Perhaps you know the quote attributed to John Lennon: ‘Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.’ It kind of explains why my break from blogging has been a bit longer than anticipated. Our time away was very good, but the small amount of spare time I had was used to relax, and I knew you wouldn’t mind! On our second day away I received a surprise invitation to something I had only recently even heard of, and never attended…an ‘Instameet’.
camera man and participants–it made the weekend ABC news!!
As you know, I am engaged in a 365photochallenge. It involves taking a photo each day and posting it on Instagram @amosthemagicdog. Many of my photos have been picked up, with permission, by some of the Northern Territory tourism Instagram and Twitter accounts, as have many photos of others here in Central Australia. Through the efforts of @NTOutbackAus an Instameet was organised here in Alice Springs. It was to thank those of us who contribute to promoting our love for the place in which we live. It was also a chance for us to meet each other, as well as a few professional photographers who travel the country contributing from everywhere.
The lads and their drone
The problem for me was the Instameet happened only about 5 hours after our plane was to land from our trip. As you know there are always many things to get back into place when arriving home from time away, groceries, unpacking, washing of clothes, etc. Part of me really wanted to go along to this unique opportunity, but the introvert in me, that person who hates crowds and gatherings, sat on my shoulder saying “you can get out of it, you have an excuse”…
Andrew Langford takes a break from playing the didgeridoo
At 6pm atop Anzac Hill it was still very hot, 38C (100F) but I went along and found a bit of shade, and shook a few hands. Much to my surprise, some of the Instagram buddies, whose work I have enjoyed, were there and it was fun to meet them. Our hosts had provided local foods and some special guests from the local Desert Wildlife Park. In the background local performer, Andrew Langford, played the didgeridoo, which added to the very Central Australian feel of the event. People who happened along to view the sunset were intrigued, if not a little intimidated by the activities! There were even a couple of enterprising men with a drone! And then of course there were all those cameras! Who wouldn’t be a little intimidated? I’d guess about 20 or so photographers and contributors showed up, in addition to the Wildlife Park Rangers, the promotional people and other support staff. When will I learn these things are seldom as daunting as I imagine?
This, among other things, is part of the ‘adventure’ of my 365photochallenge.
(The day after the Instameet I came down with a heavy head cold which has kept me from the computer, but I have managed to struggle through the photo challenge. I will update you soon on that and our travels.)
ardysez 
I hope the cold is better now Ardys. Nice to have you back again.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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The cold is better, but is hanging on. Thanks for the good wishes David.
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Your photos are a wonderful showcase of Australia. It’s fantastic that they being shared in the world via Instagram. I’m pleased you went to the meet, which looked like a fun event in itself as well as meeting other photographers 🙂
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Thank you Dale. I know you follow the Instagram photos, but I’m trying to keep some of my photos for ‘blog only’ use. Let me know if there is too much duplication to keep it interesting.
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Oh I do wish you a speedy recovery! There’s nothing worse than feeling under the weather and having the cold hang on for days or weeks. The photos you shared are delightful… I’ll be anxiously awaiting the stories! But first, take care of yourself, my friend.
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Thank you Lori. The fog is slowly clearing from my snotty head!!
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Lovely warm twilight shots on the hill. I am sure it was lovely to meet others from the area who share a love of the area as well as a love of photography. Your shots look great.
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Thank you Francesca. If it hadn’t been so absurd, it would have been completely embarrassing, me there with my little iPhone, and most of the others there with large professional cameras! I think there were a few of us with phone cameras, actually. I just figured they invited me so I must have something to offer, and I did my best (though nervously!).
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Ha! I know what you mean, from one introvert to another 🙂 Those events are never as bad as what we think they might be. Gorgeous photos by the way!
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Ha, ha, thanks Sara… the trouble is, once in a while those functions really ARE as bad as I think they are going to be, the trouble is figuring out which ones will be like that!!
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Lol so true 🙂
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See I just assumed the Instameet was all phone cameras. Such a trendy meeting title threw me in that direction of thinking. What can done with the iPhone camera and your skill are amazing. There was an Instameet in Detroit this passed weekend. Jim would have gone (and me, too) but we had a dive club meeting at the same time. Do you remember me telling you that me and my iPhone got nudged aside by someone with a Nikon for a good shot? I eventually just nudged right back! That meeting looks like it was a lot of fun. One of my favorite photos are the silhouettes against the sunset. It just looks so “outback”. Great post!
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Some of the Instameet participants even had two cameras! They would set one up on a tripod, and then have the other one hand held. I imagine an Instameet in Detroit would draw a lot more attendees, than our meagre little crew. Thanks for the compliments! xx
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I for one am really glad you made the effort to attend, Ardys, as your photos take me someplace I cannot reach on my own. And there is something quite remarkable about seeing through another person’s eyes–the tapping into the mindset and artistic bent of another’s personal viewpoint. You’re very good at telling a story, Ardys, not simply displaying an object of intrigue. That’s where the difference is.
My favorite this week is the silhouette. Absolutely brilliant.
xox
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Thank you Shelley. I had it in my mind to do that Silhouette shot before going to the event and I was glad it worked as well as it did. It’s always been quite intimidating for me to be working amongst other artists and that event was no exception. All’s well that ends well! Thank you for reading.
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