Woolshed on the Hill Project

This is an image from my project ''Woolshed on the Hill'' whereby I was thrilled to photograph this beautiful sandstone woolshed from dawn to dusk. To be able to have the time with a building provides me with a sense of its place within the landscape and to take in its history and really sink my passion into making photographs that tell a story as a real joy and privilege. Watching the light and clouds change throughout the day and create different moods is also a beautiful thing. You can view this project here

Memory of Place - Lonsdale House, Melbourne

I capture photographs so there is a record for posterity so when places are demolished or altered there is a visual memory at least to be reminded of the past. Lonsdale House (pictured left) was demolished in 2010 and I captured this image (amongst others) in 2009 for posterity, knowing it was about to be lost to the wrecking ball. I have documented many buildings over the years that are at risk and/or have been demolished. Some are grand (like Lonsdale House) whilst other places such as smaller industrial buildings or homes go largely unnoticed. This is true too for mid 20th century buildings and Post Modern architecture in which I’ve been kept busy photographing as many are being demolished now. I believe that they all deserve a final photograph study, they were once a place of work/home/memory to someone. Photography and the role of documenting buildings doomed for the wrecking ball are central to my philosophy as a photographer in providing a memory of what once was even after a place such as Lonsdale House is largely forgotten from memory having been redeveloped over a decade ago now.

Lonsdale House was designed in 1934 by Melbourne architect, IG Anderson. I captured this photograph in 2009 just before it was demolished in 2010.

The Face of Suburbia - New Photo Book Out Now

This is a recent photographic edit from my project exploring Australian suburbia. I have recently published a new book titled Suburbia: Keeping Up Appearances in which I’ve curated a selection of photographs that shape the walks and explorations of suburbia in all its many guises. Making photographs for me is just one part of the photographic process, printing fine art prints or making photo books is an essential part of the process for me. After I feel I’ve captured enough photographs for a given photo book I then begin the task of drafting hundreds of photographs. I will print these photographs out as small prints and then over several weeks or months I start to see what works well as a series. Sometimes what I originally think as a photograph that will be in the book won’t make the cut as for me the photographs have to provide a narrative as a selection of photographs. Then comes the layout and design which I do myself, choosing the fonts here is also an important part of the process for me, and this can often take just as long as the photo selection itself! It’s at times a difficult process but photo books and printing are things I enjoy as part of the process of photography.

This is my third photo book publication and if you are interested in Suburbia or any other of my books you can purchase them as a bundle and it will save you on postage costs. View the books and print selections on my store page here

The Corner Store and Gentrifying Suburbia

I’ve been documenting suburbia and the fast changing and gentrification that is occurring where entire precincts are demolished to make way for the new. It’s part of my larger project documenting Australian suburbia. I was drawn to this scene as the light was beautiful at this time of the day. As so often is this case with plans, they go out the door and new opportunities present themselves. This is what happened here, I could see people coming from both directions and framed the scene and waited to capture this moment. The corner takeaway store was my main focus, so common in many suburbs now fast fading. The people passing and jogging by created a metaphor of the fast paced change happening in this suburb. I loved the dynamic fading light here and how the shadow coming from the figure on the right looks like a batman cape. This photograph forms part of my larger exploration of Australian Suburbia and I have a new book out Suburbia: Keeping Up Appearances as well as a selection of prints available through my website. I have a range of other books and prints from my projects too available here. Grab yourself a Suburbia + Impermanence - West Coast Tasmania Books as a bundle and save on postage costs.

From my project exploring Australian Suburbia and its rapid rate of change.

Finding Inspiration in Industrial Suburbia

This photograph is a capture for my project Suburbia. I enjoy how the many elements of what I enjoy about capturing within the built landscape come together here in this photograph. These are industrial and manufacturing areas where there is so often lines and shapes that draw my attention. The Art Deco and Mid 20th Century industrial design aesthetic are important periods of built heritage and as suburbs gentrify and change rapidly many of these buildings get demolished, so there is a documentary process of conservation that is in the back of my mind. As I wrote in my previous blog post I’ve been enjoying shooting in overcast conditions providing an evenly lit canvass in which to emphasis the shapes, colours and textures of a building without distracting sky/clouds. These areas often are close to homes too, especially in the inner city suburbs where housing would have been close to factories for workers. This visual legacy fascinates me and taking a quite walk in the suburbs is enjoyable as there is always something of interest to find beyond the busy main streets. I’ve recently published my book ‘‘Suburbia: Keeping Up Appearances’’ which is now available and explores Australian suburbia in its many guises. I also have open and limited edition prints available too. If you order a limited edition print the book comes complimentary. View the book and prints on my store page here

