On this blog I am presenting a selection of images by amateur New Zealand photographers from my collection. The amateur's photo album is usually full of those special events that make a family. Mum, the kids, or the 'rallies', [and sometimes dad, when you could get the camera from him], in the garden dressed in their Sunday best, birthdays, Christmas, and don't forget those holiday snaps, out-of-focus, or badly framed. The last two faults can mostly be blamed on the cameras, with their tiny viewfinders and lenses that left a lot to be desired. But one or two shots will stand out, there is something a little different or amusing about them. And sometimes the photographer had a very good eye, a very good camera, or was just lucky. These are the images I will be selecting for this blog, and my only rule for selection is that I like the image.
With many of the images I know nothing about the photographer, but where I do these details are listed, and with some images I have included memories from the photographers family members.
Most of the photographs are from family albums purchased at auction, family estates, from descendants of the photographer, and a few were rescued from the tip. So if you have an old album, I'm interested, BUT please do not dump it. These albums are great to see and should be preserved, they are a window into the past. With the advent of the digital camera, CD/DVD disc's etc, albums are becoming a thing of the past. In 50 years [I'm being generous here] you will only be able to access todays images if you can find a player thats still working.
I welcome any comments from viewers.
All images are copyright and are not to be used without permission.
K.Fickling.
These are some images from 15 rolls of 35mm film taken c.1962 by a railways enthusiaist who also had an interest in other things mechanical. The images are mainly of operating steam trains, but there are also some of engines in 'rotten rows' at Invercargill and Wanganui. In my research into the ID's and locations of these shots I was pleased to learn that a few of these derelict engines have been restored and are running, or are on display around the country. I also learned that K.Fickling had some railway images published in 'Along the line in NZ' by Traction Publications, 1972. You may think that would make him a professional and not suitable for this blog, but I believe he was an amateur who answered an ad for railways photos and was good enough to be included. I have found no reference to him anywhere else, so any information would be appreciated.
1909 Barclay 1181 at Ngauranga, Wellington.
Ka952 at Napier.
'Rotten Row', Wanganui.
Hataitai Tram Tunnel, Wellington.
Floating Dock, Wellington.
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