Earlier this year I commenced my midlife crises, or so my friends were inclined to tell me. Forbes magazine lists three tell-tale signs you are going through a midlife crisis. Having an affair, quitting your job or making a big-ticket purchase.

No, you won’t see me cruising around the streets in a shiny new red V8 Mustang Coupe with a soft top (not yet) or faking a profile picture on Tinder and RSVP.com (I do look a little like Matt Dillion for those who remember the 80s). But there is no doubt that I suddenly have a sense for adventure and a desire to change my life. Perhaps this is exasperated being back in lockdown Version 4. But I am not here to talk about COVID and lockdowns as I am sure you would rather poke pins in your eyes – just like me. Boring!

John Toulantas

Nope, my big splurge this year was blowing my hard-earned savings on a new top of the range Sony mirrorless digital camera. And not just the camera (what is the fun in that?) but all the equipment that goes along with it. Like lenses, lots of lenses – because you need a wide-angle lens, as well as a telephoto lens and a Macro lens, right? Tripods – what is the point in only having one? As well as glow lights and umbrellas – which I am sure will come in handy one day. Then there is the online photography course I signed up for and find myself 50% of the way through. If you ask me about aperture, shutter speed and depth of field this article could become a novella!

Suddenly 15K was spent in a flash (no pun intended). Sorry superannuation, I guess I will just have to find a way to shorten my retirement.

As with most people, I have always loved capturing the still image. There is something enchanting and timeless when looking back at those photo albums stored at the back of the wardrobe that come out every Christmas. Yep, the first time my girlfriend saw me naked was from a picture Mum showed of my first bath. Thanks Mum!

I am none too proud to admit I am old enough to remember when photos were on film and the camera needed winding after every shot. Then you had to remove the film for it to be processed at the chemist – usually taking up to 48-hours. Can you fathom waiting so long for your pictures these days? Then you open the packet and alas, Grandad was blinking in the middle of that amazing family photo!

Now the digital age allows everyone to be creative photographers and to see what they have taken immediately. Don’t you love technology? Snap that sunset, overlay it with a filter and viola, you are an artist! Selling those photos for profit becomes a little more challenging. Posting them in a competition for others to admire is far more realistic – which leads me to the point of this blog.

If you have not already done so, I invite you to check out the School’s 125^th Online Photography Competition and Exhibition organised by Ms Julia West from the Visual Arts Department and one of the most amazing teachers you will ever meet. To celebrate St Catherine’s 125th year of Arts Education, the Visual Arts Department have invited community members, students and staff to submit digital works to our Online Photographic Exhibition.

Parents, guardians, students, staff and members associated with St Catherine’s School are encouraged to create new photographic works based on themes on any of the following – light, colour, place, the numerals 125, together, apart.

A selection of photographs will be selected each fortnight and posted to the ‘St Catherine’s – In the Studio’s Instagram page.

Ava Hargrave

Finally, a place to post all those photos my Sony mirrorless camera has produced. 15K well spent I’d say. In my spare time (huh!) I love looking through the online gallery seeing what other budding photographers upload. There is such a diverse range of what people like to take pictures of. From landscapes, train stations, flowers to water walls. As well as creative overlays joining three or four pictures together to create a stunning scene (I am referring to you Ava!)

I often wonder why people choose a certain composition or scene. What were they thinking at the time that picture was taken? Was the picture constructed with thought or was it opportunistic? For me the saying is so true – a picture tells a thousand words. Yet equally there is a story behind every photo, through the lens and into the minds of the people who press down on the shutter button. It provides each of us the opportunity to see the world from another person’s eyes. From another view point and a different perspective. That is the true magic of photography.