Making the Most of Photographing in Overcast Conditions

I've been inspired in recent times to take photos in overcast conditions. Often I would shoot on overcast days when making photographs of details of buildings and forest and/or flower photos to avoid high contrast situations where I have to contend with overblown highlights and deep shadows. I’ve been drawn to the less is more approach with my photography, breaking down a scene to its essential geometric lines and shapes, photographing subjects on an overcast day is another tool I use to accomplish this minimalist aesthetic. Sometimes I'll convert my photos to monochrome in post processing, whilst other times I will retain colours where the subject warrants this processing as I’ve found it can further draw attention to the subject with no detail in the sky. I no longer view overcast days as non photography days and these conditions provide yet another option for my subjects. 

Photographing on an overcast day and keeping the file as a colour image further highlights the warm tones of the bricks and glass decoration and avoiding shadow detail in the entry area allowing us to see the beautiful timber door details. Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne (1958), North Melbourne

I love how photographing on overcast days further enhances the geometric shapes, lines and textures of a building as is the case in this suburban parking garage.

I’ve been enjoying the process of building up my book collection over the years. In regards to Artists who use overcast conditions in their photographs, I’ve been captivated by the works of German photographers, Bernd and Hilla Becher and Thomas Struth. The built environment in which these photographers have captured inspires me - often their compositions are of massive built structures. Struth’s photographs exploring street scenes and the built environment of cities around the world.  His book Unconscious Places captivated me with his street scenes and buildings devoid of human life. This book is an excellent addition and inspiration in my book collection. It covers his works from 1970-2010. The photographs are in beautifully executed monochromatic scenes, devoid of human life and scenes of the everyday, that  would be overlooked by the casual passer-by. There is such beauty in the formality of his photographs and the banal becomes a subject of beauty and fascination. The empty streets devoid of people are eerie, the scenes familiar but in this context of emptiness and overcast skies it all comes together to create a sense of intrigue, mystery and impact.

This time capsule into the mid 20th Century I photographed in overcast conditions so I could retain detail in the windows, the beautiful period typeface. With no sky/cloud competing with the antenna it becomes a bold part of the overall photograph I wished to capture.

In the case of the Becher’s works, overcast conditions are the only time they would make their photographs. I remember when I picked up their book Basic Forms their typography of industrial buildings inspired me and the lack of detail in the skies intrigued me.  Their methodical consistency of industrial buildings resonated and inspired me, especially in my project documenting Tasmanian Art Deco and Modernism over the past twenty years. The pursuit as a visual record of a past fading from lived memory. How the Becher’s create a typology by having their industrial buildings laid out on the page one after the other is brilliant and what would otherwise be a single photograph with no context works so well as a visual series. Their dedication to their pursuit of documentation inspires me in my own work and seeing their works presented in this way reminds me of a past that at the time was so everyday and now it's largely a forgotten past. The photograph is a constant, even when the physicality of the buildings photographed are long gone.

I’ve recently picked up a copy of the latest publication on the Berchers, titled “Bernd & Hilla Becher” published in August 2022 by Yale University Press.  The book is the first monograph and retrospective of their works, and I'm really looking forward to spending some quality time with this book.  

