Recently my wife and I had the opportunity to stay at Wilga Station, a farm stay just out of Bathurst, NSW. We dumped the kids with my parents and spent two nights in blissful peace. Wilga Station is a working sheep farm, so we had no shortage of visitors, especially at dusk when they all seemed to drop in. Funnily enough, I was so deep into zoning out and relaxing I almost forgot about my camera entirely, only running out quickly to catch the last twenty minutes or so of light before sunset.
I really like the tones in this image. There is a temptation to pump up the levels, but I think that would take away from the mood somewhat.
This was the kind of accommodation where they really had thought of everything. The hut we stayed in was off the grid, and there seemed to be a real appreciation for the land. I’ve been out this way quite a bit lately owing to family, so you can expect plenty more from the area. There’s a lot to explore in this part of New South Wales that goes unnoticed by most.
Heading into autumn, I liked the way these trees were catching last light.
If there is a theme to my photography lately, it is ‘subtlety.’ I’m always looking for those smaller details and pockets of light these days as opposed to the great vista (though don’t get me wrong, I do love a good grand vista too).
We also headed over the ditch for another family event and got to spend a couple of days on the beautiful Waiheke Island… even if the weather was closer to a typhoon when we arrived. Let’s just say the ferry ride to the island was closer to a rollercoaster than a boat. The next day? Clear skies and absolute coastal perfection, but that’s New Zealand for you—every season in one day.
Probably closer to my ICM images, this was taken through the ferry window as we launched our way across Auckland harbour.
Photography wasn’t the main aim of this trip. I didn’t even take my film camera, but when we reached the ferry terminal early on our day of departure there was this deep, rolling fog that had descended over everything. I love (love, love, love) adverse and interesting weather conditions for photography. I couldn’t get my camera out quick enough.
It’s been a long time since I’ve taken an image I was genuinely happy with. This is my kind of image—minimal and subtle and light. Even though it’s digital, it does have a filmic quality to it.
About five minutes later we came across this scene of anchored boats heading out from the island. Like the above image, it also has a very ethereal, impressionistic feel because of the fog.
International travel seems off the cards at the moment given everything that is happening in the larger world. But as I always say, there is so much to see in Australia. Hopefully we can squeeze in a road trip or two before the year ends.
Here are some more images from our stay.
