Glow Cloud

It’s bulbous lingering structure hovered precariously over the earth. It’s form rendering in my mind.

My imagination triggered the reforming cloud into various shapes.

The enigma started to dwindle in size, spreading out as the centred mass continued to grow. The forceful patterns of charcoal grey stirred in its inferno, edges trimmed with a golden glow. The cloud was rising.

A break of light streamed through the atmospheric grave into a tremendous glow. Rays of magically charged particles seemed to conquer the darkness as the golden light fell upon the wisps of air.

I sat in awe at nature’s wonder and thought we live in an amazing world.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO HERE

DOWNLOAD THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO HERE

Until next time – Happy Shooting

Fremantle Port Lightning

 

Lightning is possibly one of the hardest subjects in landscape photography to master. The rain, hail and threat of being struck are all obstacles a photographer must overcome.

If you are wanting to try to master this power surge the best advice I could give is to be prepared. Ensure you know the location and have adequate cover from the elements before the storm hits as this ensures you don’t get wet!

This image was photographed from one of the lookouts near Fremantle. I have been wanting to use this location for a while now –  I just needed the right storm! As always you can download this photo for free:

THE HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Photographed using the Canon EOS 1D MK IV, 3 images Stitched.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

 

Tranquil Cottesloe

 

How wants to go for a swim here?

Photographed at the beautiful Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia

 

THE HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

 

The Simple Things

Sometimes its the simple things like a sunset which make me smile.

THE HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Sands of Time

 

Dry, arid and parched, my mouth mirrored the surroundings of the desert. Signs of life seemed non-existent.

Rows of dark blackened sticks stood lonesome. Twisted and deformed from the heat, the once supporter’s of life braved the wind as they struggled to stand. The distant storm was departing, as scrambled drops lay embossed on the sand’s surface. Their impact was unsustainable.

I stood in amazement when the sun revealed itself through a diffused cloud. The softening glow seemed to cast an iridescent shadow of the dunes almost bring them to life. As the clouds passed the changing forms of the landscape were revealed. The desert was alive and beautiful.

THE HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

 

A Day at the Beach

 

A day at the beach – I don’t think there is a better way to start the month of March!

Sometimes the simplest photos make the best photos. What do you think? Is this photo too boring?

 

Photographed at Cosy Corner, located near Albany in Australia’s south west. 

THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

A Walk In The Trees

This photograph was composed from two images taken with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1.

I still can’t get over the incredible image quality from the Fujifilm workhorse. Certainly a camera I highly recommend!

What about you? Do you have a favourite camera? Let me know in the comments below. I would be interested to hear what gear you shoot with and why.

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

Navigation

Light began to fall with a golden glow guiding the sailing boats along the choppy horizon.  I watched in wonder as the boats moved back and forward navigating the openness of the earth. Vessels shot along back and forth like children’s toys in a tub. The race had begun.

Looking into the scene I couldn’t help but feel small at the sight of the over-towering clouds as light filtered magically through them, adding a richness to the scene.

 

THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

Love My Rotto

Rottnest Island is surrounded by pristine waters and only a short trip from the mainland making it a great weekend getaway. The locals refer to the island paradise as ‘Rotto’. For me this photograph captured on the Fujifilm X-Pro 1, sums up the island perfectly. Pristine beaches, clear water and amazing views – what more could you want?  You can even see the City of Perth (which is my hometown) on the distant horizon!

Paradise found – love my rotto!

 

THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

Port Beach

Photographed using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Sailing in Fremantle

My Timing was put to the test as I tried to capture a silhouette of this yacht against the sunset in Fremantle, WA.

I probably had half a second before the yacht moved, exposing the sun which would have resulted in an over exposed image.

Shooting into the sun isn’t really recommended for your camera’s sensor or your eyes but hey I couldn’t pass up this rare shot.

I just wish there were some clouds!