Photographing tall buildings in cities is often fraught with deep shadow and blown out highlights due to shadowing caused by surrounding skyscrapers. Photographing in overcast conditions eliminates this. The former Melbourne Safe Deposit Building - designed in 1890 by Architect William Pitt

An Australian Art Deco and Modernist Architecture Road Trip

In 2010 I took an Australian road trip that saw me with no real plan but to drive to as many places I could to capture architecture from the Art Deco and Modernist period. The road trip took me along the Eastern seaboard from Melbourne to Cairns and I spent 5 months documenting. I took my time, travelling and documenting for many months stopping along the way to explore. Sometimes I would have places I wanted to see but so often it was about getting out of the car and walking around and coming across gems like this. It’s interesting looking back now its been 12 years since I made this trip. It brings back memories of how wonderful and inspiring this trip was for my journey as a photographer. I’ve got so many projects on the go and the road trip is one of them that I have been slowly editing. I’ve recently edited these two wonderful shop fronts, which sadly are no longer with us. The Walter David shop (closing just a year after I captured this photo) in Ballarat has had the beautiful typeface removed, whilst Pettifers that was in Kyabram has been so dramatically altered that no visual trace remains. It closed its doors after operating for some 75 years in 2015. For me this change makes the project even more relevant as time goes on as I wonder how many more buildings on this road trip have been altered or even demolished. I am sure many remain but so much changes over our lifetimes and it reminds me of how nothing is constant and the pursuit to document must carry on as an important record for posterity. I feel a real urgency to document the built landscape that surrounds us as it may seem everyday and with us right now, but inevitably things will change and all we have are photographs to remind us of what once was. I will be adding more memories and photographs from my 2010 road trip here. Once I have edited some more I will add a project gallery too.

The importance of photography and the role it plays in memory are so important to me. These two shop fronts on my 2010 road trip have seen been altered. The photographic record provides an invaluable record for how things once were. The Walter Davis store operated for over 90 years in Ballarat, Victoria

Pettifer’s store operated for some 75 years and closed in 2015. The beautiful typeface and Art Deco lines have all since been removed. Pettifer’s Store - Kyabram

The Importance of Project Based Photography

I've been working away on a new project. A lot of the time when beginning a project I have no idea what the project is actually going to be about. Sure sometimes places can fit within the a broader project such as documenting or the Tasmanian Art Deco and Modernism project but its just one theme I have when capturing my photos. Staying curious and getting out to explore ideas and places helps connect my internal thoughts for what may become a project. Once I would have just photographed singular images and it was a literal interpretation of a moment and place. Sometimes it still can be but now much of my work and fulfilment comes from project based photography; telling a story through a series of photographs. To be involved in a project I often visit a location over and over again, capturing it and getting to know it in different lighting and just to be within a space, alone and thinking about things is so wonderful for my creative process. Sometimes its like the building is a person that is fading away and will soon by no more and I find it so important to create an emotive record of these places before they are lost forever. Sometimes photographs can sit for years unseen before they make it into a body of work I am happy with . Whilst the Internet and social media is a great platform for sharing I don't think it can ever encapsulate the joy of long term projects in the way that making printed images and photo books do, something which I really enjoy and is part of the overall process (making books and prints) of making my photographs.

Launceston Library - Celebrating 50 Years

This month marks 50 years since the opening of the Launceston Library on the 8th October 1971. Originally known as the Northern Regional Launceston Library, the newly opened building provided a much needed modern amenity and extra storage capacity over several floors. The original library, known as the Launceston Mechanics Institute was built on the corner of St John and Cameron Streets (it was directly in front of where the current library now stands) The imposing building came to fruition through a combination of Government and private funding, and by 1856 the foundation stone was laid and it was opened in 1860 at a cost of £5370 (approximately $1.25 million in today's money). Mechanics Institutes were found throughout Tasmania and were the precursors to the Government funded public libraries that we know today. The Institute’s had their origins in the United Kingdom being set up to provide everyday people with the means to be educated, enlightened through books, public lectures and news. The Mechanics Institute changed its name in 1929 to the Launceston Public library, and paid subscriptions were dropped by 1945.

The original plans drawn up in the 1960s of the Launceston Library. I find such beauty in these old architectural plans all hand drawn with such precision and detail. Love the addition of the car as well which is where Civic Square is now. When the library was built and opened Cameron Street still ran right on by. It was another decade before Civic Square would become a reality. Photo - QVMAG

Celebrating 50 - Launceston Library was officially opened October 1971 . photo - Thomas Ryan Photography

By the mid 20th Century the old Mechanics Institute library fell into a state of neglect and was demolished soon after the opening of the new (current) library in 1971. It’s interesting to note that the old Mechanics library stood for some time whilst the new library was  being built. I find this in-between time fascinating as it provides a moment in time perspective of what was not to be - two libraries, the old and the new standing side by side for a short period of time. It reminds me of documenting the demolished 10 Murray Street Government Offices, and when for some time the old building and new Government offices stood side by side even though the 1960s offices were destined for the wrecking ball.  

