Update: We are sad to say we have moved away from Newman although our feelings for the land and people don’t change. I’ve left the website relatively unchanged so that people can enjoy our images but we’re no longer able to offer prints direct to the lovely folk of the East Pilbara. See our story below.
Although both Darrienne and Chris have images on this website, Darrienne does the man’s share of the photography work!! Having dabbled in portraits, commercial, sports and event photography, Darrienne decided to specialise in her first love – landscape photography. She won a prize in a national photographic competition and has been published in Better Photography magazine. Darrienne is also an emerging member of the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photographers). Our aim is to continually develop and improve our photographic skills and run a professional business with great service. Purely Pilbara has been servicing the businesses and people of Newman for several years.
Darrienne and Chris love living in Newman (we’ve been here 5 years now!) with their two dogs who never cease to entertain. Darrienne spent her primary school years in Port Hedland and grew up with red dust in her veins. Chris is originally from the tropics of Darwin but has been in WA for more than 10 years. Darrienne is qualified as a mining engineer and swimming teacher while Chris is a boilermaker.
We have both worked in mining for many years and find that people often live in the Pilbara because of work but don’t get out of the house/donga to appreciate the wonderful environs. Purely Pilbara aims to show the wonder of the deep reds, breathtaking storms and hidden waterholes of the region. You may see images from other parts of the world posted on the blog. Darrienne does travel overseas to expand her photography skills but always returns home to the Pilbara.
The region we photograph is in a triangle between Capricorn Roadhouse (on the Tropic of Capricorn, surprisingly!), Karijini and Nullagine. See the map below. Excluding Karijini National Park, our territory is contained within the East Pilbara Shire – the largest shire in the world.
We use a variety of cameras and lenses including Canon 5DII and 550D and don’t leave home without a tripod and cable release. Being in a remote town, we are always eager to meet other photographers and welcome feedback on our images. Please drop us an email.
Being proud East Pilbara residents, Purely Pilbara is actively involved in supporting the community we live in. We’ve made ongoing donations of our time and goodies to various organisations including the Kicking and Shooting Goals Program, the Gemma Mildred Fundraiser, the Newman Tee Ball Association and Newman National Football League.
The top image is a more recent portrait shot in the interests of complete disclosure (and because I’ve lost weight)!
Both of us smiling way too much!