 

Photographed with the Canon EOS 1D MK IV and Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8

THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Foreboding

The tugboat’s masterful navigation into the darkness was met by violent bursts of electricity as scores of bolts surrounded the tardy freighter and trailing vessel.

The freighter’s intrepid journey seemed like a gauntlet to the watchful eye of the photographer. The ghostlike form steamed into the darkness leaving behind its’ port of refuge.

An eerie glow flashed and faded as the clap of thunder roared across the flat ocean, reverberating across the blanket of laden clouds that encased the darkening storm.

Photographed with the Canon EOS 1D MK IV and Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8

Image processed to the sound of Flight Facilities – Clair De Lune (feat. Christine Hoberg)

THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Be Creative and Capture The Details

Sometimes its best to look at the interesting parts of a scene. The end result won’t look like another boring sunset…… take this photo as an example.

Do you like this?

Over the next week I would like to challenge you in your photography. Try photographing the smaller details of a scene rather than the complete scene. Let me know what results you get by posting a link in the comments below.

Captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4

THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

The Afternoon Atmosphere at South Beach

The afternoon atmosphere gathered with excitement.

A colourful mass brewed ignited by the last light.

Reflections turned to glass mirroring the magnificent spectacle happening above.

Children played by the water’s edge as a man tried his luck at the ocean bounty.

Mirages filled the drizzled horizon exposing ghost ships shimmering in the afternoon heat.

I saw the scene developing before me.

The movement of the water would have to be masterfully timed.

My hands griped the salty leather surrounding my X-Pro 1.

Powering up, the aperture ring clicked into its normal stop.

With camera rotated my eye became fixed to the viewfinder.

A short wait and the wave behaved the way I had envisioned.

 

Captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4.  Stitched in Photoshop.

THE FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

THE LOW RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo

 

After work earlier in the week I drove down to Safety Bay to photograph my Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo Limited Edition.

I’m not really a car sort of guy so don’t ask me what the specs are….put it this way I bought this car after watching a YouTube video. The guy at the dealership had the easiest sale ever!

 

Photographed with the Canon EOS 1D MK IV

Styled and edited to the soundtrack of Chocolat

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

Circular Pool

I could smell the freshness of the forest. A raging river forged its path through the divided valley. Moss covered rocks crammed against each other fighting for elevation above the banks of the flowing river. Downstream the chuckle of laughing kookaburras broke the faint roar of the fading rapid.

I was surrounded by my element, the ever-changing outdoors.

Flowing and moving in a circular motion a collection of colours lingered at rapid’s end. I cast my view down to see my rippled reflection. A traversing mirror stared back. I could see a well-travelled landscape photographer in his element.

The last light was due for a show, patiently I watched and waited as a stream of gold broke from the scattered mass above me. My tripod was set. The image was ready. The shutter pressed.

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Pemberton – Big Brook Dam

I’m having a quick break from editing wedding photos and I thought I would upload a photo for the fans!

Thank you so much to the regulars who stop by the blog every day. I am still blown away that you call this little corner of the internet part of your online home.

As always I have made this photograph free for anyone to download. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Enjoy.

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Awaiting The Wave

 

Iridescent clouds passed the reflective ocean tide. The lone paddle border waited with patience for the wave seemed a scarce occurrence. His gaze was fixed on the lonely horizon. The still ocean didn’t seem to want to break the glassy norm.

I could see his shoulders shrug with a sigh. Maybe it was a moment of relaxation or frustration, I’m not quite sure as he seemed to be somewhat transfixed in the moment.

Paddle ready the border balanced afloat the watery mass. From no where the glistening watery surface gained in height to form an elusive wave. A powerful strong standing stroke aligned the nose of the board to the beach. The paddler elevated gracefully with the energetic wave.

Awaiting the wave – the moment had arrived. The short thrill of a ride, a journey of freedom and escape.

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE

CLICK HERE

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

 

 

Cottesloe Beach – The Best Sunset in the World

Have you ever sat in an amazement of a sunset in awe of its grandeur and beauty?

