After a month in Level 4 lockdown and the camera gathering dust, New Zealand shifted to Level 3.
While still restrictive, a few more outdoor activities were now permitted. So long as I remained in my local area and away from others, it seemed photography was back on the table.
The only issue was finding a suitable railway nearby. With heritage railways closed and essential workers commuting via my local suburban station, I turned my attention to a Lionâs Club miniature train in the local park.
The train was unable to operate under Level 3. Only the small, deserted stretch of track remained, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
How much potential was there in such a narrow subject? Would I quickly run out of variations? What a great challenge to find out. Thus began my lockdown project.
Over five weeks and 38 photographs, the little track drew me back time and again. I chased both light and fleeting weather. The possibility of frost had me up before dawn, a full moon took me out after dark. Rain would send me running for my camera (as well as my coat). Each pattern of leaves strewn across the track by heavy winds offered me a new canvas.
The project has opened my eyes to subjects I would have previously ignored. It confirmed to me that weather should be embraced, with rain adding tactility and dynamism to a photograph. It reminded me that working in a restrictive environment inspires creativity and leads to better shots. It taught me to focus less on locomotives and more on their surrounding environment, infrastructure, and people.
Now that lockdown has been lifted I hope to take these lessons forward to the full-sized railway and, just occasionally, once in a while, I may return to miniature subjects.