Susan Robinson
July 2024 - Rally In Civic Park
About the Image(s)
I took this photo at Newcastle Community Day in Civic Park in the centre of Newcastle city. This rally marks NAIDOC week. NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee. In the picture you can see a traditional smoking ceremony. The woman with the mike is an Aboriginal elder. I used a wide angle lens to get as many people in the picture as I could, and to include the smoking gum leaves. Australia is moving towards a treaty with the Aboriginal people. I imagine there is something similar in the US with your Indian population. The region including Newcastle and surrounding areas is called "Awabakal."
f/11, 1/30 sec, ISO 400.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
2 comments posted
Hi Susan, I think that this is an interesting photojournalist type photo. To my eye, the focus and exposure are handled well. I do find the image to be confusing and busy, without your explanation I would not know what was going on. I understand the desire to include as much in the image as possible in order to give the viewer context however to my eye there is no focal point, the smoke could be but I don't think that is the intention. Posted: 07/10/2024 13:31:10
Hi Susan, I would agree with Lou's critique. The image clearly suggest there is some celebration/event/speech going on, but is hard to image why those people are there. I understand this is a "stereotypical" vision of who Aborigen are and look like, but it is impossible to figure out who she can be from this image. She could be anyone reading a speech. Maybe a different angle (such the one of the photographer in the image) would have helped.
best wishes
Michele
Posted: 07/15/2024 19:03:04
best wishes
Michele
Posted: 07/15/2024 19:03:04