We can see in this photograph the Mechanics Institute and the current library standing side by side. It’s interesting to note that the old Mechanics library stood for some time whilst the new library was being built. The Mechanics Institute stood on the corner of Cameron and St John Streets which now forms part of Civic Square. Photo - QVMAG

I had the privilege of being able to photographically document the interior spaces before they were altered. It was fascinating to document the spaces of which many were as they would have been when the building first opened in the 1970s with elaborate use of timber. photo - Thomas Ryan Photography

If we take a step back and see the Launceston Library opening within the context of Tasmania and the Post War years, the development and modernisation of libraries throughout Tasmania was immense. This Post War boom in construction (through government and privately) hasn’t occurred since on such a scale, and this has provided us with a rich legacy of buildings from the 1930s to 1980s throughout Tasmania. It seems that in the North the libraries were known as Regional Libraries, and we see this in towns with new libraries being built in towns and cities all throughout Tasmania. The State Library of Tasmania in Hobart (1960s) is an exquisite example of Modernist design, as is the Brutalist Stack (1970s) that adjoins the State library and holds priceless State Archives (both are heritage-listed). The UTAS Sandy Bay campus library is another wonderful example of mid 20th century design and still in such original condition.

How the Launceston Library looked when opening in the early 1970s. photo - QVMAG

Launceston Library in the early 1970s. photo - QVMAG

The current library underwent renovations a few years ago and I had the privilege of being able to photographically document the interior spaces before they were altered, as well as undertake a photo project for the library of the renovations (these can be seen in the form of framed photographs throughout the interior spaces of the library. As a photographer with a passion for the built environment I have become passionate about being able to photograph buildings that are undergoing change or are being demolished. I know when I dig through old archive photographs I find it fascinating to come across how places used to look, and how these spaces change over time. I find it heart-breaking to think about how some places that are changed or demolished don’t have a quality record of how they once looked. I have captured many buildings that have now been altered or demolished including the Launceston Library, the former Launceston General Hospital, Willow Court/Royal Derwent Hospital, the former New Norfolk Police Station (demolished), former Devonport Police Station (demolished) and 10 Murray Street Government Offices (demolished) to name but a few. Now more than ever as these buildings from the 1930s-1980s reach age they are being renovated and/or demolished so a record of how they were is of paramount importance.

Original interior panelling - typical of 1960s design fitouts and could be seen in the now demolished 10 Murray Street Government offices as well. photo - Thomas Ryan Photography

Documenting the Launceston library was a fantastic privilege and experience  as there were so many original features to document, and most inspiring to me was the main staircase which as you enter the building you can look straight up and get a fantastic view of its square spiral form with large glass window panels allowing natural light to flood in onto the staircase. Whilst the plasterboard panels were later editions the timber panelling and woodwork was original and was so beautiful. On the upper floors there were still some partitioned offices left with their veneer grain walls and original typeface on the doors. On the exterior the curved brickwork panels that adorn the building are amazing, especially when you get up close and look upwards at them. According to the building foreman I talked with, the bands of dark brown slightly curved brickwork was the result of a very intense process of getting the temperature in the brick kiln just right so as to get the textures of those bricks looking a particular way. The main entry has subtle cream coloured stone panels, but the highlight for me is the aluminium panelling located at the main entry. They are in the same style as those found on the now demolished 10 Murray Street building. I salvaged some panels from 10 Murray Street and one day would like to go down with a piece to the library to see if they match. I love these little architectural details and they inspire how I go about making photographs of a building and the spaces within. Happy 50th birthday Launceston Library! 