Yesterday I was fortunate to witness one of the world best sunsets at Cottesloe Beach located in Western Australia. I feel privileged to share this photograph with you and hope the best sunset in the world will bring some colour into your life. May you be inspired to create and share.

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Sunset at Mosman Beach

People were out and about as the afternoon light fell upon the earth. I passed an energetic exerciser running on the beach as she was frantically being chased by a pack of wet dogs. The soggy reward of a tennis ball seemed to be enough to keep the dogs running up and down the beach. With dogs of all sizes running around me in every direction I had to be carefully carrying my camera as it might have been mistaken for a play thing. The dog owners seemed to sense my panic and the call of names filled the air. “Rex, Peach, Sacha, Lady – come here!”- “Lady come here!” With a delayed scurry, flicked sand filled the air and the disobedient dogs bolted in the direction of the newly found tennis ball.  The though of a being jumped on by a wet slobbery retriever was too much to bear so I set off from the pack to capture the sunset.

Crashing waves broke on me as I walked the shallow shores of Mosman Beach. I headed for the rocks toward the end of the beach and was met by a young family fishing the shores. Trying not to interfere with their recreational activity I dodged the lines and found myself at this scene. Clouds on the horizon hung full of colour. I found some jagged rocks to fill the foreground and flicked the camera on.  With the 18mm set on my Fujifilm X-Pro 1 I composed the image into three photographs as later I was going to stitch them together.

When I arrived home I got a little distracted from an immediate upload due to a tooth ache. After another journey to the chemist for some strong pain relief I find myself sitting here typing this story for you all and uploading the latest free photograph.

I hope you enjoy this image. I certainly enjoyed taking it.

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

 

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 (3 image stitch)

 

The Last Swim

Rejoicing in the clear waters;

Flowing from every direction the moment filled the air.

The last swim.

THIS FULL RESOLUTION PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

South Beach, Fremantle

Australia is experiencing one of the biggest heat waves at the moment with temperatures in some parts of the country exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 Farenheit).

The car parks at my local beach, South Beach are filling up very quickly in the afternoon as workers and their families seek relief from heat of the day. As I only live less than a minute away from this beach its great to go down every now and then to cool off, get my feet wet and soak up the surroundings.

It’s not often I upload a photo straight to my blog without much post processing so consider this photo a rarity. I captured this photo with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 which is probably why I didn’t need to do much to it. Clean and sharp. What more could you need?

THIS PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

What camera remote should I use?

Have you ever seen images of  lightning, star trails and even light painting and wondered how the photographer captured it?

This little article is all about revealing some of the magic….using one of the low light photographers favourite tool – the camera remote.

The original screw in shutter button remote your grandparents had for their trusty camera certainly doesn’t stand a chance against the modern remote of today.

Wireless, timer, WiFi and even Bluetooth are common terms associated with this great device that will change the way you tackle your newly found photographic subject. Remotes are most useful when the camera’s shutter speed exceeds 30 seconds in a mode called bulb mode. When the bulb mode is used you can extend the camera’s shutter speed to what ever time limit you want (although you are limited to your camera’s battery). Shooting in bulb mode means whatever happens in the scene will be captured while the shutter is open.

Reflections of the Sunset

Soft patterns of light danced on the lapping waves. A warm velvet glow caressed the ocean tide leaving brief mirrored pastels along the shoreline.

Clouds gathered and the instrumental orchestral sound of the ocean drew me ever closer to the water’s edge. My mind was resting and I didn’t want to leave.

The sky was forming a masterpiece a painter could only dream of. The intensity of coloured light grew as the sun fell off the horizon’s edge, disappearing to reveal its colourful trick.

Cold fresh crisp air filled my senses with the intense aroma of salt. I took a deep breath and began to relax from my busy day.

