2016 - Week 1

Words of the photographer

This scene was photographed in the Northern Territory in Australia in 2013. It was taken near Ubirr at a popular tourist site, actually a holy aboriginal site at the Eastern part of Kakadu National Park. The last light before a spectacular sunset spread golden dust over the landscape. It seems to remind us that nature is a treasure that we should value and protect. Contrary to what the Australian national anthem suggests, the gold isn't mainly found in the soil but in the light, the landscape and living creatures. We were also painfully reminded that not everybody feels that connection to this land. It seems only one landmark on a globe trotting tick list, some city folk blasting their interpretation of fun into this environment, mostly with rubbish and noise. This picture sets a personal counterpoint to my Gold Coast skyline photo. It is my question to Australia, my chosen second home, where as a nation and as a diversity of cultures we discover our own true gold individually and how we deal with different interpretations on the need to respect and appreciate nature's gifts for the appreciation of all, present and future generations.

The 1st verse of the Australian national Anthem goes:

"Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair."

This is an emotional picture where I don't see a need for a technical discussion. Of course, knowing what I know today, and despite the fact that I am not a landscape photographer, I can see some issues. But, I love the photo and tend to look at the many positives. It might be a good start into 2016. The picture is almost un-cropped and has only very minor adjustments. So, I expect this picture to serve as a candidate to be printed and to hopefully carry my deep love and connection with Australian soil and sea into the living rooms and hearts of a few people.