Photo Stories #6: The Ghosts of Kelimutu

Do you believe in ghost stories?

On the Indonesian island of Flores sit the tri coloured lakes of Kelimutu. These volcanic lakes change their colours as easily as a chameleon changes his skin.

Local people believe that spirits come here to die. The ‘Mae’ leave their village after death and remain in Kelimutu forever.

Before entering one of the lakes, the spirits must first meet and pass ‘Konde Ratu’, the guardian of the Perekonde gates; young people’s souls go to the warmth of Tiwu Ko'o Fai Nuwa Muri (the turquoise lake), old spirits to the cold of Tiwu Ata Bupu (the brown lake) and the black lake, Tiwu Ata Polo, were for the wicked kind.” 

The colours of the lake change as a result of chemical reactions from minerals contained in the lake triggered by volcano gas activity.

What explanation do you prefer?

Kelimutu, Flores. Indonesia 2015.

Photo Stories #5: The Call of the Desert

I heard howling in the desert one night, just one voice, metres from where I slept. It came softy at first, a whimper rising to a moan. A howl that pricked the hairs on my neck and made my heart jump. There was sadness and loss in that midnight song.

The morning revealed this old girl, warming herself in the early morning sun. Just looking for a spot of company.

The Devils Marbles, Northern Territory. Australia 2015.

Photo Stories #4: The Nuclear Issue

There are a lot of arguments for nuclear disarmament. The loudest I heard was stood among the elderly Japanese of the Hiroshima Peace Park, as they spoke of the sudden flash and the day the world truly changed. 

I reflected this upon a sobering sunset at the Itsukushima Shrine. 

Miyajima Island, Japan. February 2012.

Photo Stories #3: The Venetian

Bob Dylan wrote: "the times they are a changing." No where could this be more apparent than Venice, whose streets resound to the tramp of over 20 million pairs of tourist feet a year.

I saw an old Venetian man surveying the crowds of a busy public square during the scrum of lunch hour. What do you think his expression says?

Venice, Italy 2016.

Photo Stories #1: Feed the Population

Barbarity, or just humanity? 

Blood runs freely from the nubs of cattle's freshly cut horns as they are loaded for market. Why? So they do not injure themselves or bruise the meat of others.

For the musterers, this is their livelihood hood and they were hesitant of photos being taken. They know the repercussions and attitudes of people unused to this industry. 

As I worked with them, during the processing of cattle, they acted with the utmost professionalism for the animals. Only performing what was "necessary", and not once goading or provoking the cattle. It was rumoured on another ranch, scientists were trying to breed hornless cattle, thus to eliminate this stressful act. 

For now, as long as we expect fresh meat in the supermarket for a growing population and continue to lead a predominately meat based diet, intensive farming will continue.

The Northern Territory, Australia 2015.

Photo Stories #1: On the Streets of Singapore

Many think of Singapore as a quick long haul stop over. But the city is a diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Arab people, all offering their own fantastic takes on traditional food. Well worth a visit for a couple of days. 

I took a stroll one morning in The Arab Quarter, as the muezzin cried softly through the streets, rubbing shoulders with veiled strangers who glanced mysteriously from kohl rimmed eyes. 

The Arab Quarter, Singapore 2013.