Writes photographer Ken Spence, "Before I sat down to write this article about my day photographing in a shearing shed, I had planned to call it, “Click goes the shutter, click, click, click”. I thought this was catchy and, yes, I was pleased with it. But as I sit in front of the keyboard, I now realise that I had walked away from that shearing shed with something more important than a memory card full of photos – I had learnt that portrait photography was far more about trust and respect than about lens choice and apertures.
"So let me set the scene. A good friend who lives in Melbourne manages with his brothers the family’s large wheat and sheep property in northern Victoria. We had often talked about me travelling up there to take some photos of the shearing. This year, without the distraction of overseas adventures, I was extra keen to make it happen.
"Late morning, after a long drive up from Melbourne, I arrive at the shearing shed. Apart from the half dozen cars parked nearby, it is remote, without a house to be seen to the horizons. The sounds of music, machinery and bleating sheep fill the void. My friend has work commitments in Melbourne for the week and hence, I am on my own, although he has phoned ahead to let the contracted shearing team know that I am coming.
"So, you won’t be surprised to know that when I walk up the ramp into the relative darkness of the large, corrugated iron shed, the welcome I receive from the team is subdued, to say the least. I am sure I am viewed as the spivvy city friend..."
So, how did Ken solve this challenge? Read all about it in the current issue of Better Photography (Issue 106). Click on the link below to subscribe - plus you get immediate access to 50 back issues full of super informative material and inspirational ideas! Use coupon code BP40 to get 40% off - just $29.88 for an annual subscription.