Looking upwards as you enter the main entry of the library you are greeted by the spiral staircase. The timber panelling and balustrades were beautifully designed works of craftsmanship. Photo - QVMAG

I spend a good deal of time photographing and researching for these stories documenting Tasmanian design from the 1930s-1980s. If you enjoy this story you might be interested in other feature stories I’ve documented. In Focus provides photo essays of buildings, sites and precincts relating to Tasmanian 20th Century Modernism. View projects such as Burnie Paper Mill, 10 Murray Street Government Offices, Myer Launceston, Launceston Woolsheds and Silos, and Henty House on the Tasmanian Modernism website - www.tryanphotos.com/tasmanian-modernism

Australian Suburbia & Constant Change

There are so many places I document within the urban environment that are undergoing dramatic transformation and its important to me as a documentary photographer to photograph these places and spaces so that there is a record of how this places once were and how they are evolving and changing. When I made this photograph I loved all the visual lines happening here - the chaotic nature of the power lines - how we don't often notice these in our everyday and yet they are essentially large pieces of dead trees with live wires over our heads - I imagine when they were first going in that it must have been quite a shock in terms of the visual landscape and yet they have become part of the Australian suburban vernacular. The lines of the looming cranes as well - evoking an ever present feeling of great unknown change about to take place in what we imagine as quite sleepy suburbia. You can view this ongoing project and all of my art projects on my website www.tryanphotos.com/art-projects

These Times of Darkness - Suburbia Project

This is one of my latest edits for my project exploring Suburbia. As an architectural photographer I’ve always been interested in the built environment in all its forms and locations and since the pandemic I’ve found great joy in the relative quite and calm of suburbia. In these time of darkness the joy of observing trees and flowers is so important to me. A reminder that in this rather bleak and uncertain uncontrollable situation there is beauty and calm to be had in the little things in life and projects such as Suburbia provide me with a focus in these times of uncertainty. This photograph is my latest edit for the project ''Suburbia'' View the project on my website here www.tryanphotos.com/suburbia-cover

Impermanent & Fleeting - Death of a Home

I often go for drives up random streets for a look around and for the inspiration it can so often provide for ideas and photographs. This time I was looking at the enormous mansions in the area when I decided to turn up this street to find the top of a partly demolished home. I had my phone with me so made some photos with it as the light wasn’t the best. It here was a high wooden fence that was still up being used as a fence for the demolition. I was able to stand on the side of the fence which enabled me to get my signature front on perspective I love so much. A few days later I went back with my camera in the hope it was still there and it was. I remember it was an overcast day but the weather was forecast for partly sunny by late afternoon. I wanted it to be a little sunny and for some cloud definition, but not too sunny that there would be harsh shadows. Turned out the lighting was perfect and I was able to fire off some photos of this once grand mansion. I found real estate photos of it when it was for sale and to say it was a grand Art Deco building inside and out was an understatement. It was massive and detailed with a front porch, tennis courts and beautiful interior details.

I’ve photographed several homes and other buildings in the process of demolition. It’s quite somber seeing them in a toppled state, yet at the same time it’s fascinating seeing ripped brickwork and timber all over the place. I always think about how people lived their lives in these walls and in a instant it’s gone forever.

Former Administration Building - Willow Court / Royal Derwent Hospital

This follows on from my previous post documenting the former Royal Derwent Hospital / Willow Court complex. It was the longest running mental institution in Australia operating for over 170 years. I documented the site after it’s closure and many of the buildings were in a vandalised and neglected state. This was the beautiful Art Deco Administration building which was badly vandalised and had an arson attack too. Thankfully it was recently purchased and renovated. My previous post showed the barracks building built in 1830, this beautiful Art Deco building designed some 100 years later. The site was a wonderful rich period of architectural designs that reflected mental healthcare practice of nearly 200 years

Willow Court // Royal Derwent Hospital - Documenting for Posterity

I have been remastering my photographs - going back through my archives and editing them to the standard I work to today. This photograph I made is of the former Willow Court / Royal Derwent Hospital complex in New Norfolk. It was home to the first purpose built mental asylum in Australia and pre dates Port Arthur. It operated for over 170 years when it closed down in the late 20th Century. The complex was vast and included a fascinating mix of periods of design which reflected how mental health care evolved over time. I spent countless hours documenting the vast site which I am grateful to have done as sadly many buildings, especially those from the 1940 to 1970s have been lost through arson, neglect and demolition. To have documented the site when most of the buildings were still standing (albeit in various states of decay and arson) I am excited by - to have a visual record of how design changed over the years reflected how mental health care was implemented. Through design we can witness how society works and without documentation of this history we are left with just memories. A photograph doesn't bring the past back, but it does freeze a moment in time forever, something I really love undertaking so there is a record for posterity long after places and spaces are just memories

The former Willow Court / Royal Derwent Hospital complex in New Norfolk. It was home to the first purpose built mental asylum in Australia and pre dates Port Arthur running for over 170 years

The Great Australian Dream - What is Suburbia?

