An exhibition of images showing men in their sheds will be staged in the Victorian city of Geelong in late March.
An exhibition of photos of men and the sheds they tinker in will be held in the regional Victorian city of Geelong at Courthouse ARTS from March 24 to March 30. Veteran professional photographer and educator Craig Wetjen has been shooting images of men in their sheds since 2010, and in that time he has made almost 40 environmental portraits of them.
Wetjen says the personal project took on a broader significance for him after he suffered his own health issues. He has since become an ambassador for the Beyondblue mental health organisation, and one of his images is of the chairman, former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett inside his own shed. Wetjen says he searches out men for portraits via word-of-mouth, visiting local fairs and talking to them about interesting projects they work on inside their sheds.
After making contact, he will visit the men a week or so later, and chat with them before arranging a quick set up and photographing them. He says he uses natural light extensively, and he has a simple lighting arrangement so the men will feel relatively at home and relaxed. Along with the exhibition, Wetjen is seeking funding for a related book project. A selection of his images will be on display at the Courthouse ARTS gallery from March 24 to 30.
Courthouse ARTS is located on the corner of Lt. Malop and Gheringhap Streets. Guest speaker at the opening will be Tony McManus, a National Ambassador for Beyondblue. For more information contact Barwon Health, populationhealth@barwonhealth.org.au or ph: (03) 4215 3470.
Darryl Williamson is an avid sign collector. He also restored the pictured Sunbeam-Talbot 90 4-Door Saloon 1948. Darryl was photographed with ambient light and a Canon 580 EX II Speed light for a hair light and an Elinchrom Ranger RX Quadra with a 72in octa softbox to light up the signs in the background. EOS 5D Mk III, 24-70mm lens, 1/4s @ f/11, ISO 200.
Gordon Millett is a miniature steam engine collector, clock collector and general machinist. If you need it fixed, see Gordon and he will fix it! Photographed with ambient light available in the shed. EOS 1D Mk IV, 17-40mm f/4L lens, 1/30s @ f/8 ISO 1250.
An avid blacksmith at the Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead Blacksmiths Shed, Fritz Rappold was photographed with a 580 EX II Speed light on a stand balanced with ambient light. EOS 1D Mk IV, 24-70mm lens, 1/60s @ f/5.6, ISO 1600.