While the props - outfits and replica guns - didn't turn up last Sunday for the photographic shoot for the cover of Craig Bratby's historical book, John Vane: biography of a bush ranger, plan B ensured nothing was in vain.
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Alternative props were rustled up and the shoot went ahead in a historically accurate location where Vane - part of the Ben Hall gang - had camped more than a century ago between Mandurama and Neville.
Neville local Sarah Parfett, who's earning a profile as a portrait photographer, went into action with Mr Bratby,a Newbridge resident, directing before a crowd of about 40 'tag alongs'.
Mr Bratby, who's still finessing his book, said he began work on it about four years ago.
"It's been a great learning experience doing research, visiting sites, searching for records and speaking with relatives."
Descendant Wes Vane, was part of the shoot, too. By day he happens to work with Mr Bratby at the Department of Primary Industries in Orange.
"John Vane was my great, grandfather's brother. Neville is our ancestral ground," said Mr Vane.
Mr Bratby is still keen to hear from people with anecdotes and information about the bushranger. Contact him through his website www.johnvane.net. The book will be launched at the Neville Show in November.
To see more photos, visit the Blayney Chronicle's Facebook page.
