Mt Wilson revisited

What a difference 24 hours makes. Today temperature dropped 12-13 degrees and most of the mountains are covered in mist. Cue to visit Mt Wilson again - populated with private gardens available to view for the public (for a fee), there are many locations within this area that are rich resources for the keen photographer. These are a few shots captured in the course of my visit.

The waterhole

About 45 mins drive from Katoomba is a waterhole whose precise location will remain a secret for the benefit of locals. As it turns out its fairly well populated anyway on sunny days. A generous swimming area surrounded by small cliffs and a weir which takes away excess. Nearby, is a beautiful grotto like space where rock climbers do their thing.

Olympus OM-D EM5

First impressions of the Olympus 4/3 camera are very positive. Will all landscape photographers want to trade their full frame setups for this camera - unlikely. Nevertheless it has a place in the gear especially when light weight together with quality is called for. Light and compact it certainly is. If rumours of a 40MP replacement in Feb 2015 become a reality it may have even more of an impact. Wha.....? 40MP?!! Apparently the sensor shifts to compile a 40MP image. Let's see. In the meantime the 12-40mm f2.8 does an admirable job attached to the M5. Its currently one of three Pro lenses Olympus has on offer. I haven't explored it fully but here's a crop of a square shot taken today at Leura Cascades converted to b&w.

A variation on the reflection theme taken from the water. Reflections onto rock face. Something I couldn't have done with a big heavy DSLR - holding the camera above water while swimming out to a vantage point then holding the camera still enough with one hand to take the shot. I could make EVF adjustments with one hand also.

Wave action

Some shots from time spent on the coast a few weeks ago. Slightly slow exposures around Tamarama and Bronte showing waveforms. In particular a few of the black and whites give the appearance of fur showing texture and movement you don't get to see at faster speeds.

Tamarama - late afternoon light on the waves

Rock shelf at Bronte - water coverage showing waterfall effect is created with just enough exposure time

Foreground wave appears as some giant furry creature

Unlike more general surfing shots which are better viewed as colour images, wave and water details can be rendered with more interest in greyscale. They have a more dynamic appeal

Water flow around rock shelf - Bronte