Winter Road Trip

I originally was going to call this blog Ghosts of Christchurch.

That would be a cool title, but not exactly fair on those people living there.

Huge progress has been made since I was last in that neck of the woods.

Buildings I watched being pulled down, now have sprung up in steel and glass.

Things are not back to normal.

The inner city still lacks the vibrant night life that I enjoyed 20 years ago.

The interesting people that do not abide by society's rules were surprisingly absent. 

Just a few shadows drifted by in the cool winter night.

I did venture into the central city late on a Friday night on purpose.

I have to play to my strengths.  

Not too many photographers would stray into Catherdral square after dark with almost $10k strapped to their backs.  

Worst case scenario I have already been there, it holds no fear.

You will see 1000 images of the Cathedral in the day time, but how many in the dark?

I need to do things different, I need to do things better.

But it was also the people who reside there.

Photography has taught me to see.  

The over thinking has brought positive outcomes.

Face value means bugger all.

I have seen confident people crumble in front of my lens.

Just as I have seen shy types shine through in who they are on the inside.

Comments from a local saddened my heart if it is indicative of societys views.

I cannot agree with society's norms on many things.  It has no logic . 

The people on the outskirts dont see themselves as weird.  They are themselves.

Homelessness and mental illness is not a failing of the person, it is a failing of the system.

People do what they think is right, often black and white are mere shades of grey.

Sometimes it is just too hard.  We all need help.

It is what makes humanity real.  It is not all happyness and pretty people.

These people deserve to be remembered too.

I will find it hard to publish that type of work.  

It is a thin line of exploitation and recognition.  It cannot be about me.

Perhaps a suitable forum will appear in due time.

The trip home I covered a few 'next time' oppotunity's. 

No doubt 'next time' will be even better.

I just need to stop and do it :)