Book Launch - WILDERNESS: Celebrating Australia's Protected Places..

Well thank goodness someone - many someones have been, for decades trying to and succeeding at, saving Australian wilderness areas. Not that its been a straight line of success, a graph pointing only up. Even today, I think many business people and politicians hold onto the dangerous and outmoded idea that nature is only of value - once you cut it down! So the work of the Society is a hard slog, the path rocky at best, but the rewards great, when they win. And not just a win for the Wilderness Society; but for society as a whole. As I think people are beginning to realise in the face of global warming, or whatever you want to call the great climate change disaster sweeping across everyone's doorstep.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to this event by the host, photographer Sarah Ducker who's own art works are marvellous pictures made in fragile environments. Sarah was kind enough to open her home in Sydney which overlooks the South Pacific Ocean for the book launch. A view with a significance that would come to bear in Sarah's speech. But first the book. The book is stunning a collection of beautiful pictures of Australian wilderness. Wilderness that we still have in large part thanks to the work of the Wilderness Society and their supporters. This is a beautiful book of photography which you have probably heard nothing about.. you can check it out and buy a copy here it's just fantastic. 'The book celebrates the places Wilderness Society has campaigned to protect for over 40 years, including Kakadu, the Daintree rainforest, the Kimberley and of course, the mighty Franklin river.' I think the reason you probably haven't heard about this volume until now is the society are just too busy dealing with the day to day of saving these vast resources - resources just as they are, from the tyranny of progress - to make selling the book a priority. Which I guess is where I come in to do my bit.

Now launches mean speeches; but I'm not going to go into any great detail other than two points from two of the speakers. Tim Gartrell, (Campaign Director for the successful 'yes' vote in favour of marriage equality at the 2017 Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey). Tim dropped this stunning piece of information; that it takes about 1.5 million dollars to lobby successfully to change legislation. Which is a bit more than an email or phone call to your local member - though that is very important too! And the current legislation is not iron clad; 'protected' wilderness areas are not as safe as one would have hoped. And some are still under development threat. So there is more lobbying to be done, and that means more money so - buy the book - it will help and you get a great book..

The other speech was an incredibly heartfelt one by Sarah. The most poignant point for me was her observation of the vast ocean, seen daily from her vantage point on the cliff - how the ocean, the atmosphere, how that great vastness, over the past decade has really changed. To paraphrase incredibly poorly; the ocean has gone from a classic seascape to a constant boiling pot, a watery miasma. Which I took as a portent of things to come. So there's work to be done; these guys, the Wilderness Society have been at the forefront of environmental protection for a long time. You can donate, or buy the book using the direct links to their website. You can also help by sharing this blog post using the buttons on the side bar.

 https://shop.wilderness.org.au/products/wilderness-celebrating-australia-s-protected-places
Full disclosure - I enjoyed the catering on the day and a glass of wine or a beer like everyone else. The links are affiliate free - no money or product has changed hands. Don't forget to SHARE THIS BLOG POST!

Telling Stories in Pictures all over..

Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.

0433 796 863

kent@artcommunication.com.au

www.kentjohnsonphotography.com.au

www.fashionphotographysydney.blogspot.com/

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Miss Earth Australia - Behind The Scenes 2012

What's it like to be part of the Miss Earth Australia pageant? This year my name was put forward to be part of the judging panel by my friend and Dear Pageant Girl founder Peter Sereno. Unlike Miss Universe's 'half days' where I first met Peter; Miss Earth has one full day of judging then the Final the following evening. All the contestants have already been working on their green credentials and also attended tree plantings in the immediate run-up to the main event.

Its a long day starting at the East Ocean Restaurant in the Haymarket. The now 19 contestants begin by introducing themselves to the panel one by one. Next comes a quick change and the behind closed doors 'Best in Swimwear'. Miss Earth Australia has chosen to move the focus away from swimwear (there is no swimwear parade in the final), however there is swimwear at the International level so we judge the girls in their cossies to make sure they are ready for the Overseas competition. After a quick bikini walk around the room the girls get back into their street clothes for a run-through on the Miss Earth questions; yes there are some nerves on show but all contestants do very well; these girls really know their environmental stuff!

 Next is the 'Best in Environment' speech, a one to two minute timed piece; just you in front of a panel of judges who just so happen to be seated in front of a half dozen or so photographers & video operators busily snaping and recording the whole process, everything that's going on. Not to mention some of the judges myself included taking their own pictures too HELLO!  But too many pictures are never enough, before we can break for lunch its time for formal group shots with the organizers, sponsors and of course the judges. At last we all sit down for a lunch time feast at the East Ocean Restaurant, one of the pageant's sponsors and the food is great.

It's then time for a change of venue, a quick trip a few block closer to the CBD to the Hard Candy fitness club's studios for the 'Best in talent'.  This is a non compulsory stage but I have to say, find something to do! Read a poem, play an instrument, juggle, sing; it really is in your best interest to try something..

The Final Miss Earth Australia 2012

Venue, North Sydney Leagues Club.
Saturday is another long day for the contestants, starting preparations at 12, full rehearsals for the evening show beginning at 2PM. Dresses need to checked and made ready, hair and make-up done. The judges begin arriving around 5 in the afternoon for the scheduled 7 PM start time and the judging panel grows in number with four new additions for the final.

A little after seven the proceedings begin, first a speech from Miss Earth Australia founder Maria James; then an opening dance number from all the contestants in sparkling sequinned dresses, I didn't know they could all do that! A song from our MC, introductions, the former Miss Earth (but who will win tonight). There is the best of the talent intermingled with changes of dresses, more walk bys, the gowns, the judging, 19 down to 10, Jenna dances, 10 down to 4!

After what I am sure must seem an eternity for the remaining four contestants...
Starting with runner-up
Miss Earth Australia Fire 2012 - Michelle Rimmer,
Miss Earth Australia Water 2012 - Audrey Tan,
Two awards to go, one announcement and we will know it all.

 

 

Miss Earth Miss Earth Australia Air 2012 - Taylah-Jessica Marsh,
And the Winner, Miss Earth Australia 2012 - Jenna Seymour from NSW Australia.

Congratulations to all the contestants, you really are all wonderful!

 www.missearth.com.au/
All shots by Kent Johnson, made with the Fujifilm X-Pro1.