David Mackie's Blue Brain

National Portrait Gallery

2013-04-12T08:58:00.000+10:00

I had some time today and spent it in the National Portrait Gallery.

I was particularly interested in the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2013 as I had gone last year and thought this year would be an interesting contrast. Also depending on how my own photography improves this year and if I have anything I feel worthy I’d like to enter some competitions this year so why not aim for the moon.

As I walked around the exhibition I found several pieces that caught my attention, I initially stated taking notes in Evernote on my iPad which seemed to take forever and really took the focus away from what I liked so I started taking Photos of the Description Plaques (I wonder if they have real names) even while security staff stood next to me, so I figured it was cool. After all the alternative is write down everything they say while others wait for you to move on.

I totally understand why the portraits are protected and honestly who in their right mind would take a photo in the gallery when images of this quality are available on the galleries web site (note I am linking these images to that source not making my own copy here. So if the gallery takes them down they will not appear here either) but the descriptions really?? Anyway a different guard came up to me and said “No Photography” I asked the portraits I understand but I’m recording the plaques for later reference is that okay? His response “No Photography, in this Gallery”. Seemed he didn’t want to engage in answering my question to my satisfaction and I didn’t want to engage him in a way that would ruin my day so closed the cover and continued on my visit. I would be super keen to hear opinion from someone who knows the answer because I’d really like to be able to look further into pieces and do the preliminary work as efficiently as possible.

Now the exhibit itself…, as I walked around I saw a lot that really caught me eye and even a couple of oh wow moments and I think I was not even close to what the judges thought and that's fine. I wonder if there is scope for an education session covering what the panel looks for and how they came to their choices I think it would be really interesting. If this already happens I’d be keen to find out how to get notified of it happening.

These are my favourites from today and why I liked them its possible I’m Robinson Crusoe in my choices too.

Dennis Del Favero,

by Hamish Ta-mé

This was the first piece I saw and immediately thought polarising filter dude! Then I looked a little longer and realised the inability to see the eyes drew me to keep looking

Harry, by Milena Bennett

I agree candid shots of people unaware of the photographer, particularly obviously in there own thoughts really speak to me.

Bean no more, by Quentin Jones

I enjoy this photo because it is a photo of the Actor Rowan Atkinson and truly not Mr Bean. I photograph lots of people, displaying their alter ego many of whom I don’t think I’d recognise in real life.

This is obviously Rowan

Train travellers, by John Van-Den-Broeke

I like the fun and the reflections, I also like the the other people going about their business.
It stuck with me also regarding the competition rules about permission of subjects. Would we need to get all 6? Would I want to wake them?

To Bare all, by Nicholas Duell

I love the lighting, it makes for a beautiful photo. My eyes are completely drawn to her eyes, even though they are easily lost in shadow. This does not strike me as a brave photo of an older woman as the photographer suggests it is just a beautiful photo.
Cropped to a head shot I’d still love it, maybe even more.

Birds' nests, by Rewa Nolan

This could be my daughter, in fact everyone's daughter, mine frowns like this because of the brushing that follows.
I’m not sure that this doesn’t touch every parents heart. That moment is common but not everyone has this photo in their portfolio

Morse coder, by Richard Goodwin

Just a great photo, I went back many times because I couldn’t stop looking for what I liked. I think these are the best photos, I still can’t tell you what I like.

Confronted, by Tim Tam

I am starting to appreciate street art and need to engage more with it, and the city scenes where I find it…
Not sure the 24HR Security Surveillance is helping here making it more interesting.

All images liked from original source on National Portrait Galley – National Photographic Portrait Prize 2013 Page

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2013, a set by National Portrait Gallery on Flickr.

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If that's the season opener… Count me in #CRDL

2013-03-25T09:52:00.000+11:00

I recently said …

Even if I hated Derby (as if) I find the bad light and fast pace a real challenge (Photographically) so that would keep me coming take away everything else. Truth be told I really like the pace and homebrew feel of the leagues and all the derby girl I have chatted with are also lovely amazing women so totally hooked.

This year I’m a season ticket holder (CRDL) and wonder where I will be next year? Not sure I want to grow the business I have, and being a sponsor would therefore be about support for the league not growth for a business. I wonder if there is a class of sponsor that doesn't want the adverting? Wondering what benefits there are in being a sponsor? Support is not all about money perhaps.

I love Roller Derby and my opinion goes from strength to strength, although the photographic aspects are a main attraction for me, the whole thing is really positive.

