Australia

In February I was asked to shoot a handful of installations in Australia.  Two in Sydney, Two Canberra and another in Perth for Jupiter.  I have a good standing relationship with them as clients and I knew this job would test me and my ability to execute logistics more than just photography.    I have traveled all over the world as an Assistant for Robert Reck but this was my first job putting those experiences and observations to the test.  Luckily I have an ace up my sleeve at all times... Bridget.  I knew what had to happen for customs and airlines but Bridget came through in a pinch when it came to business visas.  Apparently Australia prefers 2 weeks notice before entering the country I was contacted Tuesday and asked to be in Sydney on Monday.  I tried to contact the consulate but it was Australia Day... figures.  But an expediting service was able to create an electronic visa in 24 hours.  Problem solved.

In Sydney, I shot the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS - They like their acronyms as much as we do).  This sight housed the largest Wall Screen in the southern hemisphere.

I also was able to photograph a sound stage (FEX) adjacent to the Federal Exchange

From Sydney I was graciously chauffeured to Canberra to photograph the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and a Lockheed Martin Installation.

 It took a day but I flew from Canberra to Perth and set up shop to shoot at Main Roads - A traffic nerve center for the equivalent of our Department of Transportation.

As with most trips you wish you had more time this was no exception.  I hope to return some day with a lot more free time on my hands...

Snow Survey

Back in January I had the privileged of accompanying Wayne Sleep, who is a Snow Survey Hydro-logic Technician for NRCS, up into the mountains east of Santa Fe to measure current levels of snow fall.  I have provided my services as a photographer to NRCS in trade for access to some of there more interesting endeavors.  This mostly spurred from a need for new work in my portfolio as I prepare to move back to Washington DC.  But I couldn't miss the opportunity to ride around in a Polaris Ranger outfitted with tracks.
 

The monitoring station is completely automated but relatively new.  In this case the area is being measured both by computers and by hand to compare final analysis and make sure the automation is accurate to the data Mr. Sleep has been accumulating.

This is the automated station.

Each post designates a boundary area for samples

Big Guns

This past year I was able to have access to a Tactical Shooting Competition.  This happened the usual way for my personal assignments - through a friend of a friend.

A lot of these guys are ex-secret service, military and other "government operators" and did not fit my preconceived idea of who actually attends these competitions.  Most targets are 800 yards plus.  These guys build custom guns (and some in turn sell there skills via the internet). 

 

 

 

 

The biggest downside to an event like this, is the inability to .shoot from downrange back at your subject.  I'm not sure that any competition would allow you that access but Profile shots, Over the Shoulder, and Back of heads gets tiresome.  I was only able to attend one of the two days which is unfortunate.  If the hosting group is open too it I hope to have my act together for a more comprehensive outing next time.