars attend this event. Lots of common and not so common machines. I'd forgotten Bolwells even existed and I had a friend who owned several in the 1980's!
Green, yellow and blue are a great combo too.
Well aint it nice to have my Yashica mat 124G repaired and working!
Some months ago I dropped it on a hard marble (well is there soft marble?) floor in Old Parlaiment House in Canberra. When it happened I was quietly distressed but put on a brave face to my friends.
I sent it off to the Camera Service Centre in Castlereagh Street in Sydney and they expertly did the following:
Realingn the focus rails
Repair the light meter
Clean the taking lens
Fix and test the shutter
This shot of a Bolwell Nagari taken at the Shannons Eastern Creek Raceway event. Close to 2000 classic cars attend this event. Lots of common and not so common machines. I'd forgotten Bolwells even existed and I had a friend who owned several in the 1980's!
Green, yellow and blue are a great combo too.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Cold Cuts on Lake Avenue
No wise words here.
I've often wondered what was up Lake Avenue, Cringila, so as part of a U-turn I got to find out. As soon as I saw this shop I had to look closer. The plastic fly strips in the front door must look great on a breezy day!
I love Burek but never find it easy to find in Sydney. This one road in the tiny, quiet almost backwater industrial suburb above the Port Kembla steel factories has three shops that sell Burek almost all next door to each other. Why? How? Sadly none seemed open and ready to sell me some Burek.
A cloudless sunny day makes Fuji FP100-C instant film a dream to use.
I've often wondered what was up Lake Avenue, Cringila, so as part of a U-turn I got to find out. As soon as I saw this shop I had to look closer. The plastic fly strips in the front door must look great on a breezy day!
I love Burek but never find it easy to find in Sydney. This one road in the tiny, quiet almost backwater industrial suburb above the Port Kembla steel factories has three shops that sell Burek almost all next door to each other. Why? How? Sadly none seemed open and ready to sell me some Burek.
A cloudless sunny day makes Fuji FP100-C instant film a dream to use.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Tank
No wise words here.
I feel great about this shot. Another reason I'm finding the use of older film cameras rewarding. I can't do this with digital, maybe someone can? Without post production?
It's also another shot from my self developed C41 films using the Tetenal kit. I appear to be capable of processing around 40 films from a $AU50 kit. Not bad really and very easy and therapeautic to do!
It's also a shot I think might lead me on towards more shots of "Big Rigs"!
I feel great about this shot. Another reason I'm finding the use of older film cameras rewarding. I can't do this with digital, maybe someone can? Without post production?
It's also another shot from my self developed C41 films using the Tetenal kit. I appear to be capable of processing around 40 films from a $AU50 kit. Not bad really and very easy and therapeautic to do!
It's also a shot I think might lead me on towards more shots of "Big Rigs"!
KOMBI POWER
No wise words here.
I'm pretty darn happy with this shot and what the Rokkor f1.7 can do.
Taken at the Volkswagen Nationals, a gathering of hundreds of VW vehicles held at Fairfield Showground in western Sydney annually.
It was another of those days where I packed too many cameras for a day looking at cars so left most in the car and wandered with a Minolta SRT303 and a Nikon D50. It was also another of those days where I was expecting loads of people to be there with cameras, as is the norm at a classic car events but was truly amazed at how many people have big dollar DSLR's.
I've had my DSLR for a number of years now and it is a great thing. It was an upgrade from a 3.2 megapixel Olympus UltraZoom, quite capable in its day but garbage by todays standard. What I still am yet to see is DSLR shots that don't look so clean and often clinical out of the camera or more importantly, shots that don't have endless things done to them with software manipulation.
I often feel too many people come home and heavily modify (well even lightly) an image rather than do all that with the available light in camera as they take the shot. Am I becoming an even older "old skool" stickler?
I'm pretty darn happy with this shot and what the Rokkor f1.7 can do.
Taken at the Volkswagen Nationals, a gathering of hundreds of VW vehicles held at Fairfield Showground in western Sydney annually.
It was another of those days where I packed too many cameras for a day looking at cars so left most in the car and wandered with a Minolta SRT303 and a Nikon D50. It was also another of those days where I was expecting loads of people to be there with cameras, as is the norm at a classic car events but was truly amazed at how many people have big dollar DSLR's.
