Remember there are many ways to tell a story, even one story can have many takes. Well, this story along with its vastness will always going to be enchanting, exciting and above all unique.
When invited to be part of the Pilbara Project late last year, I was ecstatic to even be selected amidst lots of enthusiastic photographers and I am so honoured to be chosen. Like any other person who first arrived in this town, the thought of spending days in the heat and dust wasn’t very appealing, I soon got distracted after buying my first SLR camera months after we arrived. The view through my lens was much more intriguing and exciting than the heat and red dust. And that was nearly 7 years ago.
Last week was a blast, as the photographers arrived to start The Pilbara Project. It was exciting seeing the town again from fresh new eyes; Eyes that have been honed for decades to see beauty, colour and light. We started with a tour of the town and just minutes after we took off driving around town, I could already sense the excitement the town is bringing to the group. A drive to a very familiar street took new meaning as I study the light that is hitting the buildings and structures. The camera started clicking non-stop until the harbour cruise at sunset.
An early morning shoot kicks off on Monday and a drive to Roebourne took on a new twist as we stop to every photographic location possible, thanks to the pros. Tuesday seen us taking the BHP tour, who is a major sponsor of this project, thanks to their generosity, this project is possible. The next two days were spent driving to and from Marble Bar and experiencing the coming of the thunderstorm first hand (well, more like right there happening in front of me). Thursday also was the opening night of the “I took the time to look” exhibiting photos from last year P.H.otography workshop as well as “From Somewhere Else” painting exhibition from local artists. It was a great night showing all the very talented people in Hedland. We finished off on Friday with a tour of the Port Authority and Dampier Salt as well as a night with the photographers.
It was a week that is truly an experience to be treasured. You remember the time when something happens to you and you know that it will forever stay and be a part of you. I felt that way, I knew my experience last week will shape the kind of photographer I will become in the future. I have learned heaps from each of the photographers and I will always be indebted to them for freely sharing their knowledge to me.
So what is your story? Visit The Pilbara Project blog and read all the stories we have about the Pilbara, remember, this is not only for photographers, but also for anyone who lives here, have come and visited the Pilbara and those who are just passing by. Tell us your story!
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