Pacific Black Duck

By simply choosing a different angle to photograph a common bird art can be created. I hope you like this one!

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

Flower Pop Art

Something to brighten your day!

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

 

I created this artwork using layers blending modes in Photoshop. The effect is kind of cool and funky! I’m interested where do you see a picture like this belonging? In a child’s room; in a museum; at your house or should it go straight to the scrap heap? Thoughts?

I might even do a small tutorial for F Stop Lounge on how to do this – if I get the time! I have a few weddings to edit.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

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

Canon N – The Instagramers camera – a Powershot.

CES has certainly started with a bang with the announcement of the Canon Powershot N.

Who would have thought Canon would introduce something out of the square (pun intended) and call it the Powershot N. Personally I think this camera is designed for the photo sharing communities like Instagram, Tumblr and the New Myspace. In my opinion the camera has been modelled on the successful size of the Go Pro camera. The 8x optical zoom is identical to the previous Powershot A4000 IS which has been a liked feature from many Canon users.

The camera boasts minimal buttons and a really cool design which I’m sure will turn a lot of heads.

Built in Wi-Fi is also a welcome feature for the tech-savvy generation enabling uploads straight to the preferred social media platform via the Canon CameraWindow App which is available for the top iOS devices.

Probably the best feature I like about the N is the flip screen. It’s unlike Canon to develop a screen that rotates up and down as their previous models turned on a horizontal axis. This 2.8 LCD screen is able to rotate 90 degrees which is perfect for the avid skater or general teenager.

Also all the features on the camera can be activated via the stylish touch screen which also acts as a built-in tripod when filming those selfies shots.

To the serious side now and Canon have stood by their quality guns with this barrel. The lens is identical to the Powershot A4000IS which boasts a 8x optical zoom and a minimum aperture of f3.0. I actually played with the Powershot A4000IS yesterday and was amazed at the quality. This camera should be no different.

I think this camera is a welcome release from Canon. Previously we have not seen any change within their entry level Powershot line up. I really do think this camera will do very well with some online marketing behind it. I can see the YouTubers and the younger photo sharers embrace this little beauty. I would certainly own one for my YouTube travels.

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.

Fujifilm X100s and Fujifilm X20 Specs

The following is the press release about the two new cameras the Fujifilm X100s and Fujifilm X20

Fujifilm X100s

Two years ago, FUJIFILM launched the prestigious X100 with a FUJINON 23mm f/2 fixed prime lens and superb image quality, in a beautifully designed compact camera body. Its unique style and international acclaim has carved out a niche for a new genre of Premium Compact Camera, designed in pursuit of optimum operability. Today, FUJIFILM is proud to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X100S, the successor to the FUJIFILM X100, inheriting its elegant design and high-performance lens, whilst evolving further to meet customers’ demands with the introduction of a higher-definition Hybrid Viewfinder and a new sensor and processor.

The X100S has the ability to capture high resolution images, comparable to those taken on full-frame sensors. This is down to a combination of its newly-developed 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and EXR Processor II, which together increase resolution by approx. 25% (*2) and reduce noise by more than 30% (*3). Clear images with minimal graininess, even at high ISO settings, can also be produced, thanks to the removal of the optical low pass filter and the introduction of a more powerful processor.

The newly-developed X-Trans CMOS II sensor has built-in Phase Detection pixels which provide the X100S with the world’s fastest AF in as little as 0.08 seconds (*1). Additionally, the EXR Processor II offers very speedy response times with a start-up time of approx. 0.5 seconds (*4), and a shooting interval of 0.5 seconds. Plus with its shutter time lag of only 0.01 seconds, it allows you to react quickly and capture each precise moment you want to with no missed photo opportunities.
Also new to the FUJIFILM X100S is the world’s first (*5) “Digital Split Image” feature, which displays dual images on the left and right to be lined up for manual focusing. This enables accurate focusing especially when working with an open aperture or macro shooting. What’s more there is a handy Focus Peak Highlight function, which shows you precisely which area of your composition is in focus.

