Didgeridoo Dots by David McMahon
David McMahon

Didgeridoo Dots by

These traditional Aboriginal instruments called didgeridoos, in miniature, were for sale at Tullamarine Airport departure lounge when I shot this image in November 2008. (2,780 views on 20 October, 2011)

The lighting in the shop at the international terminal wasn’t great for this sort of work, so I had to be creative in the way I shot this. I wanted a tight frame, to capture the amazingly intricate approach that characterises Aboriginal art.

It is art that captures all the colours of the Australian bush, or the Outback – and the interesting thing is that all the pigments are traditionally obtained from everyday, natural facets of the Outback.

First of all, I had to get permission from the person behind the counter – but she was great, giving me the go-ahead immediately.

I do not crop or post-edit my work in any way. Shot with a Pentax K100D, using a Sigma 18-125mm lens. F4.5, 1/15 sec, ISO 800, focal length 50mm.

Featured in IMAGE WRITING, June 2010.

Featured in CIRCLES OF THE WORLD, July 2010.

Featured in A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING, October 2010.

Featured in PENTAX, April 2011.

Featured in SNAPTACULAR, October 2011.

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Tags

aboriginal, aboriginal art, australia, australian, david mcmahon, didgeridoo, dots, indigenous, music, musical instrument

Comments

  • Varinia   - Globalphotos
    Varinia - Gl...about 3 years ago

    Love the vibrant colours and varying patterns, great find !

  • Thanks very much – they were actually miniatures. I couldn’t resist the shot!

    – David McMahon

  • Dean Slockee
    Dean Slockeeabout 3 years ago

    Great shot, love the colours

  • Thank you very much, Dean. I was drawn to the colours too!

    – David McMahon

  • Caroline Angell
    Caroline Angellabout 3 years ago

    Fantastic! So clear and bright.

  • Thanks Caroline. I will definitely be showing some more Aboriginal art here. Stay tuned!

    – David McMahon

  • Jay Gross
    Jay Grossabout 3 years ago

    Wow, beautiful work! Great patterns and color. -J:

  • Thanks very much. Aboriginal art is amazing in its colours, all of which stem from natural materials.

    – David McMahon

  • Catherine Davis
    Catherine Davisalmost 3 years ago

    Great textures and colours!

  • Thanks very much, Catherine.

    – David McMahon

  • mttmaliha
    mttmalihaover 2 years ago

    Hi David.. would you please consider adding this to the group
    Music of the Spirit
    Thanks for joining!

  • Thanks so much, Maureen. Submitting it now ….

    – David McMahon

  • CeePhotoArt
    CeePhotoArtover 2 years ago

    Great color!!! :D

  • Thanks, Cee – I was delighted that they gave me permission to use my camera in the store.

    – David McMahon

  • Mike Oxley
    Mike Oxleyover 2 years ago

    Beautiful colours and textures, David. Works of art! Lovely capture. And this may interest you

  • Thank you very much, Mike. On my way to check out that link now ….

    – David McMahon

  • ellismorleyphto
    ellismorleyphtoabout 2 years ago

    You just KNOW what I am singing….

    Didgeridoo dots, didgeriday, my oh my what a wonderful day… hehe….

    Cool photograph :-)

  • Trish Meyer
    Trish Meyeralmost 2 years ago

    David, you have captured the intricate decoration on these instruments very well!

  • Thank you, Trish. I’m so glad you think so. That’s great news.

    – David McMahon