This is my latest edit for the Tasmanian Art Deco and Modernism project of the old Scamander Bridge. It was the second oldest style bridge of its kind in Australia. It replaced many older wooden bridges that washed away and/or rotted. It is amazing to think that for several years before this bridge was built, the only way to get across was via a paid punt service. Considering it connected the East Coast of Tasmania to popular tourist and industry locations, it's amazing to me that there was no bridge for so long. After many years of Government planning, this bridge pictured was opened in 1935 with a crowd of approximately 2000 people in attendance. Its concrete and steel frame lasted for nearly 90 years and only came down through controlled demolition. Those travelling along the Tasman Highway would likely remember this landmark where people would use it as a walking trail and a popular spot for fishing. The current bridge was opened in the 1990s and I am guessing the old bridge was closed down soon after. It was a familiar landmark and with familiarity comes complacency and I hadn’t captured any photographs of it before. With the news it was to be demolished I dedicated several days to documenting the bridge before its demolition. I wanted to capture it in golden afternoon light as well as overcast conditions so I could have a variety of images to tell the story of this iconic bridge. The way the trusses zig zagged created wonderful shadow and light patterns. As I spent a great deal of time there I got to chat with locals and tourists alike of which many of whom had fond memories of the bridge. Seeing people walk over it and enjoying the beach and river views in the fading light added to my experiences of capturing the bridge. Not long after I made these photographs the bridge was demolished and it's now but a memory of many motorists, locals and holiday makers.

For my photography I am not content with a snapshot, I need to be on location and take in the subject, get to know it in all of its various )moods. It provides an emotional connection to the subjects I document and hopefully this is is captured in the final photographs. This print along with others from the Tasmanian Art Deco and Modernism Project are available for the first time on my website here