tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7022012369602215772024-03-19T05:50:22.112-07:00Red Centre NaturescapesSmacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-47900425858802721112012-03-08T17:01:00.000-08:002012-03-08T17:01:14.273-08:00Best of 2011I know this is a little late but it seems like a really important process in improving ones photography. By reflecting on my achievements over the last year, Im able to look at where Ive improved as a photographer and, more importantly, identify the areas I really need to work on.<br />
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1. Spotted harrier with plains mouse, Andado Station on the edge of the Simpson Desert<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz6dCIRC7X14rbd_rFVSWeR-qKJV-h0WX8iil0gxmBBToOvLMuNr18sfls4n7gytP_T6VGrVFsaPYd7JD_zwTRiapVLXHKSr5rI4NzkaU4g9A-bx6VRDn3rg5uaYcUSuc-l9b1Wrhy3LL/s1600/Spotted_harrier_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz6dCIRC7X14rbd_rFVSWeR-qKJV-h0WX8iil0gxmBBToOvLMuNr18sfls4n7gytP_T6VGrVFsaPYd7JD_zwTRiapVLXHKSr5rI4NzkaU4g9A-bx6VRDn3rg5uaYcUSuc-l9b1Wrhy3LL/s320/Spotted_harrier_small.jpg" width="276" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although this shot would ideally have had the harrier facing towards me, I was pretty stoked with the composition and the angle of the wings. It really tells the story of the gibber plains down on Andado. Most of the time they are incredibly barren and harsh but after good rains the grasses and forbs grow, produce seed and the fauna booms! For me, it demonstrates my improvements in fieldcraft, including being able to stalk wary fauna, hand-holding a long lens reasonably steady and having patience! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Salt lake panorama, Newhaven Reserve</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4mlaSS0NRn6-uvqdPw0Kl5H8jFwYXjuAhbN_258bJLBK0gky7vi7AON70Y_zmcd_XYz7MVKbmviHgy0jUmjxq_aCliyWF2JSssZZ4PcWbG9SRKrptg5ZMNTMDUej8nQy2zK3PS42lFk8/s1600/Untitled_Panorama1_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4mlaSS0NRn6-uvqdPw0Kl5H8jFwYXjuAhbN_258bJLBK0gky7vi7AON70Y_zmcd_XYz7MVKbmviHgy0jUmjxq_aCliyWF2JSssZZ4PcWbG9SRKrptg5ZMNTMDUej8nQy2zK3PS42lFk8/s320/Untitled_Panorama1_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This was one of my first attempts at stitching photos together in photoshop to make a panorama. In the end I used four landscape orientated shots to produce the image. The light at sunset was simply spectacular and although there isn't a standout feature that draws attention, the feeling of space in the full sized image is incredible and is exactly what I was after. One day I'd like a large printout of this image on my wall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ive always loved backlit shots of wildlife and this was my first solid dig at a macropod using this approach. Its flawed because the vegetation at ground level is a little distracting and the body isn't as sharp as I'd like but apart from that I wouldn't change a thing. Also, I now have a monopod so hopefully I'll be a able to gain more depth of field without lumbering around with my full-sized tripod. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Dead barn owl, Todd River south of Alice Springs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2FCwhhf4RsRJEXp96LZa2zMPrDC8zTFbDPx7NZ10JMEX5kvdAon9t8a3k-GDAtWYrMZN9lhYqxEykZ9G0niLwx_HJAPsoMlHv7vdJwmrsAVnVQLDi7g4Gt228EjlZY0HhGky0un4X_q8/s1600/IMG_7703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2FCwhhf4RsRJEXp96LZa2zMPrDC8zTFbDPx7NZ10JMEX5kvdAon9t8a3k-GDAtWYrMZN9lhYqxEykZ9G0niLwx_HJAPsoMlHv7vdJwmrsAVnVQLDi7g4Gt228EjlZY0HhGky0un4X_q8/s320/IMG_7703.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This shot is simple and tells a sad story, the unfortunate collateral damage caused by barbed wire fences. I think for shots like this, where the light is nothing special, angle and composition is everything and this is an area where Ive really improved over the last year. I don't usually add vignetting but for this image it helped focus attention on the bird and I think adds to the somberness of the mood. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Sand dune, Andado Station on the edge of the Simpson Desert</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although this is such a cliché, I really couldn't help myself. Simple lines, subtle texture and the red/blue contrast are what makes it work. Its actually really difficult to find bare sand dunes in central Australia and this one on Andado Station is about the best I know of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. Great Cormorant, Ormiston Gorge in the West MacDonnell NP</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolvI6e4NoeXdCu4XCfQ7ZkG_bXmIGioFHFEv917NtgNH5ddJKfQnm_86ZkdVsCVnwr4jKTI83HpBYc5ZlkIvLijQC0KNhq1til_q4PiYkmtx6Mf7eTFq3rJ5V3ZjmO2yrTzSHLixlvJBI/s1600/Great+cormorant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolvI6e4NoeXdCu4XCfQ7ZkG_bXmIGioFHFEv917NtgNH5ddJKfQnm_86ZkdVsCVnwr4jKTI83HpBYc5ZlkIvLijQC0KNhq1til_q4PiYkmtx6Mf7eTFq3rJ5V3ZjmO2yrTzSHLixlvJBI/s320/Great+cormorant.