Author | Thread |
|
02/04/2007 04:17:33 AM · #1 |
Many of you have never experienced the Australian Drover and their lifestyle.
For the last two months I have been following a group of drovers. They consist of a husband and wife team and their 3 year old daughter. They also employ other drovers to complete their team. They live in a large truck and are followed with their other vehicles that carry their motorbikes and belongings. The truck doubles as a stock carrier. They work the 'long paddock' for 9 months in every year, spending christmas and all other holidays on the road. They camp for no more than 2 nights in one location and pick up supplies as they go. Whilst most drovers do not own their stock they do this as a profession for the farmers of Australia. It is a lonely life but one that I find totally fascinating.
This particular group of drovers said they will be saddling up one of their horses for me this week so I can join in. I can't wait. Also, this week I will be covering the crossing of paths of two extremely large herds of cattle as they venture on their way. The group I have been following has 1000 head of cattle whilst the second group I believe is made up of two groups equalling 1600 head. It should be quite a sight as the two groups cross paths. The groups have up to 30 horses travelling with the cattle...these are for the drovers to work with daily. There are also up to 25 dogs per group to assist and protect the equipment and vehicles whilst they are unattended. And trust me...you don't want to test those dogs.
Drovers are probably one of the oldest professions in the country. The drovers drive their cattle on horseback along the 'long paddock' for up to 9 months a year. The 'long paddock' originated over a century (or more) ago when there was little to no water available for the stock. The cattle were then driven out onto the roads and covered hundreds of kilometers grazing the roadside. Not only did this keep the roadside trimmed but the cattle were conditioned. This tradition has continued to this day. I have included a selection of this series here. The entire series can be viewed here. Some of these images have already won photo contests, been published in half page colour prints in the newspapers...and printed onto Australian postcards.
The Drover - Early Morning
6-00am and the drover heads to the holding yards to collect the cattle. The dogs look on in anticipation.
The Drover - A Workers Hands
The day is long and hot. Long clothing is worn to protect the riders from the sun and the annoying flies. The smell and feel of the leather permanently worn into the riders skin.
The Drover - Traffic Jam
The drover watches as the traffic make their way through his herd. An ambulance finds the cattle have the right of way in this case.
The Drover - Crossing the bridge
The traffic has to be stopped in both directions of the highway so the cattle can be brought over the bridge.
The Drover - Dusty
The drovers tend with extreme elements of the Australian land and climate. The dust billows in the bush as the cattle are herded through to their holding yards at the end of the day.
The Drover - On The Move
Cattle are herded by horseback towards water.
The Drover - Finishing for the day
The horses and cattle are herded along the train line towards the nights holding yards.
The Drover - Playful Nip
The horses roam the long paddock with the cattle. They end the day with a playful nip.
The Drover - The Dog
One of the dogs takes a well earned break by diving into the cool waters.
|
|
|
02/04/2007 04:26:29 AM · #2 |
EXCELLENT SERIES!
Can I come with you?
I have an american ranching family I have been photographing the bigger events of for the last two years. It a different life that that of the Drovers for sure.
Message edited by author 2007-02-04 04:30:19. |
|
|
02/04/2007 04:37:43 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by Ristyz: EXCELLENT SERIES!
Can I come with you?
I have an american ranching family I have been photographing the bigger events of for the last two years. It a different life that that of the Drovers for sure. |
Of course you can. I am having a great time with this series. I am going out again tomorrow to meet with them....so you had better hurry LOL!
|
|
|
02/04/2007 04:51:30 AM · #4 |
WOW! These are impressive images, Judi. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration. Sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime for you - good job! |
|
|
02/04/2007 05:33:38 AM · #5 |
You really amaze me, not only with your photographic talant, but who and what you are.
This is an amazing series of images here, and I am so proud to be an Aussie.
he true spirit in the Australian Drover is perfectly portrayed with your series if photos that you have in this series.
