Still summer - a month to go but now its raining over a few days. Some bushfires over the past weeks but nothing epic fortunately. I'm taking the time to walk around and see what's what. Many gum trees shedding bark due to very hot conditions. Not so with the european trees. Below some ripple shots looking almost reptilian.
Tree and ripples
A little brightness
Rain, rain, rain... not that we don't like it but it seems like hanging around for sometime. I'd forgotten I 'd taken this a little while ago when the sun was still out.
Yeah.... I think its broken
Near Sydney heads and the open sea. These guys had come to grief. Something seems to be missing. Fortunately. a boat was on the way to help. Otherwise a few other shots from a short trip to manly.
Photo op
New year's eve and a picnic at the beach. Rainy weather predicted seemed to keep people away. Rain didn't happen and a friend asked me to take some shots which would be used back in China. It was achance to have rock shots which some 'life' in it.
Variations
Changes in weather are always a signal to me to go for wander and see what has changed in the environment. Especially the case after significant rainfall and sunshine. Treatment of images, and by that I mean in the conversion process from colour to black and white can yield dramatically different results. All to taste of course. A bit like how much spice you add to a meal. In this case, whether to isolate a subject or highlight texture. The first two images below are maybe 4-6 ft apart. But how they are processed can give very different results.
Still some spring left
Spring has partially arrived though weather has been fairly changeable as always. Having been away for the past several weeks it was good to find these lilies doing well in a nearby pond. Subdued light and subtle tones in the flowers produced and excellent b&w result.
White pointer cruising the rocks
Below are a few images from another coastal foray including what appears to be a white pointer making its way along the rock face.
Enter spring...
No doubt there will be some chilly mornings still to come but the plant life certainly knows the change of seasons. Making use of the Zeiss 120mm macro. An excellent portrait lens as well.
Delving into the past
Not sure when this photo was taken. My grandfather was a sculptor - brought up in Russia until moving to Hungary I think in his late 20s (early last century). Had more talent than me. I would have liked to ask him about his development as an artist or even watch him as he worked. Alas... In his later years, after moving to Australia in the 50s he took to painting and knocked out some landscapes with oil as well as pencil drawings. I was a bit young to ask sensible questions while he was still alive. At least some of his work remains.
Gang Gangs make an appearance
I was lucky to see this pair around the property this morning. In fact its been a couple of years since I have seen these cockatoos. They are native to the areas but not often sighted. They were together foraging on the local flora. I was able to get reasonably close - within a few metres without scaring them off. Both are crested but the male has the lairy hairdoo!
Back to small
I almost forgot I had a macro lens. I'm not a macro specialist by any means, but I have seen some very excellent work, technically flawless, even if the subject matter wasn't my taste. You can see a range of techniques online that include reversing lenses and securing them with gaffer tape to home made macro lighting setups that do a great job. Hats off to the ingenuity of some very creative photographers. There's not much that hasn't been explored out there in the world of photography whether in methodology or subject matter. A designer friend of mine was mentioning the work of a German photographer from early last century. - Karl Blossfeldt. He put together his own camera and took photos that showed the natural patterns inherent in the structure of plants. Seen larger than life, macro shots impart something extra to objects often found around us that are mostly overlooked in our daily routines (isn't that what photography is about anyway?). Well despite being a blowy sort of day, not the best for macro shots where a still subject is usually required, I took the macro (Zeiss 120mm Planar on the Nikon D800) with a couple of extension tubes around the property where I'm staying. Below are a couple of colour and B&W images.
More texture
Not quite sure why I didn't get around to posting. Water stains can provide for some interesting images along the coastline. Especially the second shot, which gives the appearance of rock art with an aboriginal sitting by a camp fire.
Atmosphere
I didn't have to stray far from the track for this shot. Taken in Tasmania on my last trip. This is one of those images that makes it as a colour or b&w. In this case a warm toned conversion. Perhaps it adds a little to the ancient feel and mystery of the landscape.
Form and symbology
The photos that most engage me are those that have some meaning or tell a story or are symbolic in some fashion. If they need to be explained then the viewer won't have the mindset to appreciate it in the same way. Well we all appreciate different things or even appreciate the same thing differently! Specific cultural perspectives will throw up a variety of art forms which other cultures may not be able to 'consume' easily. Symbolism is often rooted in religious beliefs and image types vary from culture to culture. Anyway, after all that, here's the offering. Some other shots from the day will appear on the site in due course.
Return to Tasmania
Its been a few years since I stayed in Tasmania so it was with a fair bit of enthusiasm that I returned there to attend a wedding. It happened to be in Cradle Mountain a well visited tourist and trekking location in north-west Tasmania. The event was held outdoors with the accompaniment of some all too familiar drizzle and occasional shower. I made the most of the day by wandering off for a while through the surrounding rainforest after the event. A couple of my favourite shots are included here.
Another beach day
After being tormented by weeks of heat and humidity we were treated to a significant drop in temperature, a severe thunderstorm and local flooding. I did see significant sand dredging along the coast and plenty of rubbish left on the shore, spewed out by storm water drains. Not much fun swimming in that mix so wandered around the shoreline instead.
An afternoon on the James Craig
For several years the James Craig sat across the bay in Rozelle getting refurbished or whatever the word is when old ships get a facelift. A few of us enjoyed an afternoon aboard in its new Sydney home of Darling Harbour with a view of some famous city landmarks including Sydney Tower.
A quiet stroll...
A couple having a walk by one of the big waterfalls in Iceland - Detifoss perhaps. One thing that strikes you as a visitor to this and many other scenic spots in this country is that there is a conspicuous absence of railings and warnings of obvious dangers. The second thing is an absence of people taking material advantage of visiting 'crowds' by setting up kiosks flogging trinkets and other worthless memorabilia. Just seeing places like this is unforgettable isn't it??
Spring
Too bright and sunny for most types of photography. So, here's a shot of of an Eastern Spinebill just off the back verandah enjoying spring nectar.