Australian suburbia is complex and varied. The Post War dream of the suburban home has played an important part in Australian identity but the stereotype of mowed lawns and hills hoist are anything but the norm as I experience as I take long walks exploring and documenting suburbia. When people visit Australian cities they often say they are going to ‘‘insert city here’’ and yet they probably mean they are visiting the CBD. There is a sense of ‘‘why would you?’’ visit the suburbs when I ask people if they’ve gone to ‘‘insert suburb here’’ and yet in cities suburbs are home to the majority of people in a city. Suburbia is embedded in Australian identity yet at the same time is scorned as sprawling, isolating, not worth visiting, bad transport…’’insert negative connotation here….’’ These opposing feelings interest me immensely as does the complexity and different buildings that make up Australian suburbs. The more I walk and and make photographs the seemingly mundane and everyday becomes fascinating. Like this manufacturing building I captured which is nestled in amongst 19th century homes. Suburbia can indeed be the quarter a block - but there is so much more complexity, quirkiness and fascination once I peel back those initial preconceived perceptions through exploring the suburbs in my photography.

Industrial Giant

There is nothing I love more than documenting industrial architecture, it's one of my favourite aspects of documentary photography.  The sheer size and scale is something to behold and witness and try and do justice to through the medium of photography.  Here I set up my composition  in near darkness, except for some slithers of sunlight entering through rusted and cracked windows creating lush shadow and light detail as well as depth to my final photograph.  

These Walls of Memory - Southern Midlands Tasmania project

This is my latest edit from my Southern Midlands Tasmania project. The project explores the relationship between the built and rural landscape of the Southern Midlands and the region. The walls of these buildings and many like them are full of human memories - weddings, funerals, events, movie nights and sporting activities. They are powerful reminders of our built and social past. What will become of such places with once vibrant populations declining, its saddening to think that places could one day decay and no longer be with us. View project gallery here https://www.tryanphotos.com/southern-midlands-tasmania-cover

Dreaming // Southern Midlands Tasmania project

Dreaming // Southern Midlands Tasmania project

The project explores the relationship between the built and rural landscape of the Southern Midlands and the region. I find the crisp and short winter days most conducive to capturing the mood of the landscape. I would wake up at dawn nearly every single morning for weeks in pursuit of beautiful light, fog and frosty conditions. This morning was no exception with minus 5 degrees and a thick blanket of fog lingering over the beautiful pastures. I love how fog isolates and takes away the obvious from a scene providing a sense of mystery and minimalism. View project gallery here https://www.tryanphotos.com/southern-midlands-tasmania-cover

Home is but a Memory - Southern Midlands Tasmania Project

This is my latest edit from my Southern Midlands Tasmania project.  The project explores the relationship between the built and rural landscape of the Southern Midlands and the region. I get very reflective travelling around the vast open landscape of the midlands and think about the old abandoned houses and the lives of people who once called these places home. For me these abandoned homes are so important to document before they literally decay, crumble and are lost to memory.  They provide a visual identity to a time when country areas flourished in Tasmania.  View the project here

The Importance of Photography in Preservation

Whenever I am documenting a space or place its important for me to capture from as many perspectives as possible to provide a narrative of a place. This home in Launceston stood for so long, some might have said for too long. It's funny how when something stands abandoned that its as if the entire community knows about it and its often referred to as an eyesore. This home stood for many years decaying more as the years went by - I documented it over many years wondering every time I did so if this would be the last time. This space is now but a memory and its as if it never existed, but it was a home for people, memories were made here and lives lived... The photograph though lives on forever and its what drives me to document the everyday so that there is a quality record of our past for posterity.