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This may not appeal to everyone but you can't deny that Ive captured a very unique pose. This cormorant actually held this position for about a minute and I think the eye contact makes it a very candid, almost comical shot. I also think the lack of colour makes it work, with the yellow on the face really standing out and drawing the viewers attention. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. Track, Old Andado on the edge of the Simpson Desert</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC5h09lwjv9koHtPWNpdmp4bI-4UHbSmZps9B78Z5-KBH3TgytQnTbZfvlA5H74_Td9m1o4EZi00OIJV4iPkBBinQMyg5jdIC1VPNhppRVEfbkTBESvdq1LJVu9dP7UKYBvhJ9TMMqHdP/s1600/IMG_0481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTC5h09lwjv9koHtPWNpdmp4bI-4UHbSmZps9B78Z5-KBH3TgytQnTbZfvlA5H74_Td9m1o4EZi00OIJV4iPkBBinQMyg5jdIC1VPNhppRVEfbkTBESvdq1LJVu9dP7UKYBvhJ9TMMqHdP/s320/IMG_0481.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took this shot handheld but wish I'd taken the time to set it up on the tripod. This place has so many good memories for me and this image helps bring them back. Composition wise, I don't think I could have done much better with the track leading the eye to the swamp in the background. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8. Black-fronted dotterel, 2-mile in the West MacDonnell NP</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the colours in this one and for me was a good demonstration of what can happen if you sit still enough in an area with abundant wildlife. Patience is not my forte but im getting better!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9. Brown Goshawk, Sudan Station on the Barkly Tableland </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another good lesson for me in patience as I spent a couple of hours carefully following this goshawk as it hunted doves and finches. I think it really tells the story of the brown goshawk too; a bird that loves to sit in deep cover before bursting out in the open to chase or pounce on unsuspecting birds. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
10. Campsite, Old Andado Homestead on the edge of the Simpson Desert</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA1tMIByGAPIcN1AovfhyphenhyphenTtWsNZ2N5UVJVVNysJzj-ZtUqIl-tGANaQjnv0HC4_zX3VDLOHAihIQQRGRLLkpLoGauLAoZKia9j8ByXceJqqIO1zBg-fycBL8VX_afovVwQUppVxSm81OC/s1600/IMG_0866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA1tMIByGAPIcN1AovfhyphenhyphenTtWsNZ2N5UVJVVNysJzj-ZtUqIl-tGANaQjnv0HC4_zX3VDLOHAihIQQRGRLLkpLoGauLAoZKia9j8ByXceJqqIO1zBg-fycBL8VX_afovVwQUppVxSm81OC/s320/IMG_0866.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apart from bringing back fond memories of camping under the stars, this shot really demonstrated to me the high ISO/low noise potential of my 5D mkII. I hope to get creative with some more star shots this winter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sumary</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2011 was my best year so far for wildlife photography and Im pretty comfortable with where this aspect of my photography is heading. Ive entered quite a few photographs into the 2012 ANZANG competition (<a href="http://www.anzang.samuseum.sa.gov.au/">http://www.anzang.samuseum.sa.gov.au/</a>) so it will be interesting to see if I get a look in. In order to improve my wildlife photography this year, I feel as though I need to work in one or two locations more often in order to increase the likelihood of nailing exceptional wildlife images with good light and/or spectacular behavior. