Do you ever look at someone's situation in life and think, "wow they are so lucky, what a privilged lifestyle thay get to lead!" Well 9 times out of ten, it was drive, ambition and working smart and/or hard that led them to such an enviable position.
Take photographer Richard Green for example. Richard was actually at the cutting edge of computer technology in the early 70's and was a pioneer in the communication between keyboard and computer screen. Something taken very much for granted in this day and age.
After early retirement from his successful business career in England, Richard decided to take up the challenge of learning to fly a helicopter. Subsequently purchasing his own, and emigrating to Australia where he met his wife Carolyn. For almost 20 years they have made regular helicopter trips together to distant and otherwise inaccessible outback locations - their objective - to find and photographically record some of the continent’s most remote, wild and beautiful environments.
For 15 years his landscape photography was primarily executed with a Linhof 5x4” plate camera. With the advent of modern high resolution digital cameras, Richard now shoots exclusively with full frame 35mm digital Canon EOS 1Ds bodies and Canon L series lenses.
"I take full advantage of the digital technology to create multi stitched wide and extremely detailed panoramas." explaining further. "Most span a visual field of at least 180º, ie. what you would see with the naked eye. The exhibition prints are normally between 2 and 4 metres in length and are intended to give the viewer the sense of actually being there by my side when the photo was taken. My photographic technique is described in our book REMOTE & WILD."
The Helicopter
"The EC135, which we have operated for the last 9 years, is my pride and joy. It was manufactured by Eurocopter Germany, and is a modern twin turbine helicopter with a fenestron tail rotor. Both these features add a significant level of safety when operating in remote and often confined areas.
The helicopter's standard fuel tanks have a capacity of just over 650 litres. In addition, I have designed and fitted a long-range tank capable of holding an additional 300 litres - essential for those places where there is a longer than usual jump between fuel stops.
In its normal configuration the helicopter is designed to be a seven seater - pilot, co-pilot and five passengers. But for our trips the passenger seats are removed to provide room for our equipment. This primarily comprises the long-range tank and a specially designed fridge/freezer, which is run from solar cells when on location. When fully loaded, the helicopter is also stacked to the roof with camera equipment, camping gear, food, drink, tools, spares and emergency equipment.
Both Carol and I have pilot licences to fly the machine."
Book launches
Richard will be presenting an illustrated talk at 3 book launches shortly. These will be at 6.00 – 7.30pm in the following locations:
•29 AprilThe National Library of Australia, Canberra
•5 MayThe Manly Art Gallery, Sydney
•14 MayFramed Gallery, Darwin
Participation is free, but he needs to know you are coming. So if you wish to come please send an email to Richard at photo@richardgreen.net.au