Go to a Derby Bout and look for a drunk idiot sure there are people who have had a drink or two past their fill but I am yet to see an idiot. I think it is in no small part due to the atmosphere.

Derby bouts are kid friendly events and there are lots of them, pretty nice to the see babies with hear protection they are on the whole totally cute,
Derby bouts are run by the skaters for the skaters, and they have the feel of a big family,
Derby bouts are action packed, highly competitive events, with the greatest degree of Sports(wo)menship I’ve seen in adult sports,
Derby makes you smile even if things are not perfect, you forget the little things and appreciate the spectacle plus if you let go let yourself enjoy the whole thing you wont care who wins.

The first bout this year was the Red Bellied Black Hearts vs The Brindabelters also the first bout in the Canberra league played under the revised 2013 rules. The bout was close and the winner changed between the unofficial score and the final result but it was a wonderful start to the season and of course I'm really looking forward to the Surly Griffins vs The Black 'n' Blue Belles next month.

BTW the Belters won but your can’t tell from these pictures

The full set of Photos from the night are …

CRDL 2013 Season RBBH vs BB, a set on Flickr.

The Falling Joys

2013-03-13T08:43:00.000+11:00

The highlight of the Canberra Centenary for me was “ONE VERY BIG DAY” and of course I was hanging out to see The Falling Joys

I took these photos up against the mosh rail like a total fanboi, unashamedly so. Check out the Lock It video to remind yourself why

The Falling Joys, a set on Flickr.

Canberra Balloon Festival - 2013

2013-03-12T00:46:00.000+11:00

Every year there is a Balloon Festival and until this year I stayed in bed… what the hell was I thinking. Well this year I go up early and went to launch sites and hills over looking landing sites, took Catie out to see them, generally got really involved.

Perhaps it was because we went up in a balloon on the Gold Coast for Libby’s 40th, maybe because I’ve turned into one of those “camera people” I won’t say Photographer because I’ve got a LONG WAY to go before I’m willing to say anything other than “Happy Snapper” but I’m having fun with it and I get out and about which is cool too.

Oi get off, we just built that

Wow that’s close

Photo Walk Canberra March 2013

2013-03-05T07:00:00.000+11:00

When Hillary says Photo Walk I tend to think hells yes I'm in.

Even better this time it coincided with the opening weekend of the Enlighten Festival which made it extra high on my priority list for the weekend.

Got to meet some lovely people and take some nice photos. Even better I got to pick Alan Kerln's brain about Astro Photography.

When I find time on a dark night I'll share the results.

Photo Walk Canberra March 2013, a set on Flickr.

Enlighten 2013

2013-03-05T04:49:00.000+11:00

I spent several nights at the Canberra Enlighten Festival and possibly could have spent many more.

The night I took many of these images was the night of the Photo Walk Canberra event and I had the pleasure of a shooting partner who I had only just met an hour or so before.

I learned some tricks and continued to pick his brain about Astro Photography too which was great. Thanks Alan

Not my favourite photo but so important because I fell over a few minutes earlier and it proved my camera survived scratch free and working so pretty happy

Enlighten 2013, a set on Flickr.

Different Enlighten Perspective

2013-03-04T22:35:00.000+11:00

My son goes to Australian Army Cadets on Monday nights so I have about 3 hours out and about in Canberra and surrounds so I often take my camera to places where I think I might get a good photo.

I remembered seeing the NKRYPT exhibition outside of Questacon on Saturday Night but since I was shooting hand held and there were soooooo many people I decided to come back on a less busy night.

NKRYPT is Questacon’s contribution to the area of cryptography, but also the lighting makes it a beautiful subject in the forecourt and I really hope it stays part of the permanent collection.

If you get a chance go have a look, you might even see me there because I just might give decryption a go while I wait for my son on cold winter nights… Yes I know I could use photos and do it at home but where's the adventure in that.

Different Enlighten Perspective, a set on Flickr.

Trek to square rock

2013-03-03T08:48:00.000+11:00

I was told if I wanted a gentler walk albeit longer, I should try the walk to Square Rock. Naturally I went to visit my go to girl of bush hiking in Canberra and read her post.

I’m going to assume you know how to get to Corin forest, in case you don’t there is a map on their website and yes you can giggle at the directions past the “New Suburb of Gordon”

Continue past the complex until you see a sign

There is a small dirt car park just off the road.

