Happy snapper unites digital with the desert

The rugged beauty of Central Australia will be celebrated in a unique series of digitally enhanced photographs at an upcoming exhibition.

Eleven vibrant images created by long-time Territorian Patrick Nelson will go on show at the library at Charles Darwin University’s Alice Springs campus this month.

Mr Nelson said the exhibition, entitled “Vanishing Point”, combined the allure of the untouched desert landscape juxtaposed with unsuspecting objects, including human eyes, birds and water droplets.

“We (the Nelsons) have three generations of family living here in Alice Springs and I enjoy taking photos of the people, nature, and surroundings,” he said.

“I get a bit of a kick out of creating digital images and manipulating them and am always looking skyward to take photos of the moon and passing planes and birds.”

Included in the iconic Central Australian landmarks captured in the photographic series are the Ilparpa Claypans, Heavitree Gap, Chambers Pillar, and the Adelaide-Darwin railway line.

“I never cease to be amazed by the beauty that is present here,” Mr Nelson said.

“I enjoy photographing the Centre because it is a visually interesting place and there are many artistic and expressive characters living here.”

Mr Nelson is also the regional public relations officer at CDU’s Alice Springs campus.

The exhibition will run at the Alice Springs campus library from 10 June until 31 July.