I've had my DSLR for a number of years now and it is a great thing. It was an upgrade from a 3.2 megapixel Olympus UltraZoom, quite capable in its day but garbage by todays standard. What I still am yet to see is DSLR shots that don't look so clean and often clinical out of the camera or more importantly, shots that don't have endless things done to them with software manipulation.
I often feel too many people come home and heavily modify (well even lightly) an image rather than do all that with the available light in camera as they take the shot. Am I becoming an even older "old skool" stickler?
Friday, April 16, 2010
*
No wise words here.
Well, this is another recovered negative/transparency from a shot with a Polaroid 103 on Fuji FP100-C peel apart film. I'm slowly working through all my recent shots and bleach washing the part that often gets thrown away.
I love the colours, sometimes more than the original shot!
I, by no means, created this process but I often get asked how its done ( I also can't find the step by step Flickr set)
My method is as follows:
1. Shoot an image on Fuji FP100-C, develop and peel apart.
2. Keep the image AND the chemical backing with its "negative" and allow both to dry well.
3. Wash the negative section in a cold water bath. (I originally read that you should fix the image in B&W fixer. I've never done this and had no issues by not doing it) This will allow you to wash off the white goop as well as remove all the remaining backing, paper and chemical pod. Once cleaned up you will have a clean sheet of film. Allow to dry.
4. Tape the dried sheet down to a sheet of glass with the black side facing out. I tape it down with a minimal amount of tape around the sheet. It needs to be sealed so bleach can't get under the tape.
5. In a sink keep the glass sheet upright and then using an old soft toothbrush and liquid pool chlorine brush clorine over the black backing. I work quickly as the tape I use has a water soluble glue! ANY chlorine that gets on the "dry" side will wash away the image. Once the black falls off, usually after 2 wipes with chlorine, wash the sheet well under cold water, remove from glass and keep rinsing taking all the tape off. Allow to dry.
6. Once dried, SCAN!
Well, this is another recovered negative/transparency from a shot with a Polaroid 103 on Fuji FP100-C peel apart film. I'm slowly working through all my recent shots and bleach washing the part that often gets thrown away.
I love the colours, sometimes more than the original shot!
I, by no means, created this process but I often get asked how its done ( I also can't find the step by step Flickr set)
My method is as follows:
1. Shoot an image on Fuji FP100-C, develop and peel apart.
2. Keep the image AND the chemical backing with its "negative" and allow both to dry well.
3. Wash the negative section in a cold water bath. (I originally read that you should fix the image in B&W fixer. I've never done this and had no issues by not doing it) This will allow you to wash off the white goop as well as remove all the remaining backing, paper and chemical pod. Once cleaned up you will have a clean sheet of film. Allow to dry.
4. Tape the dried sheet down to a sheet of glass with the black side facing out. I tape it down with a minimal amount of tape around the sheet. It needs to be sealed so bleach can't get under the tape.
5. In a sink keep the glass sheet upright and then using an old soft toothbrush and liquid pool chlorine brush clorine over the black backing. I work quickly as the tape I use has a water soluble glue! ANY chlorine that gets on the "dry" side will wash away the image. Once the black falls off, usually after 2 wipes with chlorine, wash the sheet well under cold water, remove from glass and keep rinsing taking all the tape off. Allow to dry.
6. Once dried, SCAN!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Chicken Schnitzels for everyone.
No wise words here.
Well when I walked into the dining room in this Cafe in Violet Town I was smiling. Picture a largish room painted in that dull violet and around 12 sets of tables and chairs like these.
I ordered a chicken burger - it came first and comprised an oval chicken schnitzel (from the deep freeze). It was tasty.
Michael ordered a chicken sandwich - it came second and comprised a heart shaped chicken schnitzel (from the deep freeze). He enjoyed it.
Mark ordered a chicken sandwich - it came last and comprised a different shape of chicken yet again.
No product streamlining in Violet Town.
Well when I walked into the dining room in this Cafe in Violet Town I was smiling. Picture a largish room painted in that dull violet and around 12 sets of tables and chairs like these.
I ordered a chicken burger - it came first and comprised an oval chicken schnitzel (from the deep freeze). It was tasty.
Michael ordered a chicken sandwich - it came second and comprised a heart shaped chicken schnitzel (from the deep freeze). He enjoyed it.
Mark ordered a chicken sandwich - it came last and comprised a different shape of chicken yet again.