My gaze became fixed beyond the soothing waves lapping at my feet. Minuscule silhouettes seemed to float lost on the distant water’s edge. I wondered how long these tiny vessels would sail the ocean tide before they reached their final destination.

Their journey had only begun. For me the day was at an end, an end that seemed to form magically before me.

THIS PHOTO CAN BE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE – CLICK HERE

Image details:

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 – 35mm – ISO 200 – f/4 – 1/210 second – 9 images vertically stitched

Cosy Corner – Split Toning

Split toning is always fun to experiment with because there are so many different colour combinations you can choose from. For me choosing a warmer tone in light areas and a cooler tone in darker areas works quite well.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

Port Gregory – Pink Lake Sunrise

Photographed at Port Gregory, Western Australia.

Nanarup Fine Art Landscape

I have had this image sitting on my hard drive for some time. The image has been stitched together from 18 images to create my latest fine art landscape.

I can’t wait to head back to this location at the end of the month to photograph another wedding at the beautiful Maitreya Private Retreat.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

2013 Landscape Calendar

The 2013 West Australian Landscape Calendar is now ready for you.

You can view and order the full 2013 Calendar by simply click on the image below. The price of the calendar is AUD $35.95. All proceeds raised will go straight back into bringing you more free fine art photos next year. Enjoy.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Imagination

I am sitting on the porch waiting. The verandah is formed from rustic beams splintering in every direction. Carved jagged jarrah beams form a barrier of curved edges above me. The derelict concrete step seems comfortable compared to my surroundings.

There is no rain to be seen and the air is dry and still. Looking down at the barren earth beneath me the mixture of fine dust and coarse sand seems like turmeric blowing in the breeze; wasted without a recipe. I drag my finger in the red dirt and gaze up transfixed on the beautiful sunset over the distant horizon.

The richness of colour is mesmerising.

The seat beside me is vacant. My feet rest on the cracked concrete steps that have stood the test of time. My memories of the house I grew up in flood back to me as I shut my eyes. The sounds of laughter fill the air as children play in the heat of the day.

I can recall stumbling on each step as the heat of summer was upon me. Getting inside into the cool was high on my agenda so I would hurriedly try to hop, step and jump up the stairs onto the dusty veranda. Typically I would find myself tumbling and falling short of the distant door. Thud! I had landed face first on the verandah. The concrete stairs had seen a many-stubbed toe or two. It is only now after all my years of growth I can run a fleeting jump above the hazard that lay before me. Success!

My mind was reminiscing as the echo of ice, clinking in a cold glass filled my mind. The classic sound of my summer childhood. The sticky lemonade spilled from the edges of my mouth. A fulfilling grin appeared on my face. Chuckling, I was amused at how the small things in life somehow seemed to be the best memories.

For some reason I remember the house from my childhood as a windowless building.  I didn’t really take in my surroundings back then but now as I gaze into the broken window I noticed the reflection of a tall long limbed tree standing steadfast in the middle of the paddock. Memories flooded back. I remember hours would pass as I spent my childhood in that tree. My fort, cubby and swing all rolled into one. It was my place for exploring my imagination. So what happened to my imagination?  Where was it now?

What would it mean for me to get up and walk over to that special place? Would I feel the same youthful glee? Leaving the comfort of abandoned home the very place my mind I had grown accustom to? The familiarity of my house where I calved every wooden beam and known every step. How could I get up and walk to the tree that seemed to give youthful life in the barrenness that was my surrounds.

How could I see what my life could be when I hadn’t even leaved home? Would I be able to imagine again? Would I be able to imagine this? Is this even real?

 

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

Free Fine Art Photography – November 2012

The latest FREE fine art photographs are ready to be downloaded.

November 2012 – Rottnest Island.jpg

November 2012 – Quokka.jpg

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO DOWNLOAD THE PHOTOS.

I hope you enjoy the photos and feel free to use them for whatever you like.

REMEMBER TO SHARE THE LOVE

Circular Pool Abstract Art

Abstract art is one of my newly found passions so expect to see a few more like this.

