Timeless images captured in unique photography project

De Garis Lawyers Edited  TBW Newsgroup

De Garis Lawyers Edited TBW Newsgroup
BIG CHANGES: Darren Archibald’s project highlights some of the changes made over the century in the Mount Gambier central business district.

A LIMESTONE Coast photographer has made the most of the region’s quieter streets during the COVID-19 pandemic to highlight changes in Mount Gambier and surrounding areas.

Turn8 Photography’s Darren Archibald spent hours combing the streets of the Blue Lake city to photograph old buildings and historic sites, which were then digitally combined with historic images.

He has used photographs found on the State Library website to guide his project, highlighting the changes from a century ago.

Inspired by similar photography projects, Mr Archibald said now was the perfect time to trial the idea with COVID-19 restrictions keeping the streets bare.

“With less traffic about due to COVID-19 restrictions I thought it was also the best time to get some of the historic buildings around town relatively unobstructed,” Mr Archibald said.

“At the start it was just something to do as a bit of a play on the weekend but I have been very surprised of the response received.”

Mr Archibald used A4 prints of the older photographs to help frame his photography at each location, aligning the building features as close as possible to the original.

“In doing this I learnt that a cloudy day works better with the old photographs,” he said.

“After taking the photographs I then … layered the old image on top.

“Then it was a matter of resizing and moving the old photograph over the top and erasing the parts where I wanted the newer section to show.”

Mr Archibald said each edit took around 15 minutes, depending on how well his images aligned with the original photograph.

“I did take around 20 photographs at each location and just used the one that was lined up the best,” he said.

“Choosing the locations was a case of making sure they are significant buildings with character but also ones that I could find old photographs of to make my idea work.

“I still have more that I want to try as soon as I get the chance to get out with the camera again as there are some places I would like to try but yet to find a suitable old photograph to match against it and many old photographs I have found hold buildings that no longer exist.”

Mr Archibald has been surprised by the level of community interest in his project.

“It has been rather overwhelming,” he said.

“I do motoring and motorsport photographs and never expected such a response to essentially a fun activity while motorsport is on hold.

“From the comments received the memories the photographs have evoked in people has been truly amazing.”