IMAGE OF THE WEEK #51

"Enjoy uninterrupted views, pristine beaches and crystal clear water"

Simon Hewson ©2012

IMAGE OF THE WEEK #31

This time last year was our last day in Italy, we were due to set sail for Croatia the following afternoon. After much clenching of the teeth/jaw, we decided to park the van up for a few days and have a rest from driving. We decided that the Amalfi coast would be the perfect place to do this. I was more than happy to walk around for a few days, stretch the legs and avoid near head on collisions at every turn.
This weeks shot was taken on one of our walks from Marmorata into Almalfi. The walk is about  3 km, not a walk for the faint of heart. A very windy road with Sheer drops on one side and rock face on the other. Along the road are lots of little doorways to peoples homes and the odd shop, this doorway was just around from a blind corner. I'm not sure what was going on here, a nosey neighbour? A concerned passer by? I'll let you decide.  Later that night we celebrated our last night in Italy with a couple of beautiful ice creams, I bit into mine with all the gusto of a greedy child, I felt a strange crunch, thinking it was little odd, I carefully placed the hard object in my hand. On closer inspection I realised I had lost a good chunk of my front tooth. Great! The van got through Italy without a scratch, my teeth clenching however had taken its toll.

Simon Hewson ©2012

IMAGE OF THE WEEK #30

Buongiorno! On this day one year ago, we were in the land of wonderful coffee and bread that you didn't ask for, want or eat but still had to pay for. Yes you guessed it, this week we're in Italy. First off, I love Italy, I have been many times and I love the Italian spirt. However, things have changed. Italy has always been a place where you have to pay for almost everything ranging from laying on the beach to going to the toilet, but it seems more desperate now. The hard sell has become compulsory in almost any store you step foot in, restaurants only give service to those who wish to feast. What has happened to the laid back Italians I used to know and love? One thing that is still the same is the driving skills. The smaller the road the faster you go. It's in the blood, the fire and the passion is on display for all to see and avoid if you're quick enough. I had to pull the mirrors in on the van more than once, in fact I left them in for whole days at a time. The other thing that is as wonderful as ever is the pizza, my diet consisted of Prosciutto e Funghi pizza paired with a fine can or bottle of Lemon Soda, pure bliss. One evening I did try and order something different, but my gut told me to stick with the old combo. The old adage "go with your gut" was never more fitting, although my shorts were starting to not fit due to my gut!

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Simon Hewson©2012

IMAGE OF THE WEEK #14 + NEWS

Happy New Year! We are back in full swing, so expect an image of the week to be coming every week from now on. We are starting this year with the first showing of Shadowed By A Roadside, which will be opening on the 27th of Jan running until the 7th of Feb at Gaffa gallery in Sydney.

So what better way to start off a new year with a photograph taken on New Years Day (in 2005).

There is something quite special about New Years Day. We reflect on the year that has passed and have hope for the year to come. We celebrate with our loved ones and wish the best for everyone. Even people drive respectfully, which in Sydney is a rare thing indeed.

I took this shot on Lido, a small island just near Venice. Every year they have a beach party. People are dishing out free food and wine, the atmosphere was truly Italian, warm air, a tummy full of food, laughter and an abundance of fur coats. This shot also won Excellence In The Use Of Colour in the 2010 Kodak Salon. Until next week...

IMAGE OF THE WEEK #10

A worker does his best to show off his goods to passers by, they do their best not to acknowledge his existence. They would probably walk straight through him if they thought it possible. Italy has an abundance of foreign workers, some are forced workers working for local crime syndicates, some are just trying to do what they can with what little they have. It is hard, if not impossible, for the passer by to make a distinction between the two.
We should however, remember that every person has a story and every person deserves to be given the same amount of respect as the next.

Simon Hewson ©2011

IMAGE OF THE WEEK #9

Over the years I have been drawn to photographing doors and windows. A rather banal subject matter you may think. I however, believe quite the opposite. They serve as entry and exit to a private world that only few people know and understand. Ultimately, they are captivating portals into another world. We choose to show off facets of our lives; trophies, knick knacks, items that are forgotten to the outside world. An intimate glimpse into what we hold dearest.

Simon Hewson 2011©