I created this art by combining 5 photos from a recent photography session at Circular Pool. What do you think? Is this type of photography your cup of tea?

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

 

Follow me to the water

FOLLOW ME TO THE WATER

Watching and waiting, anticipating the sparkle in the sky the reflection of light grew intensely as I composed the scene before me.

Time was no factor I stood still in the cold night air waiting to see a shooting star – a glistening hope before my eyes. I waited but alas the spectacle didn’t happen. Instead the gentle breeze blew across my face as it played within the scene.

Artistic patterns marbled on the water’s surface freezing in time. Trees on the horizon danced as my camera captured the chorus of movement before me. Warming light from the nearby town seemed like a galaxy far away. My eyes were cast upward to the beauty of the atmosphere that seemed to engulf my presence.

A universe of light danced upon the glassy mirror.  Twinkling stars pierced through the darkness with the brightest forming stairways that led to the sky. Was this my path was this the light?

Captured using the Fujifilm X-Pro 1

5 Images

35mm – ISO 200 – f1.4 – 30 Seconds Per Image

Edited and Stitched using Photoshop CS5

The Sky is the Limit

Ethereal shapes cloud the busy travelling sky as they traverse the barren earth. The freshness of daylight falls upon the earth as wisps of cloud linger on a distant horizon.

A palette of colour opens my eyes as I am led to follow the richness to the heavens. The perceptual cluster seems to engulf its surrounds, the vapour reflecting through its frail formation. Within its banding shadow a darkness lingers upon the earth but as if on a roll the fading light passes and is enthralled into the awe-inspiring light that gives warmth and life.

The clouds are merely a dissipating obstacle along my journey. I am a traveller and my journey has just begun. A new day. A new dawn. The sky is the limit.

My artistic impression of my writing. Photographed near Japan.

Until next time – Happy Shooting!

Instashop – Pine Forest

After editing more wedding photos I thought I would put together an Instagram inspired photo in photoshop before I call it a night/morning. I call it Instashop!

Instashop – I highly recommend giving this a go. Simply open your photo in Photoshop, crop to a square and play. Let me know what results you come up with by sending me a link on the blog or Facebook. I look forward to see some crazy results!

Until next time – Happy Shooting!

Albany Entertainment Centre

One of my first stops on my recent holiday was at the Albany Entertainment Centre. When I arrived in Albany I sent a message out on Facebook to see if anyone was keen to join me for a night photography shoot at Middleton Beach.

Local photographer Tina Bartley jumped at the idea. I have quite a bit of respect for this amazing lady. Tina is an amazing photographer with a keen eye for detail and composition. I have known Tina for some time as we meet on one of my courses I ran with Andrew Halsall while I lived in Albany (a few years back).

Thanks Tina for coming along and driving me around that night! I look forward to seeing many more of your fabulous images. Here is one of mine images from the night taken with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1.

Until next time – Happy Shooting

South West – Bridgetown, Western Australia

After working on weddings all of yesterday and this morning I decided to post another photo from my recent holiday.

The light in the South West of Western Australia is magnificent to photograph especially when the light warms the side of the hill as cool clouds roll by.

Photographed with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 near Bridgetown, Western Australia.

Until next time – Happy Shooting.

Photography Competition – Hey, Hot Shot!

After working on a recent wedding most of the night I decided to take a break and enter a photography competition. I found myself catching up on emails after being distracted from a photo competition search on google. To my surprise I opened an email from Photojojo and found a link to a Jen Bekman Project called Hey, Hot Shot.

With a competition name like Hey, Hot Shot I knew that this photography challenge was going to be a little different.

I had a quick read of the main page and was surprised to hear that this was more than an ordinary photography competition – “Hey, Hot Shot! provides an ongoing platform for photographers at all stages of their career by providing unrivaled exposure, support and recognition through Bekman Projects (which also includes Jen Bekman Gallery and 20×200).” I continued reading…”Each year, one talented image maker will receive a $10,000 honorarium, in addition to the hallmark awards Bekman Projects offers.”

