Scampi Settling In - Nov09

Scampi has well and truly settled in now. Every nook and cranny of our apartment has been explored and he enjoys lounging on our bed in the mornings. We still cannot take him outside yet and are hanging out for his first walks in the park (he needs his second vaccination).

He is a fast learner as well - so far we have taught him to sit, shake hands and we're working on "fetch" and "down" - he is a great little student, as long as the next treat is being delivered!















(Below): Scampi passed out - note that no puppies were intoxicated during the production of this blog - any resemblance of drunken puppies is purely coincidental...

Scampi's First Days Part II - Nov09

Some more shots of Scampi's first week, including his first bath (which didn't go down well!)...

It has been a fun but very tiring first week. He has bags of energy, is playful, mischievious and will require a lot of our attention. We have taught him how to sit already - bribery with treats works wonders!

Scampi's First Days - Nov09

Scampi has come home! We did a day trip out to pick him up from the breeders who live in Bathurst (and we were greated by his six sisters and brother!). Even though it was a 3 1/2 hour drive back to Sydney, he handled it remarkably well.

The first night had a few dramas (put it down to first night nerves), but he has been a delight. He loves chew toys and chase games and is very affectionate!

Crowded House - Oct09

It has been wet and rainy lately so I thought I'd a) get to learn how to use my studio lights and b) try this technique out I've been reading about. Using a tripod, take multiple exposures of yourself.

To enhance the outcome, dress in different clothes and try and interact with each version of yourself.

Then blend them together (Photomerge then Reposition option) and use layer masks to reveal each image. Comments welcome!

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).