When postman Kevin Ballard's working hours changed due to COVID-19 restrictions he found himself with time to spare at sunrise.
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The Dollys Flat resident was so enchanted by the early morning light that he soon wanted to capture what he saw on camera.
But he didn't want to lug all his heavy photography gear with him.
So he just used his phone.
Though Kev is better known locally for being a musician and audio engineer (and of course postie) he's actually a very keen photographer from way back.
He's spent many years honing his photography skills and has always taken his SLR on his many travels.
Now Kev admits he hardly uses his SLR camera anymore.
Not since COVID.
His iPhone 11 Pro has well and truly taken over and now it is Kev's daily practice to walk, phone in hand capturing the morning in all its glory before delivering the mail at Wherrol Flat and Caparra.
Of course the phone is also with him wherever he goes.
"I've just kept on using the phone and now I'm devoted to it," said Kev.
He can edit the images on the phone and easily send them to Facebook and Instagram where they have gained a healthy following.
Most of Kev's morning sessions have taken place around Dollys Flat and Wingham from 5.30am.
His love of the local landscape sits nicely with his appreciation of Wingham's "amazing" architecture.
There's never a shortage of inspiration and every day is different.
Particularly since the 2019 bushfires.
As an Australia Post contractor Kev was one of the first people allowed through after the Caparra fires.
"It was like World War III and so depressing for the first few weeks," he said.
"But then I started to see dead pine trees and natives re-shooting and the green that has come back is so intense."
Kev says he is able to capture the wonderful colours of the local landscape well on the iPhone.
I've just kept on using the phone and now I'm devoted to it
- Kevin Ballard
He can equally create stunning images in black and white.
"The digital revolution excites me," said Kev.
"I've totally embraced it."
Not only has this year seen Kev completely change his approach to photography, it has changed his musical career too.
Unable to do traditional gigs with his band The Trapps the internet has fortunately presented new opportunities.
The band has performed two livestreams at Pluto Entertainment in Taree and thanks to online platforms such as Spotify and iTunes, music sales are up.
There's also a rather curious pattern emerging in South America.
"We've got a growing following in Brazil," laughs Kev.
"They love Aussie music over there."
Kev is looking forward to doing live gigs again one day in the future.
He's also keen to see how the early morning light changes as summer approaches.
He'll have his iPhone ready.
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