I was sold. I had to enter! I decided to visit the archives for this competition. Below are the five photos which formed one entry into the competition.The competition closes the 14th November 2012. For more information check out the Hey, Hot Shot website.

“Hudor Calme”

“Chroma”

“Kinesis”

“Aurum”

“Sumarlina”

Parts of this text forming this post were taken from Hey, Hot Shots! website.

Until next time – Happy Shooting!

Free Fine Art Photography – October 2012 – Circular Pool

The latest FREE fine art photograph is ready to be downloaded.

October 2012 – Circular Pool.tiff

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD THE PHOTO.

You can use the photo for whatever you like. Enjoy.

REMEMBER TO SHARE THE LOVE

Until next time – Happy Shooting

Spring at Middleton Beach

I’m back from my little trip away! It feels great to be back in the chair after having a small holiday. I will be planning on posting a few images in the next few weeks in between editing a beautiful wedding photographed in Perth.

This ethereal photograph was taken as a two image stitch on the beautiful Fujifilm X-Pro 1 using Velvia mode.

 

Check out my last Middleton Beach photograph and story here.

Until next time – Happy Shooting.

Free Fine Art Photography – September 2012 – Horses

The latest FREE fine art photograph is ready to be downloaded.

September 2012 – Horses.tiff

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD THE PHOTO.

You can use the photo for whatever you like. Enjoy.

REMEMBER TO SHARE THE LOVE

Ruins of Yellow

Western Australia is full of beauty in unexpected places.

Its amazing just how much a location can change given some time. When last I visited this location over one year ago I published the photo – Rubble and Ruin. Check out the difference between the previous photo and this one. You will be amazed.

This photo is a great reminder no matter where the location is it’s always going to be different each time you visit it. You will always come away with different shots just like this one. I’m just glad I had the new Olympus OM-D E-M5 to test out. I wanted to see what the output quality was so the camera was set to shoot in jpeg. What do you think? Is the quality alright?

Until next time – Happy Shooting.

Early Morning Light

Cosy Corner – The Straightened Version

 

This one is for the fans :)

Dutch Tilt at Cosy Corner

Sometimes rules are meant to be broken.

Take this shot for example I deliberately shot this photo with a dutch tilt to enhance the motion of the oncoming wave. If I had photographed this image with a straight horizon the motion of the wave wouldn’t have the same effect. What do you think? Do you think it works without having the horizon straight?

 

Until next time – Happy Shooting.

Being an Australian Photographer

Being an Australian photographer is rewarding as the diverse landscape offers some truly remarkable locations. The Pinnacles is located along the coast of Western Australia near Jurien Bay. Whenever I look at this photo my eye is lead through the passage of towering rocks into the unknown. A total of 5 images combined with a sandpaper texture were used to create this vertical stitch.

Is this image your cup of tea?

I’m really interested to hear your feed back on the sort of images you like seeing on this blog. The feedback is really important to me as I am planning to make all my landscape and wildlife photos I take next year free to download. There will of course be an option to donate if you wish. You can read about my future plans in an article written by Maximilian Majewski. Check out the link to the article on one of my previous posts – The Meaning of Free

Please leave a comment below and let me know what sort of photos you would like to see in the future. Thank you.

Until next time – Happy Shooting

The Scene Was Born

The deafening howl increased as wind shuttled passed my ears.  My vision was temporarily interrupted, the blast of sand in my eyes was agonizing.  Recovering the gritty debris from my vision I wasn’t about to retreat to the car without exercising my camera. Nothing was going to stop me.

The picture before me was developing into a scene…one that was worth waiting for.

The light was starting to revel itself from lost clouds gathering on the distant horizon.  Secure in its footings the wooden jetty stood strong against the battling water thrashing against its dilapidating wooden boards. Seaweed draped over the edge of the wet structure breaking up horizontal repetition within the frame.  My mind raced as fast as the clouds gathered in front of me.

