Toy Town Creative Shots - Oct09

I was reading an article in Digital Camera about how to make landscape shots appear as though they are small models - this technique works especially well where you are looking down onto a landscape with people from a reasonable distance back.

It can also be highly effective with vehicles, giving them a small model appearance.

These shots are images I have taken over the last few years of our travelling. My favourite is the Wellington waterfront panoramic with the colourful boatsheds (first image) - click on all images to enlarge. Enjoy!

Sydney Dust Storm - Oct09

Imagine waking up to think you are inside an inferno - this is what it felt like on 23rd September when we both woke up!

A huge dust storm swept across Sydney (and much of NSW for that matter) - the conditions were caused by a cold front that lifted top soil from parts of western NSW and South Australia.

These shots were taken from our balcony around 6.20am that morning. Evidently it was blood red around 6am (while we were still snoozing). You can see where the sun should be - in the top right, the colouring is more yellow!

Click on each image to enlargen (especially the first which is a panoramic).

Young Scampi

A few images of "Scampi", courtesy of his owner. We pick him up early November!



Peering at the lens and using his sister as a leaning post...



In picture below, he is the second from the right



Taking a nap (he is on the right)



On of the earliest shots of him (second from right) with his one brother and three sisters



These are more recent photos. His ears are now raised (he is the first in the litter).

NZ Trip - August 2009

Jenn and I spent 10 days in New Zealand at the start of August. We had a lovely time and it was a chance to catch up with my parents in Christchurch, my sister Venessa in Wellington and my friends Carl and Anrik.

We travelled up the coast of the South Island and did the Whale Watching Experience which was incredible. We had stunning weather and clear views of the Southern Alps. We also saw three sperm whales (better than the average of 1.5, according to one of the guides).

After Kaikoura, we briefly visited Blenheim, then caught a ferry to Wellington before spending a few days there. On one night, my cousin (Phil) asked me to photograph his wife (Helen) performing at a gig at the Bodega venue in the city. Enjoy the pictures!


Christchurch from the Port Hills


Seal on Kaikoura Coast


Sunrise over Kaikoura






Diving down the depths for 2 1/2 hours!




Sculpture in Wellington


Wellington beach huts

The next few shots are from the gig at Bodega, with Helen on saxophone.







The last five photos are panoramics I stitched together. Click on each image to expand.

Bondi Beach at Dawn - Jul 2009

After a four month absence, I dragged myself out of bed for some more Sydney coastal shots. Our closest beach, Bondi, is just down the road and I hadn't covered that yet.

It is probably Australia's most famous beach and it is not difficult to see why with the expansive beach, the surrounding coastal walks and Bondi Icebergs. Enjoy the shots.

Tim's Weekend Sydney Visit - Jun09

My good friend Tim came to visit us last weekend from Adelaide. As it was his first trip to Sydney, we covered a fair bit of ground (and must have walked about 30 kms!).

I took him on a tour around the Opera House, the Rocks, across the Harbour Bridge, Luna Park, George St, Darling Harbour and the coastal beaches.

Here are a selection of piccies. As usual, click on the panoramics to get the full picture. Enjoy!

Close ups of Sydney Opera House







Sydney from the Harbour Bridge



Bondi Icebergs



Maroubra Rock Pool