intersection

intersection, originally uploaded by Lester Ralph Blair.

I like the idea of making cohesive and visually ordered images out of random chaotic urban scenes. A sort of 'more is better' maxim rather than the advice, usually given, that 'less is better'. Images that really do give a sense of place. In some ways they are harder to find and see than the more purist, minimalism type photography where a subject is reduced to the bare essentials. Sometimes the whole vista is the subject with layer upon layer of visual interest. I admire the photography of Lee Friedlander. You can see some of his work here: Masters of photography. Here is my attempt of such a street scene. I'm on the look out for some more.

takeaways

takeaways, originally uploaded by Lester Ralph Blair.

My childhood was spent on a farm at a place called Ngaere. Once or twice a year my parents would treat us to some high living in the way of a restaurant meal. There were two choices in Stratford. A dinner at one of the hotels. The menu had one main course. Roast of the day, either beef or mutton, gravy, roast potatoes, boiled cauliflower and peas. The dining room was dark with heavy furniture, tables set with white linen and a confusing amount of cutlery. The other choice was Radich's Restaurant. A cheerful dining room with bright red formica tables and plastic place mats. There was a choice of fish of the day or oysters, both deep fried in batter. I learnt to go with the oysters, or invariably I would be carted out with a fish bone lodged in my throat. This sign evokes memories for sure but I took this photo because I like any sign that has light bulbs around it.

shop door & community notices

shop door & community notices, originally uploaded by Lester Ralph Blair.

On traveling back to Wellington, we stopped in Eltham. My daughters needed to make a purchase in the local 'Four Square Store'. I took a walk and chanced upon this shop door. There was a photo taken from this very spot, my guess is around the 1920's. The buildings are still the same. You could buy a bike or lawnmower by just phoning Jeff. On display also a memorial to a well known local supermarket pioneer, and a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Expo invite. This door to me is expressive of Eltham, and I always like to look around when passing through.

beach

beach, originally uploaded by Lester Ralph Blair.

I was in New Plymouth last weekend and I visited East End Beach. There were no 'swim between the flags' signs, no swimmers nor sunbathers. Just some 'surf club members' in a rubber boat, and a tractor.

swim

swim, originally uploaded by Lester Ralph Blair.

Deep in the industrial zone of Lyall Bay there is a swimwear factory. I took this photo September 2005. We were living in New Plymouth and visiting Wellington. Now we are living in Wellington and this weekend will be visiting New Plymouth. In a few days I should have a few photos to show of what had been hidden by familiarity. I can already see in my mind a beach of black sand, a sign saying swim between the flags - but few takers because the weather is forecast for wind and rain.

sailing

sailing, originally uploaded by Lester Ralph Blair.

Another Nautical subject taken in late afternoon while walking back home. The sun still bright, daylight saving finishes in a week. The weather forecasters are already saying a change is coming. I took this photo last week. Today I looked again at this subject. The weather is grey and dark and in this light I never would have seen this as a subject of any interest. Everything changes with the weather.

harbour dawn

harbour dawn, originally uploaded by Lester Ralph Blair.

I have begun to walk a different path to work. It takes me along the waterfront and I am not alone. It is busy with other walkers on the way to work. Ships and boats of all shapes whether for pleasure or some utilitarian use, all attract my attention. It maybe the romanticism of sea travel, all types of transport, trains, planes, hold my attraction. This photo is as much about the early morning half dark, half light composition as it is about this boat which had a very large lifting crane attached to its deck. I do like the fact that photography is directly attached to the reality of visual experience.

shapes of trees

shapes of trees, originally uploaded by Lester Ralph Blair.

Around six weeks or thereabouts, I take my wife to have her hair washed, dyed, styled and expertly cut. While this process is taking place, I drive to Seatoun, 'a seaside village' like suburb of Wellington. There has been much drama here, one of New Zealands worst maritime disasters. Almost four decades ago the 'Wahine' a ship that ferried passengers and cars between Wellinton and Lyttelton capsized just off Seatoun in a storm that was raging through the Wellington Harbour heads. Fifty one people lost their lives. You can read about it here: New Zealand Maritime Record. On this day though it was just the ordinary things that caught my interest, like the shapes of the pohutukawa trees on this Seatoun Avenue. And ordinary is where I like to be.

dairy

dairy, originally uploaded by Lester Ralph Blair.

I do enjoy the ambiance of the seaside. whether by walking or just sitting watching the world go by. I like to observe the spectacle of people enjoying the freedom of play in the water, under the heat of the summer sun. And when a little more is needed there is always a Dairy near by were large double scoop cones of ice cream can be purchased. I find these are places of iconic kiwiana and in this photo a hint of americana too. They are one institution that have changed little from when I was a boy, everything else seems to have changed a lot.