The trail is clearly marked and is 9km don’t worry it will not take you four hours, I was there and back in a little over two.

The trail is pretty easy going with a couple of step staired sections but they don’t last long.

About half way up there is a large grassland, it can be a little bit swampy but seems that TAMS have done a great job with the trail some sections even raised slightly above the ground. Notice the grates and wooden walkways above.

Stepping stones across the grassland

Further along you will see a trail marker pointing to Smokers Trail, this is a MUCH LONGER walk which I will attempt as my fitness improves.

Continue walking it really is pretty easy and you'll be making great time, you could take the small detour and have a look down the Orroral Valley, but folk I speak to say just continue on the the goal. I hate to say don't do stuff if I can't tell you that I personally don't think its great, I'll take a bullet for you soon to be sure (I also have another mission out there so it fits in)

This is NOT Square Rock even though I can see why you'd think so, I did and I assume it would be weird to continue other wise.

I love it when I see these signs they really say ALMOST THERE PREPARE FOR AWESOME

I think the Views tell you everything you need to know.

I loved the trip even though I thought I was going to get caught in a storm and will definitely be going out a lot more.

UPDATE: I went out with my son again today 17th April 2013 and left this ...

I hope some folk sign in to help me know if Tara has changed more than just my, behaviour when it comes to walking..

Square Rock, a set on Flickr.

Tuggeranong Hill–Family Adventure

2013-02-19T09:02:00.000+11:00

Having failed at my first attempt at Tuggeranong Hill I decided to give it another go. This time the entire family came for the adventure.

When I made my first attempt I was so out of breath I thought I was never going to get home again.

This is the place where I turned back last time and some of the path onward and up ward

The summit is wonderful hopefully this photo synth will give a great idea of why this is such a worthwhile trip.

Booroomba Rocks–Namadgi National Park

2013-02-12T07:24:00.000+11:00

After my first attempt at Booroomba Rocks, I made a few changes which included premedicating Ventolin, new shoes built for hiking. So it wasn’t total softness and I’ll hopefully do much better as I keep moving.

Look for this sign on Apollo Road, then its just a quick drive along a dirt road to the car park.

Notice the signs, seems they disagree but not a big issue I did it in 43 Minutes and my GPS says it is 1.95km round trip.

On my previous trip I was focused on the journey, partly because I didn’t get to the destination but failure and inspiration caused the quick turnaround for a second attempt.

This time I was all about accomplishment and the view, hope this inspires a visit from you too. From what I understand the experience can be different each time you go, another reason to love Canberra, our seasons make the things we love four times better.

Resting half way up sometime this year I’m going to power past and do it in one go

At the top notice the sweat and red face.

High up on a peak with some beautiful view

My son Alex making a video…

Speaking of which this is a quick video that shows the last bit over the rock and briefly show the oh my what a view moment most people experience…

Reaching the top

Booroomba Rock – Namadgi National Park, a set on Flickr.

Booroomba Rocks attempt one

2013-02-11T07:48:00.000+11:00

Today I took my son Alex on a walk along the Booroomba Rocks trail, inspired by Tara from IN THE TARATORY. It’s not a very long drive from our place but I don’t like the hot so we set out about 8:45 in hope of getting it done before we went to the movies this afternoon.

So quick trip over Tharwa Bridge then down Naas Road and then off on to Apollo Road toward Honeysuckle Creek

This sign is one to pay attention too, be aware it is a dirt road and in many places you might struggle to get two cars past each other especially when one of them is my Navara.

When you get to the car park look for the sign that points to Booroomba Rocks Walking Trail it says 30 Minutes which is different to the sign on the trail.

The importance of this sign is that it says 2.5 kms RETURN, so when your heart is breaking out of your chest cavity and your legs are feeling the burn and you wonder if you should push on to what I am told is a very worthwhile destination, remember it is return and if your iPhone app says you have travelled 1.8 klms which must be wrong (and if you zoom the trail there is a lot of lateral co-ordinate jumping off cliffs) then you might be near the top.

There is a seat a bit over half way up which Tara reported as particularly uncomfortable but for me it was the best thing ever I guess our need for it was very different.