Depending on the subject and scene, users can switch between two viewfinder options: optical or electronic. The Optical Viewfinder (OVF) is useful when users want to see their subject in the same bright clarity that they see with the naked eye, or when time lag is an issue. The high resolution 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) is useful when you want to be able to visually check focus, exposure, white balance and depth of field whilst composing the shot.

Main Features

(1) Sensor performance comparable to full-frame output
The X100S features FUJIFILM’s newly-developed 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor with a unique, highly randomised, colour filter arrangement. The benefit of the new array is the elimination of the need for an optical low-pass filter; these are used in conventional sensors to reduce false colour and moiré effects but they also reduce image resolution. The removal of the optical low-pass filter allows the X-Trans CMOS II sensor to maximise the light it receives directly, enabling users to capture much finer detail and optimise resolution levels.

Behind the Scenes – How Film is Developed and Printed

Have you ever wondered how your film is developed?

So what’s first? Let me take you through the process…

To start get your favourite old camera out. You know that camera you found at an op shop or garage sale. The one that says Lomo on the side or Leica on the top? Either way its still around and you might as well put it to some use.  Load your favourite film and continue by spending the morning or afternoon out photographing your favourite subject.

Once you have finished your shoot the satisfying sound of the rewinding film should be music to your ears. With a smile head into your local film lab to get your marvellous shots processed. At this point you should be smiling as you have captured images on the original camera sensor – film! ….and nothing beats the original right?

So now your film has arrived, you can continue on your journey while the staff at the film lab go ahead and turn your art into memories. Your little favourite film’s journey is just about to begin.

Fujifilm X20 and X100s

The new Fujifilm X20 camera will be arriving shortly at CES.

The newly designed camera seems to be about the same size as the original Fujifilm X10 and now has a choice of black or silver.

In my opinion the silver model looks the better colour choice as I think it represents the retro look better than the black.

I have been shooting with the Fujifilm X-100, Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and occasionally with the Fujifilm X10 and found the image results from all three cameras have been very satisfying.

There was some debate in the earlier firmware versions of the Fujifilm X10 camera about the sensor producing orb like rings around bright lights. I’m sure this ‘problem’ will have been resolved in the new X20.

Aesthetically I don’t really see much difference between the X10 and X20 however internally the new camera is rumoured to have phase detection pixels and contrast detection to aid a superior focus system. Something Fujifilm fans have asked for in previous versions.

Fujifilm will also be releasing an updated version of the high successful X100 called the Fujifilm X100s. I imagine many of the menu features found on the X-Pro 1 will migrate to the new X20 and X100s.

You can read my full thoughts on the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 here.

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

GEAR FOR SALE

The time has come for me to make the move away from my Canon kit. I won’t say much more as its all in the video. All the prices and details can be seen below the video or on my YouTube channel.

If you have any questions on my gear simply visit the YouTube page and read the comments section under the video – you should find all the answers there. If you have any other questions comment below here on my blog.

A few ground rules first.
I will be VERY selective to replying to people on Youtube and other social platforms about general questions about the gear I am selling.

The condition of the gear is talked about in the video so all your questions should be answered there.

The purchaser will have to pay for any shipping and any landing fees (for example VAT) to their country.
All goods will be sent via AUSTRALIA POST. Items will be very well packed in bubble wrap and double boxed. To work out a rough guide for postage costs see the following links (All items will be sent from Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia 6160):

For international postage: http://auspost.com.au/apps/international-parcel.html
For parcels within Australia: http://auspost.com.au/apps/domestic-parcel.html

There will be no returns on purchased goods.

