About the Photographer
For almost two decades I enjoyed photographing the seascapes of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. The many beautiful beaches and tranquil coves gave me the opportunity to capture some truly beautiful scenery.
But I've always found myself drawn to the outback. There's something about the desert landscape that draws you in and never lets go. So when the opportunity came to work for Northern Territory Tourism in Alice Springs, I jumped at the chance.
My photographic journey through the Red Centre was slow to begin. Arriving in late September the average daily temperature was already pushing the mid thirties. So I busied myself exploring the landscape, and making mental notes of places to visit later. The following autumn I started taking photos of the stunning landscapes in and around 'The Alice'.
My first trip was to one of the areas great natural wonders, Rainbow Valley. Best experienced at sunset when the exquisite colours of the ochre are brought to life by the warm afternoon sun.
I've since visited most of the gorges and dry river beds around Alice, and would have to rate Ormiston Gorge and Ormiston Pound as the scenic highlight of the region. The 7km Pound Circuit walking trail takes you into the heart of this stunning natural formation, and out through the Gorge. I also find the many rocky hills around the Historic Telegraph Station a particularly good photographic subject.
Trees have always been a favoured subject of mine, and there are a few unique species in 'The Centre' that have gained my interest. The Ghost Gum, a favourite subject of Albert Namatjira, they can be found growing out of some of the most unlikely of places. Such as seemingly growing out of solid rock half way up a sheer cliff face. The Ghostly white trunk that gives it it's name, contrasts beautifully with the often harsh terrain it grows in. Another favoured tree is the Desert Oak. Not an oak at all, but a member of the Casuarina family, it only grows in red sand dune country. I also enjoy photographing the Corkwood. A Gnarled trunk with bark that resembles an elephants hide, these tree produce the most brilliant flowers when conditions are right.
More to follow.....
