Black & white is alright ... right!

I remember as a kid growing up & all we had was a 22" (55cm) black & white television set, the new fangled Polaroids were black & white & all those you beaut family snaps were in ... yep you guessed it, black & white.

Up until 1975, we certainly lived in a black & white world!

However, although we now live in a colourized world, black & white photography still is able to capture the imagination by its use of contrast to give subjects a beauty that can escape the casual observer

"Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony"

Sunshine, Lollipops & Coalships

If Lesley Gore was living in Newcastle these days I'm sure she'd be tempted to re-write her 1965 hit song from 'Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows', to the title I have suggested above. Perhaps not as sugary as a song about teenage love, but still a catchy title!

You couldn't have asked for a more perfect Newcastle day, the sun was shining, the temperature was hovering around the high 20's, a light north easterly was keeping things pleasant on the sand, the water was bracing (not cold) & I was even able to park in the car park at Nobbys Beach (that is a feat in itself!). But the best thing was though, I had at least two of my favourite girls with me to share the absolute beauty of this picture perfect Newcastle day.

Jessica just loves the beach & also thankfully for me isn't the least bit camera shy & so I was able to get some great shots of her playing in the water & on the sand. it's great when you can capture kids having fun, without them having to pose, I think it just brings out their natural beauty!

As for coalships, well they just keep coming & going up & down the Hunter River, 24/7 to destinations around the world as they have done for over 200 years from the Newcastle Port. I hope Newcastle never loses its working harbour function & its coal operations. It maintains Newcastle's history & gives the city its 'real' character.

Although I'm sure environmentalists would beg to differ!

When Spring Is Reflective

There is nothing better than working in the vineyards in the early springtime, the days are warm enough for short sleeves, the winds are gone & the first hint of a new vintage are appearing on the vines. Yes indeed, the Hunter Vineyards are at their best at this time of year.

However, it is sobering to note that even in this time of renewal, some things must pass in order that the circle of life can continue & so it is, even in such a peaceful setting as the vineyards. So with a bit of time to spare, I decided to take a walk through a little ramshackle cemetery located next to Wine Country Drive Pokolbin. Armed with my trusty Canon 400D & a slowly setting sun, I took a walk through the distant memories of others.

What type lives did they lead, did they fulfil their dreams & were there many tears shed at their funeral?

I'll probably never know, but I do know that on one late sun filled September afternoon, the memory of Mr & Mrs Hungerford & the others that are laid to rest in that quiet place, were fleetingly bought back to consciousness.