Dead Neat Fifties Fair at Rose Seidler House Wahroonga

Where : Rose Seidler House, Wahroonga
When : Sunday 29th August 2010
Weapon : Fuji S3 Pro

They were all here - the Fifties Freaks. I was there.

Fifties ? Well, some looked like the Forties, many were locked in the Eighties and for others, time has stood still - they must have dragged out their original zoot suits from under the bed.

Lumpy, severely dangerous haircuts and frocks were almost compulsory. In the Fifties, only the tough guys had earings and tatts - today, the girl guides and window dressers have 'em. I dunno, things have changed ... there were some 3000 rockers at this Fifties beano at Rose Seidler House but I did not clock one, not o-n-e look-a-like Teddy Boy.

Where I grew up in Liverpool in the Fifties, buckled boots with Cuban heels, chains, Brylcream, drainpipe trousers and leather jackets were dead neat. I did not see one knuckleduster today. There were no barnies. Not one. Some party.  You can see more pictures from this event by clicking on the tab at the top of this page.

Nevertheless, the joint was jumping with some great music - plenty of Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Arthur "Bigboy" Crudup and Larry Williams stuff ... plus a sprinkle of swing, delta blues and rocking hillbilly. Lots of folks looked pretty sharp in floral frocks, braces and cheap suits.

Me .. just the Levis, Ben Sherman and Hush Puppies brothel creepers. The Y-Fronts have rotted away.

Busking at Circular Quay

Where : Circular Quay
Weapon : FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro
Window : Nikon  50mm f/1.8

I thought I would try out my 50mm F/1.8 prime lens, which I have sort of had in my bag, but not used too often. I went down to Circular Quay in Sydney and found some interesting people busking as usual. Here's a sort of hybrid between Marcel Marceau, a clown and the normal array of silvered statues. I thought she was quite captivating.

As for the lens, all I have heard about it is so true ... it is very clear and sharp - and what a bargain for the money.  I am beginning to like this doozie.

I have a question though - if I had taken the same shot with the Nikon 18-200mm set at say 80mm from the same distance and its max aperture of f/3.5 (well, it was a sunny day), would I have got a shot of similar quality - I guess not ?

Thunder in the Glass

Where   : Warriewood Beach
Weapon : FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro
Window : AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

Warriewood Beach runs for 500m from the northern cliff face and rocks to the base of Turrimetta Head which protects the beach from the south, causing it to curve around and face the north east. A single attached bar runs to the north and is cut by a permanent rip that flows out over the southern rocks known as pot rock.

To the south, where this shot was taken during the storms this week, the rip squelches the swell into some rippers on a dirty day.

Vivid Opera

 

Where   : The Opera House, Sydney
When    : 7-50 pm Tuesday 8th June 2010
Weapon : FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro
Window : AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

Vivid LIVE is an artist curated festival, created and produced by Sydney Opera House. The 2010 Festival is led by Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson. Together they have assembled a program of music, theatre and visual art which offers bold visions of contemporary American life and celebrates fearless innovation and ambition.

This includes the vivid illumination of city buildings and landmarks - it sure is vivid.