Boom Didg Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

25 FEBRUARY 2005, CIRCULAR QUAY, SYDNEY

Souvenir shops boldy advertising their Aboriginal Australian merchandise fill the void underneath the Circular Quay railway station at the far northern end of the Sydney city centre. From here you can catch a train or a ferry to just about anywhere in this huge seaside metropolis.

For those of you who still haven't worked out what the title means, "Boom" and "Didg" are slang abbeviations for "Boomerang" and "Didgeridoo"; two very iconic symbols of Australian indigenous ingenuity; yet objects that few ordinary Australians can actually utilise with any skill (I can, sort of, play the digeridoo...).

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24mm ; XP2 rated EI200

AnimeshRay, KevRyan has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Luko (13904) 2005-03-20 5:07

Hi Mike,
I suppose this is your response to Sohrab's WS on you previous trying to emulate Trent Parke's style. I think you've got it right here while there was IMHO no reason why you should have Parke'd the other one.
It's a very good play with edges of light and shadow, which is I think the epitome of Parke's work.

Perfect timing and excellent summary of Ozzie living, a bum in shorts and sandals passing by aborigene culture (no offence ;)...).

"boom & Didg" populating the upper corner are doing a fine compo job here, no need to frame and letter the image with a title...

Midnight_sun (1939) 2005-03-20 6:04

The modernisation and packaging of arboriginal culture this way, with the stupid shop name highlights to me the clash of cultures, with one appearing to have to adapt to the other. I like the darkness in this shot and the silhouetted man is nicely placed mid step.

i had a look at your last shot too, if only they were all giving you the look that central women was giving, maybe you should start dressing like a bum to get more scathing looks and get a series going?!

As for lukos comments on the 'bum in shorts'... lots of Ozzies where shots, and when i was there that is pretty much all i wore!

tongapup (1574) 2005-03-20 12:43

Very nice, you've managed to remind me of Brassai's Paris here even though it's broad daylight in Oz. It's the darkness, and, of course, the font. A nicely chosen subject. The detail of textures and shadows under the sign really adds to the photo.

eleparc (24063) 2005-03-20 13:55

you have managed pretty well with the light in this shot! i am usually not a big fan of those extra dark prints, but this one is ok for me! nice catch!
eric

Benedetto (437) 2005-03-21 8:27

Excellent composition, beautiful
B&W work.
Well done.
Regards, Benedetto.

gringofil (0) 2005-03-27 6:57

Very interesting shot in terms of composition and subject matter. What strikes me first is the interesting neon sign that sets the mood for the whole shot. Second, the human element was captured at the most precise instant and balances out the compo very nicely. Cool shot Mike.

sohrab (7423) 2005-03-27 8:44

ooh nice nice
the "boom digd" sign is beautiful here
and i love the way the man is walking
kind of hunching isn't he? like an ape.. ( no offence meant here)
also the shadow of the man
it's superb
you think it cuold be enhanced more , i mena his shadow.
i don't know how it'll look, but am just curious about it
take care :)

keribar (42760) 2005-03-27 9:38

Hello Mike,
Everything seems to work well in this BW picture. But of course the silhouette and the lights of the window make it all. Even the
arm is well caught. But what amazes me mostly is the fact
that technically it is a good picture, not easy for everyone. Best - Izzet Keribar

AnimeshRay (8894) 2005-04-02 11:39

I love this photo: very rich in visual elements. You have caught the three persons in their strides, and at the right places in the frame. Very nice tonal range. The aboriginal art pieces add wonderful graphic elements to the photo.

Kicka (0) 2005-04-10 15:39

A nice B&W photograph Mike. Great playing with light and shadows. The "Boom Didgi sign are really effective and I also like the light in the shop window. The man walking out from the darkness towards the light just leaving his shadow behinde, very good work.
Take care, Jessica

sylvie (1183) 2005-05-18 14:20

Remember that shop when I was there, remember the cruise we have done from there and the bus we have taken just outside, nice shoot Mike. Thank for all.
Sylvie

KevRyan (22440) 2005-07-24 4:45

I think most of what I would say has been said - good compo - good tonal range - good capture of the right moment - good stage set for the action of the passers by - iconic in a modern way - don't know who the hell Trent Park is so doesn't mean a thing - it's your pic as it is - doesn't seem to need to be anyone's style really - good pic.

:) L8TR

rowanb (864) 2005-11-14 8:56