Well done "Aussie" girl..... Take a bow..... We are so proud of you.
Message edited by author 2007-02-04 05:33:48.
|
|
|
02/04/2007 05:38:32 AM · #6 |
Judi you might be interested in the slide show from the Sydney Morning Herald
//blogs.smh.com.au/photographers/archives/2006/08/a_drovers_life.html
the software (Soundslider) they used is great for this sort of thing you should give it a go.
|
|
|
02/04/2007 06:45:09 AM · #7 |
Thankyou so much everyone for your terrific comments and feedback.
First...I watched the slideshow and was fascinated. I was going to be putting together one for this series but when I have completed the shoots. There are more to come yet.
So thankyou so much for putting me onto that one...I only wish I could get mine up there too.
|
|
|
02/04/2007 09:11:08 AM · #8 |
Those are great. Just added 3 of them to my favourites. |
|
|
02/04/2007 04:48:37 PM · #9 |
Thankyou everyone for your great comments. One member requested that I upload some more of the drovers and the dogs. So here goes.
The Drover - Bringing them home
The head drover leading the pack into the yards.
The Drover - Family
The little girl lives in the truck with her parents and loves her unorthodox way of life.
The Drover - Watching
These dogs are mainly used for protecting the vehicles and equipment.
The Drover - A Plan
6-30am and they have the cattle on the road...planning the days events.
The Drover - Saddling Up
5-45am and breakfast is done. Time to saddle up.
The Drover - Don't Push It
The horses get a little nervous when the drover is choosing his days mount.
The Drover - Time for a feed
Grabbing some grass during the days move.
The Drover - On Guard
Protecting the equipment.
The Drover - Chatting with authorities
The drovers are monitored by the Stock Route Authorities, who keep a very close eye on the movement and behaviour of these people. They are there to guide and help them through their daily work.
The Drover - The Face Of The Profession
The Australian climate bears its toll on the drover. These people have the kindest hearts and are fascinating to talk to. They are very private people and yet are published many times over in the media.
The Drover - Holding up the traffic
Whilst the drovers avoid the road as much as possible, there are times where it is inevitable. The whip is used when necessary as you can see in this image.
|
|
|
02/04/2007 05:24:30 PM · #10 |
A great set of images that depict the Great Ausralian Bush and culture...thanks for sharing them Judi...left a few comments.
The Sigma 50-500 is a fantastic lens. I love mine, and I am really glad to see you used it extensively. You must have gotten a real workout! |
|
|
02/04/2007 07:33:55 PM · #11 |
Definately a true record of the Australian Drovers lifestyle in print.
Left you some comments Judi, and I would love to see you also think about doing an "Australian" Drovers, calendar, with this series of dinki die "Aussie" images.....
Message edited by author 2007-02-04 19:38:09.
|
|
|
02/04/2007 10:17:16 PM · #12 |
Thanks heaps everyone.
Shez...I already have 4 calendars out this year so I will look at doing a 2008 calendar of this series. I was with the drovers again this morning and I am meeting them again tomorrow morning before they head off. But I now have a second group that seems to be taking their place...so looks like more imagery will be coming in.
|
|
|
02/04/2007 10:22:38 PM · #13 |
Beautiful set. I feel I've gotten to know Australia through your photos. You photograph such a wide spectrum of subjects so well.
|
|
|
02/04/2007 10:35:37 PM · #14 |
Excellent, Judi! I could see a book coming out of this series. |
|
|
02/05/2007 04:09:17 PM · #15 |
Thankyou Richard and Ann. I have contemplated the idea of a book...jsut not sure where to start with that.
|
|
|
02/05/2007 06:00:34 PM · #16 |
Coffee table book..... publishers.....Yes, definately.....
Originally posted by Judi: Thankyou Richard and Ann. I have contemplated the idea of a book...jsut not sure where to start with that. |
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/13/2025 07:53:26 AM EDT.