No product streamlining in Violet Town.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Mount Hotham - Victoria
No wise words here.
Part of the route taken driving a Citroën DS21 Sydney to Tasmania included travelling through the Australian Alpine regions. We headed inland from the coast (after visiting family members in Narooma and Bega) towards Jindabyne to spend a night at a B&B. What a superb B&B it was ( http://www.andreaswhitehouse.com/ ). If you are looking for somewhere away from it all without quite being away from it all try this place!
The next day we continued up over the mountains from New South Wales and into the state of Victoria bound for Mount Hotham. This time we took up rooms in the Aasgard Ski Lodge. Built in 1972 it matched the age of the car! Great rooms and only us there for the night. Food options were limited as we were out of season but a short drive found an open pub with typical pub food. The weather gave me everything I wanted out of this region. Mist, horizontal rain, wind and a nice chill in the air. The next day a 70 km drive through fog completed my Alpine experience.
Part of the route taken driving a Citroën DS21 Sydney to Tasmania included travelling through the Australian Alpine regions. We headed inland from the coast (after visiting family members in Narooma and Bega) towards Jindabyne to spend a night at a B&B. What a superb B&B it was ( http://www.andreaswhitehouse.com/ ). If you are looking for somewhere away from it all without quite being away from it all try this place!
The next day we continued up over the mountains from New South Wales and into the state of Victoria bound for Mount Hotham. This time we took up rooms in the Aasgard Ski Lodge. Built in 1972 it matched the age of the car! Great rooms and only us there for the night. Food options were limited as we were out of season but a short drive found an open pub with typical pub food. The weather gave me everything I wanted out of this region. Mist, horizontal rain, wind and a nice chill in the air. The next day a 70 km drive through fog completed my Alpine experience.
C.W.A. Launceston - Tasmania
No wise words here.
Well I got there. Part of my recent trip from Sydney to Launceston in Tasmania had to include a visit to the C.W.A. shop. I'd been here in 2002 and had some regret I had not spent more time soaking up the CWA feel. Soak up CWA feel? What is that? Its not much more than a shopfront for the local branch to sell off products members make but hey what great stuff! Go there and you too will want to soak up some tea cosies, home made biscuits and cakes (the apple cake was excellent with tea).
Well I got there. Part of my recent trip from Sydney to Launceston in Tasmania had to include a visit to the C.W.A. shop. I'd been here in 2002 and had some regret I had not spent more time soaking up the CWA feel. Soak up CWA feel? What is that? Its not much more than a shopfront for the local branch to sell off products members make but hey what great stuff! Go there and you too will want to soak up some tea cosies, home made biscuits and cakes (the apple cake was excellent with tea).
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Sam Petrou - Kingsgrove
No wise words here.
I went for a hair cut today. Not here though. I go across the road to 73 year old "Sam" real name Salvatore Sallazo. Had no idea there were two barbers in Kingsgrove until I braved the arcade. Its one of those dark, gloomy suburban arcades that has shops from 30 years ago in it. I saw this barber HAD to photograph it but how? I'm a bit shy when it comes to pointing a lens at someone. I HAD to have a shot though.....
Go outside, take a breath, wind on the next frame (oh damn this SRT101, the winder spool keeps slipping). Fire a dead shot lens to chest, wind on a bit more, aperture to f1.7. Now, walk inside, frame and snap....done. Quite pleased with it really!
I went for a hair cut today. Not here though. I go across the road to 73 year old "Sam" real name Salvatore Sallazo. Had no idea there were two barbers in Kingsgrove until I braved the arcade. Its one of those dark, gloomy suburban arcades that has shops from 30 years ago in it. I saw this barber HAD to photograph it but how? I'm a bit shy when it comes to pointing a lens at someone. I HAD to have a shot though.....
Go outside, take a breath, wind on the next frame (oh damn this SRT101, the winder spool keeps slipping). Fire a dead shot lens to chest, wind on a bit more, aperture to f1.7. Now, walk inside, frame and snap....done. Quite pleased with it really!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Rose Seidler House
No wise words here.
Sunday was a day of events.
I watched a game of Squash played in a 1970's fitness centre (were they called that back then?).
Ate cake and drank lots of cups of tea.
Went out for Vietnamese food in Marrickville.
Collected Chris and Rob.
Drove through the city to drop James at work.
