The Tram Graveyard

I'd previously read about the graffiti covered trams which used to be housed in the former Rozelle tram depot, located in Glebe and as they've since been moved I was unable to get to see them. I have fond memories of tram travel as a child when I went out to visit my grandparents at Randwick. The following video provides a snippet of historical information .

It remained a great mystery as to where they've been taken and I was still on the hunt for them as they represent a wonderful memento from Australia's early history. The following video shows them before they were rehoused or perhaps many of them were simply destroyed.

Thanks to Alex Taylor (Visual Cocaine) another member of the Focus Group, I was alerted to the location of a few other old trams. As luck would have it the location was only a 15 minute drive from home. Alex had provided some great background and advice on his blog so I went very well prepared. I guess it's always a risk going to these places alone but everybody else was out celebrating Australia Day and I'd decided to visit mid afternoon so I was pretty sure it would be deserted.

Looking back through the images today I'd like to try and create a slideshow as a type of homage to these old veterans of the track. Everyone has their processing preferences for digital images and I think it's important for viewers to appreciate the intent behind the images. Many people dont like vignetting but I think it can be used to achieve a purpose. This is a secret location in many ways and the trams are only partially visible when the doors to the shed are slowly opened. I think vignetting is a method of doing a partial reveal which suits this location.

 I was quite saddened by my visit as the trains stand like prisoners crammed together side by side and susceptible to all forms of attack by vandals who have scant respect for their historical value. They stand in the dark littered with human detritus, scars of a myriad of attacks on almost every surface. Paradoxically, a few hundred metres away at the Loftus tram depot, their indulged cousins are housed in relative opulence and lovingly maintained by a league of volunteers. I wonder why some have been assigned to the graveyard and others have been championed ? I do admit to feeling a little uncomfortable in the dark alone and I wasn't inclined to attempt to board the less accessible vehicles, so I've probably missed out on some great shots. Spookily, after I'd left the sheds and was walking towards the exit there was a loud bang from inside, the source of which shall have to remain a mystery.

After 3 successive visits, one with company which was the most enjoyable shoot, I'm still working on processing the hundreds of shots I captured. I've also heard from a photo buddy that the trams share the shed with some brown snakes which has somewhat compromised the attraction of any future visits. I've recently uncovered some images of the transferring of the trams to this location and am somewhat surprised it attracted no media attention. 

Back To Bombo

Bombo is such an atmospheric location irrespective of weather or Season. There is always something to explore. I set off early with two friends,  and we were treated to some great photo opportunities, from fog enveloping the landscape on the trip down, to the craggy headlands and reflections of Bombo Quarry, then on to a feast of sunflowers in a garden at Kiama and finally, to the exciting discovery of a 'secret' cave at Cathedral Rocks. 

We were treated to some great foggy patches on the way down South and stopped a few times to try and capture the scene, however I was aware that we didnt want to linger and arrive at Bombo when the sun was too high.

The swell at the quarry was less than impressive but I was keen to show Megan and Carolyn the access point for high tides and big swells. I'd serendipitously uncovered a path of sorts on a previous visit which led through the bushes and allowed me to bypass the dangerous irregular rocks. There are a few natural rock stairs which allow you to look down onto the water.

After a few hours enjoying ourselves in the quarry we headed for the obligatory brunch and a refuel as we were so thirsty after being in the hot sun.  On our way into Kiama we were treated  to a display of sunflowers in a local garden. Megan's sharp eyes had seen them on our entrance into the township so they were well worth a stop. The wind interfered with our attempts to catch some really sharp shots but we at least have a digital memento from the day.

On the way home we made a detour via Cathedral Rocks as a type of recon trip for a future visit.  While speaking with a local, Carolyn discovered  there was an accessible walk to the top of the headland along Cliff Drive. It gave us some magnificent views down onto the Cathedral Rocks area and provided a number of new POVs to explore. 

 A few photographers have used the cave at the Rocks to frame sunrise shots however the exact location had proven to be elusive. We knew nothing other than the fact that it was only accessible at low tide so we were really excited to see it so clearly from our high vantage point.

 Its a wonderful view from up on the headland and has provided us not only with enjoyment on the day, but some ideas for future sunrise and sunset locations.

My only regret was missing out on the opportunity to capture an enormous sun filtered by cloud patterns as we were in the wrong place at the wrong time and Nature has her set timetable .

Potter Sunrise

Met up with some Focus buddies for the first 2014 sunrise shoot at Potter Point. Weather was a tad inclement so I decided to stay close to the car park. Can't afford losing yet another camera to water damage. There was a small band of pink which adhered to the horizon, but that was the only colour we were to experience. I've learnt my lessons about smeared glass, unstable tripods and the challenges of using zoom lenses for landscape shots so I'm pleased to say I was able to capture some long exposures with reasonable success. And as is the tradition we completed our shoot with breakfast, this time at the Silver Beach Cafe at Kurnell. Potter Point offers so many compositions and the colours which paint the rocks under all conditions are just breathtaking. Feel privileged to have the opportunity to combine photography and shoots with like minded company. 

 The following shot was taken just a few hours later just down the road. It really is all about the light :-)

 I love it when the sun has just  risen above the horizon and the golden light paints the rocky ledges and surface of the water with a golden glow.