Mar 11 2010
My apologies for the long break. I’ve been doing a bit of weekend travelling. One of my recent trips was to our nation’s capital, Canberra.
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…
Feb 04 2010
This is one of the last posts solely dedicated to Norfolk Island. Seeing as this island is full of nature beauty, I now wanted to showcase how the history looks through the eye of black and white (with a few Photoshop enhancements, such as Diffused Glow).
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.
Jan 28 2010
In a previous post I looked at the beaches of Norfolk Island, and here I’m focussing on the coastline in general, as from nearly every vantage point the coastline changes!
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!
Jan 21 2010
Coming from Queensland in Australia, and having travelled a bit, I’ve seen some beautiful beaches. Norfolk Island didn’t really compare from a swimming beach perspective, but the coastline and water colour was stunning.
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:
Jan 14 2010
Happy New Year! Well, it’s been a nice break. Now, it’s back into the next year, in full swing!
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! 
Dec 31 2009
Happy New Year! Enjoy a fun, and safe New Year’s Eve.
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.
Dec 24 2009
Christmas is a time of family, friends, eating, celebration, eating, relaxation, eating, Christmas lights, eating, Christmas Carols, and in some circles… golf. This time of year is well renowned for upping the ‘kitsch’ factor, and apparently golf courses are not immune.
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.
Dec 17 2009
OK, I’m a ‘little’ excited. I just got the Canon 5D, and I LOVE IT!
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:
Dec 10 2009
Animals are amazing. Regardless of whether or not they’re cute, I find the animal kingdom an amazing thing. At a Christmas party recently, a wildlife display was organised (for the kids). Being a big kid myself, I enjoyed this more than the sit down 3 course lunch
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.
Dec 03 2009
Christmas is a fun time of year. Lots of decorations, parties, presents and Christmas Carols. I was recently in Sydney’s Rocks area and they were decorating with a difference - using recycled soft drink bottles…