Drove to Wahroonga to visit Rose Seidler House.
Went to Horsnby to see a water powered clock (ugly, ugly, ugly).
Found the clock and aknowledged that Hornsby is an ugly place.
Ate a cheesy bun.
Drove back to the city to collect James from work.
Dropped Chris and Rob home.
Ate more food.
Drank some cola.
Went to the cinema to see Alice in Wonderland 3D. Hmmm, bit flat....
Phew, came home drank more tea, END!
Sunday was a day of events.
I watched a game of Squash played in a 1970's fitness centre (were they called that back then?).
Ate cake and drank lots of cups of tea.
Went out for Vietnamese food in Marrickville.
Collected Chris and Rob.
Drove through the city to drop James at work.
Drove to Wahroonga to visit Rose Seidler House.
Went to Horsnby to see a water powered clock (ugly, ugly, ugly).
Found the clock and aknowledged that Hornsby is an ugly place.
Ate a cheesy bun.
Drove back to the city to collect James from work.
Dropped Chris and Rob home.
Ate more food.
Drank some cola.
Went to the cinema to see Alice in Wonderland 3D. Hmmm, bit flat....
Phew, came home drank more tea, END!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Cabramatta - Evening Gowns to be.
No wise words here.
What can't you buy in Cabramatta?
Today was supposed to be a day of feasting on Chilean foods but as happens the world revolves and we went west for some eastern food, namely Vietnamese in Cabramatta.
Everytime I go here I'm amazed at the variety of stuff for sale. Plasticware, BBQ meats, noodles, some of the best Phở in Sydney and several fabric stores. Fruits and vegetables, seafood (fresh, frozen and live), fresh meats (every part of every animal). Shoes, clothes the list is endless. We were even impressed to see a camera store that had stock of Polaroid 600 film sitting next to SD cards.
Cabramatta still has a bad reputation for drugs and street crime but I think thats all in the past. Make a trek if you can. Its a cheap way to have a day in asia!
What can't you buy in Cabramatta?
Today was supposed to be a day of feasting on Chilean foods but as happens the world revolves and we went west for some eastern food, namely Vietnamese in Cabramatta.
Everytime I go here I'm amazed at the variety of stuff for sale. Plasticware, BBQ meats, noodles, some of the best Phở in Sydney and several fabric stores. Fruits and vegetables, seafood (fresh, frozen and live), fresh meats (every part of every animal). Shoes, clothes the list is endless. We were even impressed to see a camera store that had stock of Polaroid 600 film sitting next to SD cards.
Cabramatta still has a bad reputation for drugs and street crime but I think thats all in the past. Make a trek if you can. Its a cheap way to have a day in asia!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Sydney trains
No wise words here.
Tonight I went by train (something I rarely do) to the Sydney Opera House to see a master of Trash Cinema, John Waters.
It was a spoken word show with Q&A at the end. Waters himself spoke at hilarious length about almost all his films and brought back great memories. I spent many nights watching his films in my late teens at the Valhalla cinema in Glebe.
Myself and my friends thought we were so cool repeating lines from his films, even now I occasionally make reference to "The Egg Man" a line spoken by the late Edith Massey.
A great inclusion in the 2010 Mardi Gras events list. Thanks to whoever organised him to come to Sydney.
Tonight I went by train (something I rarely do) to the Sydney Opera House to see a master of Trash Cinema, John Waters.
It was a spoken word show with Q&A at the end. Waters himself spoke at hilarious length about almost all his films and brought back great memories. I spent many nights watching his films in my late teens at the Valhalla cinema in Glebe.
Myself and my friends thought we were so cool repeating lines from his films, even now I occasionally make reference to "The Egg Man" a line spoken by the late Edith Massey.
A great inclusion in the 2010 Mardi Gras events list. Thanks to whoever organised him to come to Sydney.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
On the way home - Citroen DS
No wise words here.
After a long day wandering around our National Capital its both sad and nice to be heading home. The afternoon light on the Federal Highway was low to the west, bright and comfortably warm. Brad had dozed off in the front passenger seat as we floated home in the comfort of a Citroen DS.
Canberra gets knocked for being a boring and dull place but I'm yet to be bored there. The cues to see the painings from the Musée d'Orsay were long but the wait was worth it. The part I found odd was the idea of how you can properly appreciate the art amid the hundreds of onlookers. As I'm tall seing paintings was easy but there were even people in wheelchairs squeezed in for a geez!
