Rand Club HDR Shoot

When Richard messaged me about joining the Rand Club HDR shoot I knew this was an opportunity I was not going to miss. I had heard so much about the Rand Club as a child, stories round the lunch table of visits made there by members of the family. Knowing a little about the History of the Rand Club as well, really invoked my curiosity which meant I was not missing this opportunity. So I booked my spot and on the 10th of July I headed off to the Rand Club nice and early so as not to get stuck in rush hour traffic. I arrived in great time in fact a little early which allowed me time to think through all the reading I had done on HDR a method I had not tried much of as yet.

Entering the Rand Club I was filled with a sense of awe. One steps from the pavements of Johannesburg into this most amazing space where you can almost smell the history, feel the ghosts of past club members and hear the conversations of this Grand old Gentleman's club. The Rand club was founded in 1887 and this year is celebrating 125 year of existence.

Behind the scenes at a Reefsteamers Photoshoot

Saturday 26th May was a very early start to catch the best light and a 15F steam locomotive before it's departure to Magaliesburg. SA Amateur Photographers had planned an outing to the Reefsteamers depot with models in tow for a fun shoot and tips gathering from the pro's who would be shooting with the group and sharing their knowledge.

Many arrived there long before the sun had even started to rise and were met by a gently simmering locomotive which had been carefully tended all night by the locominding crew. As the sun began to peek over the horizon and the sky turned wonderful pastel pinks and blues the shutters began to click. Unfortunately I missed some of the best light as I went on "mission rescue" to find the folk who were lost on the road outside the depot so I can't share those images with you. I will be sharing some behind the scenes ones and few images of the models that posed for the photographers. I must say some of these girls and guys were very brave as they were asked to sit in coal heaps and on dusty and greasy locomotives and coaches. All in all a really fun day was had by all and I’m sure the photographers that were there went away with some stunning photo’s and the models will be pleased with the portfolio shot’s they’ll be getting from the photographers.

CSME Live Steam Nationals 2012

The long weekend of 27 April - 1 may 2012 was a busy weekend as it was the Live Steam Nationals, which was hosted this year by Centurion Steam Model Engineers at their home ground on Kwikkie Crescent in Centurion. The track was flurry of activity all weekend long with trains running until the wee hours every morning.
It was so nice to see so many of the clubs from around South Africa attending and bringing their loco's along to run for the weekend. The public came out in force and the trains were being ridden all day long fulfilling many a child's train trains.
No matter your age the trains appeal to all and certainly bring out the child in everyone of us as we played all weekend.
The Centurion Model Boat Club put on a grand display of their remote controlled boats to coincide with the Nationals and many a family could be seen picnic in the grounds whilst the kids did some fishing in the dam's in between riding trains.

and the little engine said I think I can, I think I can

I think I can, I think I can

I knew I could, I knew I could....

Pimp my locomotive has been pimped.

 zee BEEEEG FEEEESH caught by Junior and released back!

Not a great Train Robber wanna be.

The loco that choked on ash, spat the ash out and ran again.

and the final word from Emily - Noooooo it cant be over yet I want more. :)