I hadn’t been to Canberra for a number of years, so it was fun re-exploring this city.  I was hoping to get some mood shots with the waterfall that usually sprays out of Lake Burley Griffin, but it wasn’t spraying the weekend I was there…

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This is one of the boats used to transport cargo from the large freight ships, to the shore.  It’s obviously been long retired, and looks perfect next to one of the old penal settlement buildings.  The black and white effect was achieved in Photoshop with Gradient Map, then had the glow added over the top.

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Here is the northern coastline view from the Captain Cook monument lookout:

There is such a lot of historical happenings on this island, and the locals have definitely captured that and kept it alive, which is wonderful.  The monument where this view is from gives you the historical significance of the site and is incredibly serene.  Definitely need a polarising filter though!

Here is probably my favourite photographic location on the island - Anson Bay.  I just loved this place.  The view from the top of the hill, walking down and once at the bottom - every angle is beautiful.  The crystal clear water makes the coast look less menacing - almost serene…

Finally, this was taken near Point Howe and really shows how rugged some of the coastline can be.

There are actually only two places on the island that a large boat can moor and offload supplies - Kingston Pier and Cascade Pier.  They are on different sides of the angle, so it depends on the wind and how rough the waters are.  Just an incredible island to explore!

Because everyday was bright and sunny, my polarising filter became my best friend.  I call this my camera’s sunglasses.  It works particularly well when photographing water.  Here is Anson Bay, which was perhaps the most visually stunning:

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Over my break between Christmas and New Year I went to Norfolk Island, which is a 2 hour flight south-east of Brisbane, where I live.  I had never been there before, and though it’s considered part of Australia in many ways, it is a unique place with it’s own Administration.

It’s a small island, and the only way around is by car.  That said, there are no traffic lights, and only 1 roundabout, which has become a sort of ’signpost’ to direct the tourists by.

I was there for just over a week and it was fantastic.  It is such a relaxing place and you really feel like you’ve had a proper break after being there.  If you’re interested in underwater photography, or landscape photography, this is a great place.  Plus, there is a lot of history to capture.

Over the next few weeks I’ll break down my stay there, in photos.

Here is the first real image I have - the view from my apartment.  I’ll let the photographs speak for themselves.  Here is looking left:

It was a bright sunny day, so needless to say I was using my new Hoya HD Circular Polarising filter!  Now, let’s look right:

Just spectacular, sitting out on the balcony looking at this view.  That’s just the start of my travel and photographic adventures.  Stay tuned! 

Speaking of celebrating - what better way than to enjoy a fine meal at a restaurant with a 5 star view!  This is RPRs - the rooftop restaurant at Royal Pines Resort at the Gold Coast.

It is a rare find to get a restaurant like this these days.  It is extremely popular and books out weeks in advance.  It’s also a favourite location for anniversaries, as I discovered.  The day I photographed the restaurant, they were expecting a 50th anniversary couple - you’ll see the table arrangements the restaurant organised soon.

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Recently visiting the Royal Pines Golf Resort at the Gold Coast, I caught site of something that you just don’t see everyday - a tinsel adored golf buggy.

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I picked up my new toy over the weekend and set about photographing a weekend down the beautiful Gold Coast.  I stayed at the Royal Pines Resort and it was wonderful.  I experimented with the settings see how they worked and every time the camera made my photos look better!  Here is the hotel room:

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All the animals that were brought were native to Australia, and all a little ‘rough’ around the edges.  These animals are made to complement their environment, and blend in to camouflage themselves.

They say never to photograph children and babies.  Well, tame animals are a little easier than in the wild.  Still, getting a decent photograph was a little challenging.

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