Get there if you can. Cheaper than a flight to Paris....
After a long day wandering around our National Capital its both sad and nice to be heading home. The afternoon light on the Federal Highway was low to the west, bright and comfortably warm. Brad had dozed off in the front passenger seat as we floated home in the comfort of a Citroen DS.
Canberra gets knocked for being a boring and dull place but I'm yet to be bored there. The cues to see the painings from the Musée d'Orsay were long but the wait was worth it. The part I found odd was the idea of how you can properly appreciate the art amid the hundreds of onlookers. As I'm tall seing paintings was easy but there were even people in wheelchairs squeezed in for a geez!
Get there if you can. Cheaper than a flight to Paris....
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Gate - Beverly Hills
No wise words here.
I'm back to keeping an eye out for interesting gates. I love these things and am amazed at how many still exist even after a house has had a "make over" and lost all its other original features. I guess if a gates a swingin on its hinge its a workin!
I'm back to keeping an eye out for interesting gates. I love these things and am amazed at how many still exist even after a house has had a "make over" and lost all its other original features. I guess if a gates a swingin on its hinge its a workin!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Koi Pond..........
No wise words here.
The wind came up this afternoon and knocked a large palm frond down. On its way down it struck the hills hoist causing the peg basket to flick pegs everywhere. I was watching as it happened, quite a spectacular series of events!
I have a love hate relationship with my Instax 100 (can you have a relationship with a camera?) It works well in daylight even overcast light but the moment the light dulls the darn thing gives me the horror of "auto flash".
My current hoard of Instax has all gone.....best find more.
The wind came up this afternoon and knocked a large palm frond down. On its way down it struck the hills hoist causing the peg basket to flick pegs everywhere. I was watching as it happened, quite a spectacular series of events!
I have a love hate relationship with my Instax 100 (can you have a relationship with a camera?) It works well in daylight even overcast light but the moment the light dulls the darn thing gives me the horror of "auto flash".
My current hoard of Instax has all gone.....best find more.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Number 4
No wise words here.
Well I'm impressed with what I got! Agree?
This shot is from the 4th self developed C41 colour film I've done and the shot was with a camera I was frustrated with sometime back. The camera in question is a 1970's Minolta SRT101.
I've now learnt that my frustration was from the lens I had on this camera instead of what I've used here namely a Rokkor 55mm f1.7. This lens has such soft depth to it and I'm loving it.
The film too, Kodak Portra 160VC gives me colours I'm in love with. I've bothered to read the film exposure chart and stayed close to the recommended 125th/sec speed. Kodak claim pretty broad latitude and its seems anywhere between f16 to f8 in sunny conditions works.
This combo will be getting some more work in the near future.
Well I'm impressed with what I got! Agree?
This shot is from the 4th self developed C41 colour film I've done and the shot was with a camera I was frustrated with sometime back. The camera in question is a 1970's Minolta SRT101.
I've now learnt that my frustration was from the lens I had on this camera instead of what I've used here namely a Rokkor 55mm f1.7. This lens has such soft depth to it and I'm loving it.
The film too, Kodak Portra 160VC gives me colours I'm in love with. I've bothered to read the film exposure chart and stayed close to the recommended 125th/sec speed. Kodak claim pretty broad latitude and its seems anywhere between f16 to f8 in sunny conditions works.
This combo will be getting some more work in the near future.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Expired Polaroid 667
No wise words here.
Well I got given three packs of Polaroid 667 sime time ago. The 1st two I openened immediately only to be dissapointed that they were dried up and crusty (even in the sealed heavy foil packs). I found the third pack yesterday and the optimist in me got excited like it was a new find. Sadly it too is dried up and crusty.
I'm having Polaroid/Fuji peel apart instant film withdrawl issues. I've been using my Holga and its images go close to filling the gap of excitement an instant camera gives but it still isn't there. I MUST budget for some instant film!
Well I got given three packs of Polaroid 667 sime time ago. The 1st two I openened immediately only to be dissapointed that they were dried up and crusty (even in the sealed heavy foil packs). I found the third pack yesterday and the optimist in me got excited like it was a new find. Sadly it too is dried up and crusty.
I'm having Polaroid/Fuji peel apart instant film withdrawl issues. I've been using my Holga and its images go close to filling the gap of excitement an instant camera gives but it still isn't there. I MUST budget for some instant film!