Overall the walk is steep and I need to practice by maybe doing more stairs walks at work. I did not make it to the top but also did not feel like a previous walker and it would be nicer if they didn’t need to make the tree carry that message for ever

BTW the fit person in the Photos is my son Alex, my new trainer by the looks

Just so you know my goal is only to walk further than today which happened to be

Tuggeranong Hill Trig attempt one

2013-02-06T11:12:00.000+11:00

Today I took my son Alex on a walk up Tuggeranong Hill, inspired by Tara from IN THE TARATORY and Alison from Chifley

I had thought about doing it on the weekend but other things got in the way. So not wanting to disappoint supportive strangers I came home from work today gathered up the boy and off we set.

The initial climb up the access road in Conder to the trail which rings the Nature Reserve was a rather telling indication of the hard work to come, I am around 144Kgs so moving in an upward direction was always going to be challenging but I’ll get there.

Anyway here are the stats, the target is the Canberra Nature Park label

The view from where I turned back

Alex on the trail just above our neighbourhood

Can we possibly achieve a new political system?

2013-01-18T22:24:00.000+11:00

I originally posted this is August last year but my questions remain and I really do want to have a conversation about whats good for Australia and not what's good for Political Parties and individual Politicians.

BTW ACT Politics have taught me a new thing, that is respect for a position, people and intentions count a good deal with me.

Yep and I have a new respect for Katy Gallagher and not so much for "Zed" Seselja and I do feel I wasted a vote, and will consider more carefully in September this year.

I love The West Wing I love the writing, I love the characters and I love the way some complex political issues are shown with the non partisan negotiations that seem to be allowable in the United States of America's system. Another thing I have learned is as we lend an affiliation to the characters we start to think all Republicans are complete nut bars.

I'm starting to really like The Newsroom and the main character is a Republican who makes equal sense and is able to show the perception of the Republican Party and point out that there is in fact a perception of having to be a certain narrow mind set to fit in either camp. I particularly like the dialog "I am a registered Republican, I just seem Liberal because I believe hurricanes are caused but high barometric pressure, not gay marriage"

So why mention all this?

I think I'm getting both older and hopefully wiser, either way I am looking at the things I have said and stood for in the past and am wondering if they still apply. One of the many things I'm considering is my politics and I thought I'd take this opportunity to free flow my thoughts, without too much focus on structure of the argument or clearly grammar.

How have I gotten here??

I was raised in a family that voted liberal, and just like church, you get your values from your family.

I joined the Navy after year 10 in high school and of course the Australian Labor Party are the guys who slash Defence every chance they get and yes that does sound a little selfish, but this is how I got here, leave comments if you feel strongly.

I own a small business in the Information Technology Sector and I get paid quite well for what I do in the scheme of things, but I work REALLY HARD to keep that happening and I'm sure if I were to add in the commitment to staying on top of my game I'd be on an hourly rate basis way behind the 9 to 5ers who seem to be coasting in this world. I will remain unapologetic for wanting to have a Government who doesn't hate me for living up to my potential. I'm the one who measures me as having not met my own benchmarks...

I live in Canberra a safe Labor (ALP) seat and I can't phantom why. I ask people why they vote Labor and they almost universally say "because the Liberals will slash the Public Service" have they noticed how many Departments lost between 500 and more than 1000 positions in the last budget?? I can only say why would you vote for people who hate you? Most of the people I speak with are at the EL1 level and largely seem to be married to other EL1s ... Wow well over the 'we hate you because you are rich' ALP benchmark AND are also looking to make you redundant. That's amazing.

We have a hung Parliament this is not an excuse to be negative, I understand it is the job of the Opposition Leader to make the Government look bad... Awesome, job done but I think they mostly did it to themselves and sure I can't trust Julia Gillard to keep commitments or deliver things competently but really Tony Abbott has one thing that he has delivered from opposition and that is hold the line on Asylum seekers and get the Government to adopt his policy. Imagine what would be possible if you spent your time running around the country saying "I know we have a car industry that is struggling and those workers need a new thing to build, does metal fabrication and electric motors, look a lot like a lot like towers and electric generators? How about we build windmills in enough scale that the economics works and refocus a whole industry" now I'm not saying we should do THAT thing but how about something that says if I were PM I'd do THIS thing instead of I WON'T do this or I'll REPEAL that.

I remember when I first moved to Canberra I watched the local news every night and at that time almost every night the Leader of the ACT Legislative Assembly Opposition was on TV saying the ACT Government dropped the ball today on this issue or that AND if I were Chief Minister this is what we would have done. See what she did there if I were Chief Minister this is what I would do ... I fondly recall that as a time when we had real debate about what was good the the people of the ACT. Yes as Chief Minister Kate Carnell had her issues and I'm trying to say she was awesome in office but certainly less bad than the stream of super stars we have had since. I'm NOT really trying to use Kate Carnell as an example of positive opposition from which perhaps our Federal Leaders AND ACT Leaders could learn a thing or three.