With the fishing trawler awaiting a new dawn  the light above began to broadcast itself between the clouds. A magical glow illuminated the camera sensor into action. The scene was born.

If you would like to see the scene I also took from this spot check out my recent post – Beauty Abounds in Port Gregory.

Until next time – Happy Shooting!

Rural Tractor

When I saw this scene on the side of the road I had to stop and take a photo. I used to drive a tractor similar to this once. Every second day I would get up early in the morning to deliver hay to hungry cows. Living in the country was certainly on the of great joys in life. Fresh air and vast landscapes….what more could you want?

 

Until next time – Happy Shooting.

Abandoned Wreck

 

The distant memories of a loved car – forever forgotten.

Ghostly trees stood still, silently witnessing the devastating scene. The abandoned wreck lay alone and motionless.

Blistering paint cracked and peeled under the burning light; heat to intense to move. The ride was no more.

Pride and joy just a distant memory.

Forever lost. Forever forgotten.

 

Until next time – Happy Shooting!

Landscape Photography – Is It Really Worth It?

I got asked a few days ago is landscape photography really worth it? It sort of got me thinking about why I do it. I suppose this post is some of my thoughts on the subject and hopefully it answers the question – is landscape photography really worth it?

There is nothing like the feeling of the ocean breeze in your hair or the silence of a still desert night; these feelings are part of an experience that makes landscape photography so important to me.

When I lived in Albany, Western Australia I met Andrew Halsall who showed me just how to appreciate landscape photography. I always thought landscape photography was about arriving in a remote location only to unpack heavy photography gear.  My thoughts had left me with the impression landscapes were was such a waste of time – I mean all that travel just to set up the camera on a tripod and take a photo – what a stupid idea!  I couldn’t have been more wrong! I was shown there was a lot more to photographing landscape than I had imagined.

My thoughts started to change when I was taken on a few landscape adventures armed with some of Andrew’s essentials which included a camp cooker, stove top coffee plunger and some great humor. I have great memories of camping under the stars on uncomfortable ground after relentless days of hiking through the Stirling’s or even cooking toasted bacon sandwiches whilst the camera was photographing a star trail.  Thinking back now I know that these experiences are really why landscape photography is one of the photographic subjects I now pursue.

Bluff Knoll, Stirling Ranges National Park

Living in Western Australia, I have been fortunate to photograph forests, oceans, deserts, mountains and salt lakes. I truly believe Western Australia has some amazing landscapes. You simply just need to get out there to photograph it.

So what does it take to photograph a landscape?

Simply put – determination! All you need is a little bit of determination to get yourself out of bed. The cold mornings and nights when all you want to do is go to back to sleep are the moments when you need to push yourself. My mums voice ” You’ll enjoy it when you get there” is a constant reminder which haunts me to get out of bed.  The thought of getting up in darkness to take a photo is clearly mad for non photographers but the experience when you see the sunrise over a valley or a shooting star really makes the effort worthwhile.

Hunter Valley, New South Wales

I suppose what separates landscape photographers from the happy snappers is really a simple answer – you either enjoy landscape photography or you don’t. Being a landscape photographer isn’t really something you just think about it is something you become. It becomes a passion.  All you need to do is get out there, make sure you have a full battery and memory card and the landscape will do the rest. Although don’t get me wrong there is a lot of art and post production behind a good landscape photographer but that will come with time and experience.

I really have never been much of a writer or philosopher but photographer yes! My motivation to get out and photograph the landscape comes down to the love of the outdoors. So next time you aren’t motivated in your photography just remember to break past the mind barrier and get outdoors with your camera in hand – I’ll tell you now you won’t regret it.

Lake Leschenaultia, Western Australia

Until next time – Happy Shooting.

The Colours of Australia – The Pilbara