Payment can be made via Paypal. I will only release the goods once I recieve full payment. I am a man of my word. If you don’t believe me speak with anyone who knows me online (Google+ or simply google my name ‘Leigh Diprose’)

The list of gear I’m selling is:
1x Canon EOS 1D MK IV Body Only – AUD $4500.00
(AUSTRALIAN BUYERS ONLY FOR THIS ITEM due to the item containing batteries)

WORLDWIDE SHIPPING for any lenses:
1x Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens – AUD $1600.00
1x Sigma EX 120-300mm f/2.8 APO DG Lens – AUD $1500.00
1x Canon MP-E65mm f/2.8 1-5x Lens – AUD $800.00
1x Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite – AUD $700.00
1x Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens – AUD $750.00
1x Sigma 2x Teleconverter (Canon Mount) – AUD $150.00

To get in contact with me you can see all my contact details on my site – http://www.leighdiprose.com

2012 – My Year in Review

My year in review. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the blog this year. Well done to the top 5 people who left comments and the numerous regulars who like and sometimes dislike my photos and stories. You are my inspiration. I have a massive year planned for 2013 and I can’t wait to share my ideas with you all in mid January. I’m off to photograph a wedding today so until next time have a safe a happy New Year!

Here’s an excerpt:

4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 53,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 12 Film Festivals

Click here to see the complete report.

My Thoughts on the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VI DC USD Lens

In my view the Tamron SP 24-70mm with the new VC gets the big tick of approval. Let me tell you why:

To start there are a number of great reviews online already showcasing the many advantages and some disadvantages of the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/28 DI VC USD lens. I wanted my review to be a little bit different.  I haven’t really seen many low light photographs from this lens so I decided to pursue some lightning and star photography to show something a little bit different.

As you can see from the above specs the lens has a whopping 82mm filter. Most photographers who have a wide-angle lens will find the filter size to be different from their kits. The only other lens I can think of that uses this size is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L lens.

Personally I had an 82mm Hoya Pro1 Digital UV filter lying around so I was able to utilize it for the lightning photos shown below. To be fair on image testing I only used the filter on the lightning photographs due to the wet weather.  As a side note if you are using a filter on any good quality lens be sure NOT to purchase the cheapest filter out there. Go for the highest quality otherwise you are only going to degrade the glass quality of the lens. For the majority of my work I use LEE filters and Hoya Pro1 Digital filters.

Beautiful White Swan

As you may remember earlier this month I posted the Beautiful Black Swan… this is my follow up photograph.

I am pleased to announce:

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

December 2012 – White Swan.jpg

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD THE PHOTO FOR FREE.

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

REMEMBER TO SHARE THE LOVE

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Fujifilm Digital meet Kodak Film

Today I felt a bit of a creative spark after seeing some really amazing film images.

I wanted to take a photo on the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 and try to recreate the cross processed film look similar to what you see from a sprocket rocket camera (where the developed film includes the film sprockets) so I went to the beach after work to get the idea going.

Kodak Gold 400 Stressed Film

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

From the bottom of my heart thank you for visiting, commenting and liking my photographs.

Horse at Sunrise

Worldwide Google+ Photographers Photo Competition

Another successful worldwide photo competition has finished and the winner has been selected!

The entries into the Google+ Photographers Competition were outstanding! I couldn’t believe the quality of work that was submitted on Google+. Certainly is the best place for photographers. For the full details on how the competition worked click on the banner below:

Now to the important details – the winning image!

The winning photograph was a beautiful black and white photo of a sheep by Gerald Fischer. The post process carried out of the image was superb.  Gerald won himself a $100.00 B&H voucher for winning the competition!

Gerald Fischer

The images which made the finalists were:

Helena Martins – Stairs To The Past

Markus Landsmann – The Colognebay

Mathieu Archambault

Máximo Panés – Jump

Micah Burke – Eclipse Montage

All of the finalist photographs were judged on the following criteria. Each photo was awarded a score out of 100 points:

1.    (25 points) How creative the photograph is.

2.    (25 points) How original the photograph is.

3.    (25 points) What the technical photographic quality is like.

4.    (25 points) How good is the Post Processing Techniques?

The winner was selected from the highest total combined score from all the judges.

Here are the total scores for the above images:

Do you agree with the judge’s verdict? Lets see what the people’s choice would have been: Vote below in the poll:

The judging of the final image was broadcast LIVE via my YouTube channel.  Check out the full recorded On Air Google+ Hangout below and watch what the judges had to say about the image.

A big shout out to all the international judges for their dedication to photography and their time.

Matt Granger – That Nikon Guy , André Appel, Joshua Fisher, Don Noll, Andy Gray, Jack Salzke and Helen Sotiriadis.