Flash, ah ha, defender of the Universe.....
No wise words here.
I've been meaning to stop and reminisce at the foot of this public park Rocket Ship for ages. I think it's the only one left in all of Sydney and has been placed up on a raised garden bed with no internal access possible. I suspect that as we live in the age of "public liability paranoia" the risk of children hurting themselves must be removed. Heaven forbid. I never fell down through the climbing ladder holes when I was a child. I remember these being in parks all over Sydney and climbed them all while out on a "Sunday Drive".
This one is in Dulwich Hill, Sydney. Know of any others?
I've been meaning to stop and reminisce at the foot of this public park Rocket Ship for ages. I think it's the only one left in all of Sydney and has been placed up on a raised garden bed with no internal access possible. I suspect that as we live in the age of "public liability paranoia" the risk of children hurting themselves must be removed. Heaven forbid. I never fell down through the climbing ladder holes when I was a child. I remember these being in parks all over Sydney and climbed them all while out on a "Sunday Drive".
This one is in Dulwich Hill, Sydney. Know of any others?
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The Reverend.......
No wise words here.
Well I went to a wedding on Saturday. A very traditional wedding. You know the sort, Church, Reverend, Bride and Groom and family and friends. That bit I think is great, even as a non believer, but the words the church runs out of the bible are such out of date garbage no matter how relevant you try and make them. The words from this Reverends mouth seemed biased towards a good wife doing what her husband wants. What gives? Will they ever catch up or disappear?
The bride looked fantastic and the groom not too bad either........
I took along a 1970's Minolta SRT101, 55mm f1.7 lens with some Arista Premium 400 film exposed @ 800. I felt both out of place amongst all the digital SLR's (especially the wedding photographers beast) but also content in catching things in a way no-one else will have.
Well I went to a wedding on Saturday. A very traditional wedding. You know the sort, Church, Reverend, Bride and Groom and family and friends. That bit I think is great, even as a non believer, but the words the church runs out of the bible are such out of date garbage no matter how relevant you try and make them. The words from this Reverends mouth seemed biased towards a good wife doing what her husband wants. What gives? Will they ever catch up or disappear?
The bride looked fantastic and the groom not too bad either........
I took along a 1970's Minolta SRT101, 55mm f1.7 lens with some Arista Premium 400 film exposed @ 800. I felt both out of place amongst all the digital SLR's (especially the wedding photographers beast) but also content in catching things in a way no-one else will have.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Snort
No wise words here.
Gosh I love Rollei Retro 100 in the Holga. Of all the films I've tried nothing gives me the contrast that I love with a shot like this. It's a comparatively cheap film too! Good strong sunlight helps.
The Boar fountain outside the Sydney Hospital on investigation turns out to be a copy of a famous Florentine original. It fascinted me as a child in the same way a Nanna was getting some kids excitied by making them rub its snout.
Gosh I love Rollei Retro 100 in the Holga. Of all the films I've tried nothing gives me the contrast that I love with a shot like this. It's a comparatively cheap film too! Good strong sunlight helps.
The Boar fountain outside the Sydney Hospital on investigation turns out to be a copy of a famous Florentine original. It fascinted me as a child in the same way a Nanna was getting some kids excitied by making them rub its snout.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Sandler Shoe factory
No wise words here.
Ladies. Keep buying shoes......
This factory is substantially older than me by some 20+ years but it has remained pretty much as it was designed. It takes a full block for it's street frontage as it now includes part of an even older "former" petrol station as part of the complex.
It has remained when much of Canterbury Road has been turned into ugly, badly built apartments (the ones with that awful lime dribble all over them). I suspect it has alot to do with the J.Robins company actually still manufacture direct from this site. Bravo to them!
www.sandler.com.au/
www.jrobins.com.au/
Ladies. Keep buying shoes......
This factory is substantially older than me by some 20+ years but it has remained pretty much as it was designed. It takes a full block for it's street frontage as it now includes part of an even older "former" petrol station as part of the complex.
It has remained when much of Canterbury Road has been turned into ugly, badly built apartments (the ones with that awful lime dribble all over them). I suspect it has alot to do with the J.Robins company actually still manufacture direct from this site. Bravo to them!
www.sandler.com.au/
www.jrobins.com.au/
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Coles Stores - Bankstown
No wise words here.
