Wilderness Outback Australia Landscape Photography

Shearing was in full swing when we arrived at Arcoona Station, with a busy 12 stand shearing shed and a shearing crew of 34 as well as several stockmen for the muster, yarding and loading the wool bales.

Here are a few images of the shearing in a busy, 12 stand shearing shed.

Shearing at ArcoonaThe bustle of a 12 stand shearing shed in full swing.

  Set 1/23  

After clearing it with Matt who was running the yard, we wandered in the main entrance and soon met Dee, the wool classer, who runs the shearing team.

A hard working woman and obviously capable to be running such a large undertaking, Dee was very warm to us and keen that we should show the shearing and her team in a good light.

Dee escorted Nicky and I to a spot where we'd be out of the way and be able to get a good view of the shearing. Then, at smoko time, she got the attention of her workforce and obtained their OK to photograph and put photos on the net.

So as soon as the machines sprang back to life, we got into the business of recording the shearing operation in it's many facets.

Well, a shearing shed is a pretty noisy workplace and certainly a bustle of activity, without much opportunity to chat. Yet we were able to have great non verbal communication with the workers and felt welcome.

Some went out of their way to be kind to Nicky and of course, that was gratifying to me.

Nicky was initially quite apprehensive about photographing the shearers but I convinced him to carry his camera just in case he changed his mind. He soon warmed to the opportunity and the people, having a great time and turning out some quality images and video.