If you are an imaging wholesaler or photography store and wish to promote your social media and reach online please get in contact with me via leighdiprosephotography@yahoo.com to find out how I can promote your business through one of my photo competitions.  

Until next time – Happy Shooting!

Little Update

A little update for you:

I have been quite ill over the last 24 hours and have been battling through my full time job as well as trying to keep up on my social media, my blogs and wedding photography business. I will try to bring you some photos soon but at the moment I have to focus on getting better. Hopefully I will be fit and well enough to post some more photos over the next couple of days.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting.

How to Photograph Fireworks

Check out my latest tutorial over on F Stop Lounge on how to photograph Fireworks

 

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.

Fine Art Osprey

The Osprey would certainly be my favourite bird to photograph because they have so much character.

This Osprey was happy to pose for me on my last trip to Geraldton with Shawn Haywood. The sun shone brightly so I was able to get the amazing catch light in its eye.  I used about 5 images of trees, clouds and an oil tank to create this fine art portrait. Enjoy.

 

 

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Portrait of a Barn Owl

This fine art portrait of a Barn Owl was photographed on one of my visits to South Africa.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Morning Fog

This photo was taken at Gordon River in Western Australia which is a very small patch of water between Perth and Albany. For some reason I keep getting the name mixed up with Gregory River. Oh well…I don’t really like this image because I think the fog has contributed to the grain in the final image.

Please be brutally honest (I mean very brutal please) and let me know what you think about the overall image. Does this image rock your boat or should I have kept it in the archives? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

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

The Golden Elephant

Photographed in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

I really didn’t want to get any closer than this. This guy was huge!

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

Beautiful Black Swan

The Black Swan is a unique species found in Australia as it is the only swan in the world to be completely black. I photographed this beautiful bird in the early morning light and created my next fine art wildlife piece. Enjoy

 

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Google+ Communities – Google+ Photographers Community

I have just launched a brand new photography community called Google+ Photographers Community which can be found over on Google+.

Google has only yesterday released a new platform called communities which combines the best of Google+, YouTube, Google Groups and Google Events all in the one place. A community is ideally based on a subject, within the subject users are able to post their content directly to a sub-category.

Since the launch there has been many communities formed however I did notice that there was no place which combined the things in photography that interested me. So I decided to create the Google+ Photographers Community (GPC).

Within GPC I have created the following categories:

No Category – For any unassigned category content

General Discussion – No pictures are posted here. This category is simply about every day photography.

I AM….  – Is a place where new users can introduce themselves to the rest of the community.

Announcements – Any new product announcements.

Rumours – Gear Rumours

Android Devices – Community members post photos and content related to Android Devices.

Apple Devices – Community members post photos and content related to Apple Devices.

Canon – Community members post photos and content related to Canon gear.

Casio – Community members post photos and content related to Casio gear.

Fujifilm – Community members post photos and content related to Fujifilm gear.

GoPro – Community members post photos and content related to GoPro gear.

Kodak – Community members post photos and content related to Kodak gear.

Leica – Community members post photos and content related to Leica gear.

Nikon – Community members post photos and content related to Nikon gear.

Olympus – Community members post photos and content related to Olympus gear.

Panasonic – Community members post photos and content related to Panasonic gear.

Pentax Ricoh – Community members post photos and content related to Pentax or Ricoh gear.

Samsung – Community members post photos and content related to Samsung gear.

Sigma – Community members post photos and content related to Sigma gear.

Sony – Community members post photos and content related to Sony gear.

Events – +Leigh Diprose will run a weekly photo competition based on a photographic theme. Participants will be able to share their photos directly to the themed Event.

My future plan is to entangle my blog and Google community together with future events and google hangouts posted weekly to my YouTube channel and here on the blog.

The hangouts will talk about the latest in photographic gear as well as review some of the latest product. I can’t wait to see where this leads. In the first few hours almost 200 people have joined the community and the engagement between the users has been fantastic. ***Update*** 359 Members!