Okay around to my point...

I think the Australia Labor Party has some really talented people who I would happily vote for Kate Lundy, Kate Ellis, Tanya Pilbersek and Penny Wong from what I see of their performance in public they seem to legitimately believe what they say and care about the outcomes. Pity is I cant vote for people who represent a party line that shows at every turn that they hate me which is a real shame. EVERY male ALP member makes me want to puke and their whole demeanor drips with toxicity. I did like Kevin Rudd before he got a sniff of actual power and became the same tosser as the others.

I can only think of one Liberal female member I would feed and only if she could get out of the attack and let us see what she would do if she led the party and of course it is Julie Bishop. This does not let me hold great hope for equality in the Parliament because given the difficulty of getting elected as a woman if the current Liberal Party Gene Pool gives us ones I can't name as competent representatives, then having more of them presumably lower quality for inclusiveness sake god help us. Liberal Party male members are also scarce to name in similarly complimentary terms as the ALP women but I think Joe Hockey really does want to do well for the whole country.

Where does leave us? well not with the Independents and Greens just look at the self serving clueless situation we are in over the term of this Parliament, I really hope the desire for a decisive win for one or other of the major parties will wipe out the whole bunch from the political landscape.

So what do I want?

I want no voting on party lines

I want every vote to be a conscience vote

I want legislation on issues to be written and negotiated on grounds of the greater good, if the issue of Carbon was agreed by people who wanted an outcome I'd have no problem supporting it, but it is about politics right now and I'm tired of paying a greater share of more every time. How about a scheme that only taxes carbon from profits by disallowing deductions for polluting inputs (again not an answer just a question).

I know that having a system where individual politicians horse trade to get legislation passed leads to bad outcomes but how about a my politician website where we see how they vote on EVERYTHING right there for all to see. If it is good enough for schools then it is good enough for our elected members.

More productive campaigning...

I saw an ACT Liberals Ad a month or two ago I suspect aired by accident it was a disgusting attack ad. There was no this is how we will fix the issue, it was personal and unhelpful. If this ad runs again you will lose my vote.

~~I'm going to keep a tally of every ad I see without a solution or that is negative and the loser will be the party that is negative with no policy position (yep I'll track that too)~~

~~Same apples Federally,~~ while I'd struggle to vote Labor I will vote informal and sign the ballot in case it is illegal and you want to fine me. I will not vote for people who hate me, nor will I vote for people with no answers or school yard bullies.

Can anyone deliver that?

I hope we can but I suspect it's just a little bit hard. Here is hoping.

NB the ACT Liberals did not run the ad I was talking about at least not that I saw.

Walking and Macro Pictures

2012-09-30T20:56:00.000+10:00

I went on a Photowalk in the National Botanical Gardens today there was a great turn out and I really learned a lot about taking photos of things really close up …

Yesterday I spoke about the “Joy” of taking photographs and it was reinforced today too

This is Hillary the event organiser and Professional Photographer look at her expression … See that's what I mean.

Might have learned that Macro Tubes are great for in studio but hard to perfect outside with the wind moving the subject.

I wonder what else I will discover going to a few more of these I’ll definitely find out, should have been going to these all along

Anyway these are the “Best” of the ones I took today…

David Mackie's Blue Brain

National Portrait Gallery

If that's the season opener… Count me in #CRDL

The Falling Joys

Canberra Balloon Festival - 2013

Photo Walk Canberra March 2013

Enlighten 2013

Different Enlighten Perspective

Trek to square rock

Tuggeranong Hill–Family Adventure

Booroomba Rocks–Namadgi National Park

Booroomba Rocks attempt one

Tuggeranong Hill Trig attempt one

Can we possibly achieve a new political system?

Walking and Macro Pictures

Send in the Clowns

Floriade @ 85mm

Shoot the Shooter

Return to Roller Derby #CRDL

Walk to the De Salis Family Cemetery

Afternoon out in Bungendore

Another Visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Canberra Zoo and Aquarium

All the Small Things–First Macro Shoot

STONE RUIN, MUGGA LANE (BUILT PRIOR TO 1878)

Change the Admin Key or it’s over??