The Plastic Lens ~ Words

I had the very good fortune to catch up with Don Brice last Week. Don is a professional photographer and toy camera aficionado from Adelaide and was over in Melbourne on an assignment. We met up at Federation Square amongst a crowd of people following the Australian Open Tennis on the big screen in the square and wandered around the area taking photos with our toy cameras. Having not met Don in person before, I recognised him from his website bio photo and the fact that he was the only other person in the square carrying a dinky looking Diana clone.
It was very illuminating seeing how a truly professional photographer with years of experience behind him approached his art. I really don’t think it matters what equipment you use, the principles of patience, observation, composing and looking for the right light apply universally. Having the kind of experience and knowledge behind you as Don does means that not only can he use his inherent awareness of photographic and composition “rules” effectively, but he also knows how to bend and break the rules to maximum effect. The image included in this post shows him balanced up on a plinth on a wall along the Yarra next to Federation Square pointing his camera towards the West to try and capture the silhouettes & shadows of pedestrians walking towards him (at least I think that’s what he was doing!)
Having a bite to eat and a beer at the famous Young & Jacksons rounded the day off nicely, thanks Don!