If you have any questions on the new community please let me know in the comments.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting

Endangered – Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo

Western Australia is truly an amazing place. I am very fortunate to be able to travel this great state and see many places and experience many rare sites. The Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo is one of those birds that stops you in your tracks!  Its truly a rare beautiful site when you see one of the birds these days.

I wanted to photograph this bird and bring the endangered cockatoo to everyone’s attention. I know of a few places where these birds gather in large numbers of 200 or more and for most locals these birds are considered pests but for the rest of the world these birds are extremely rare as they can only be found in parts of Western Australia.

Please enjoy the beauty of this creature and pay close attention to the environment around you next time you are outdoors….lets all preserve our wildlife for the next generation.

 

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting (That’s photographing to the non photographer!)

 

Sunsets and Storms

Just a quick update.

I have been busy over the last few days photographing some amazing sunsets with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1. I have also been given the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC II Lens (Canon Mount) to test out.
Today I captured some storm photos with the Tamron lens and in the next few weeks you should see a review on the blog.
Fujifilm are also sending me the Fujifilm X-E1 with 18-55mm to test out. I expect to see the camera in the next few weeks so stay tuned to the blog by subscribing.

Until Then – Hapoy Sooting!

Smiles on a Wedding Day

Photographing people simply makes me smile.

Splendid Fairy Wren

This Splendid Fairy Wren or more commonly known as the Blue Wren would have to be one of the most spectacular birds in Australia.

Photographing these small birds can be quite challenging  A steady hand, long lens and quick focus certainly help. I think all my bucket practice certainly came in handy!

Have you ever photographed one of these birds before? I would be interested to see your photos so be sure to drop a link to any of your images below.

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

City Of Perth – Christmas Sparkle

After working most of the day on a photography shoot in the City of Perth I wandered around the streets taking in the sights and sounds of the Christmas celebrations.

Dazzling Christmas decorations, a rotund Santa and a walking Christmas tree (lady on stilts) were some of the festive highlights of the Christmas city scape. The place was full of cheer and joy as families shopped in the summer sun.

Considering the abundance of festive spirit which surrounded me I decided to photograph with a Christmas theme in mind.  So I give you the abstract West Australian version of snow flakes – water frozen in time!

These photos were taken at the fountain at newly developed Forrest Chase. Merry Christmas!

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!

Kings Park

I had a bit of a play with this photo in Photoshop to try and create a 3D effect. Do you think it worked? Vote below.

 

Creating Art With Photoshop

I have just finished a video tutorial for F Stop Lounge on how to create art using Photoshop. Click on the picture to be taken to the video tutorial. Be sure to comment over on F Stop Lounge if you found the tutorial helpful.

 

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

The Morning Rush

THE MORNING RUSH

A moving box parks itself until the 5 o’clock freedom rings the office bell. Polished shoes and designer heels rapidly progress as they meet the cold concrete.  The call of the office worker abides by the rhythm of the working day as it echoes within the urban jungle.

Fluorescent lights gleam upon the clinical cubicle illuminating the to do list. The awaking of the enslaved wired communication device, which sits before them, quickly changes the focus. The cloud and network entangles the inbox as the office worker gazes at the workload building before them. Messages and meetings overflow from their mind. The viral list never seems to end.

But hark a sound of freedom – the tick of the last second before the clock strains to five. The fight has just begun.

Accelerators hit the floor as the chorus of bleating horns flood the air. Egos dribble and spill from the monotonous radio. Slow moving metal clots the road. Minutes turn and the hour passes.

A beacon of light shines upon the weary traveller as the familiar driveway signals home. The castle door opens and shuts out the rush. A sigh of relief fills the halting car.

Another day. Another dollar. The time to hang up the suit has come. A deserving break awaits the tired worker for the cycle will continue.

 

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

Mechanic

 

Until Next Time – Happy Shooting!

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

Perth Wedding Photography

Perth Wedding Photography

I decided to take this stunning wedding dress outside to photograph it against the vibrant background of the West Australian bush.

Two words – simply beautiful. Katherine looked amazing.

DSLR GEAR NO IDEA

I laughed so hard as soon as I saw this!

Perth Wedding Photography – Sam and Katherine