This former "Coles Variety" closed sometime in the late 80's early 90's. It now is full of $2 shop plastic ware and cheap junky stuff. Last time I looked it still had the 1950's or so Cafeteria with its Bamboo Bar and anodised aluminium light fixtures intact. Sadly all that is left now is some wall lights.
I tend to get a little melancholy when I revisit things like this, partly because it means I'm getting older but more so for the loss or change around me.
Gosh people buy alot of junk they probably don't need.........
This former "Coles Variety" closed sometime in the late 80's early 90's. It now is full of $2 shop plastic ware and cheap junky stuff. Last time I looked it still had the 1950's or so Cafeteria with its Bamboo Bar and anodised aluminium light fixtures intact. Sadly all that is left now is some wall lights.
I tend to get a little melancholy when I revisit things like this, partly because it means I'm getting older but more so for the loss or change around me.
Gosh people buy alot of junk they probably don't need.........
Monday, January 4, 2010
Outdoor Cinema....
No wise words here.
So it's not all that often, any more, that you see a TV this old out on the street. Sure there is always loads of TV's from the last two decades put out sitting around in their black or silver plastic glory but this? Rank Arena is a brand from my childhood. It goes with Saturday afternoon Black & White movies, you know, the guy with the gong!
I'm assuming and just assuming someone has moved from this to the Plasma/LCD age. What you reckon?
So it's not all that often, any more, that you see a TV this old out on the street. Sure there is always loads of TV's from the last two decades put out sitting around in their black or silver plastic glory but this? Rank Arena is a brand from my childhood. It goes with Saturday afternoon Black & White movies, you know, the guy with the gong!
I'm assuming and just assuming someone has moved from this to the Plasma/LCD age. What you reckon?
Picton Rodeo
No wise words here.
Spending time up close to the action at the Picton Rodeo boosted my confidence to point a camera at strangers. I've never been one to snap away partly because I don't like a camera pointed at me. Much to my surprise not one person seemed to question what I was doing either directly with words or a look of dissapproval.
As a result I'm quite happy with some of what I got including wet snotty cow noses!
Spending time up close to the action at the Picton Rodeo boosted my confidence to point a camera at strangers. I've never been one to snap away partly because I don't like a camera pointed at me. Much to my surprise not one person seemed to question what I was doing either directly with words or a look of dissapproval.
As a result I'm quite happy with some of what I got including wet snotty cow noses!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Picton Rodeo
No wise words here.
Well. Whilst I don't really like this sort of clothing for me I think it can look great on others. Here, however, it is used in its true form, at a Rodeo. The guys who gear-up and ride the bucking horses and bulls are pretty amazing. Its never entered my world that I should have or could have done Rodeo events!
The Picton Rodeo, an hour or so south of Sydney, made for a hot and wet but truly great day out.
Well. Whilst I don't really like this sort of clothing for me I think it can look great on others. Here, however, it is used in its true form, at a Rodeo. The guys who gear-up and ride the bucking horses and bulls are pretty amazing. Its never entered my world that I should have or could have done Rodeo events!
The Picton Rodeo, an hour or so south of Sydney, made for a hot and wet but truly great day out.
Friday, January 1, 2010
H.M.A.S. Vampire
No wise words here.
I'm kinda really chuffed with the way the two shots of anchor winches I took with the Olympus Trip 35. An old not overly complex 135 film camera sometimes gives me exactly what I'd aimed to shoot.
I'm kinda really chuffed with the way the two shots of anchor winches I took with the Olympus Trip 35. An old not overly complex 135 film camera sometimes gives me exactly what I'd aimed to shoot.
And the Galatoboureko is also now ready for tonight....
No wise words here.
This may be a bad 2010 move to start writing about my photography but hey lets see. NYE 2010 was celebrated with, as usual, food and alchohol and of course friends.
I LOVE baking this Greek cake. The process is simple but always very therapeautic to do. I think its that combo of milk, semolina, eggs and butter all baked in filo pastry. How can you go wrong?
This may be a bad 2010 move to start writing about my photography but hey lets see. NYE 2010 was celebrated with, as usual, food and alchohol and of course friends.
I LOVE baking this Greek cake. The process is simple but always very therapeautic to do. I think its that combo of milk, semolina, eggs and butter all baked in filo pastry. How can you go wrong?
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