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In terms of my landscape photography, 2011 was a real disappointment and there so much room for improvement. Part of the reason was that I tended to focus on wildlife but also I really struggled to find the combination of composition and lighting needed for exceptional landscapes. I have some great locations in mind for winter 2012 so I just need to get out there as much as I can. This year we're also planning a couple of trips outside the centre (Samoa and the Top End) so Im really excited about the prospect of taking photos in some new locations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In terms of my inspiration for 2011-2012, there's so many good photographers out there but my favourite photgrapher at the moment is Kah Kit Yoong. He's Australian and although he hasn't been taking photos for all that long, he's portfolio and competition achievements are very amazing. He shoots mostly landscapes but also dabbles in wildlife photography (and has done very well out of it!) and I think he's website is one of the most impressive out there. Check it out <a href="http://www.magichourtravelscapes.com/">http://www.magichourtravelscapes.com/</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-52587389115784779752012-03-05T16:18:00.000-08:002012-03-05T16:18:22.328-08:00Filter + photoshop = good!I was a little disappointed with this image as it stood in the last post. The sunrise on the cliffs lacked vibrancy and the area in shadow in the gorge I felt was too dark. Here is the same image with the following changes made:<br />
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- applied these changes in raw: brighten exposure, slight increase in colour temperature, increased vibrancy, reduce vignetting<br />
- cropped top of pic to reduce amount of dull sky<br />
- hand blended two different processed raws (one underexposed and the other with the changes listed above) to bring out the texture in the sky<br />
- applied sharpening (unsharp mask) to entire image<br />
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Of course, I couldn't submit this to a competition that requires minimal editing, but overall I think the image is vastly improved without going too far as to look over processed (although I may change my mind on that after a day or two). By going ahead with the photoshop editing, I probably sound like Ive contradicted my last post a little. However, the blending process I undertook would have been far more difficult (to get seamless) had I not used a GND filter and I think, for my photography at least, there is definitely a role for both techniques.Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-64768289362903250002012-03-04T15:46:00.000-08:002012-03-04T15:46:47.250-08:00Just add waterFinally, the creeks and rivers of central Australia have flowed! I headed out to the West Macs over the weekend to make the most of it. It looks as though the wet weather may continue for the remainder of this month so hopefully I'll be able to realise more of the creek and waterfall shots Ive been planning.<br />
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I recently purchased my first graduated neutral density (GND) filter and have been loving it! Even though many photographers are now relying on manual high dynamic range techniques (such as luminosity masks), using the filters correctly means a lot less work in front of the computer. Also, for many photography competitions (including the prestigious Veola wildlife photographer of the year) you are simply not permitted to apply such techniques. I just wish I'd started using them earlier.<br />
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I took this photo below the main waterhole at Ormiston Gorge on dusk. There was just enough light for me to focus and compose the image. Its the kind of shot that could be anywhere outside of central Australia, until you see the red gums and cliffs in the background.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyUei3S0Plw3MD9ic9RREq26E307lXVO0o1fD6NHuhuF3xNdoeKKCbYhWhAXY60QmqTg5NxWFH5IrLDdWzq9cjrawckRBW1AguzoMq95z3EdEQLKfwF66u-nwQQQY649lej3kfKRcON9M/s1600/IMG_0223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyUei3S0Plw3MD9ic9RREq26E307lXVO0o1fD6NHuhuF3xNdoeKKCbYhWhAXY60QmqTg5NxWFH5IrLDdWzq9cjrawckRBW1AguzoMq95z3EdEQLKfwF66u-nwQQQY649lej3kfKRcON9M/s320/IMG_0223.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canon 5D mkII, ISO 100, 17-40mm f4 @ f22, 25 sec exposure, 2-stop GND filter (to hold back the 'misty' white look in the foreground)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">, tripod</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a shot Ive been pre-visualising for a while and is a good demonstration of the value of GND filters. It was taken in Ormiston Gorge with the big red cliffs bathed in light from sunrise and the creek and gorge floor in shadow. I positioned the dark part of the filter over the cliffs and sky to hold back the brightness and this resulted in an image with a reasonably well balanced exposure. Apart from some minor sharpening, I didn't touch this image at all, though I may try and lighten the foreground just a little for the final version. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKDu-HHtZi4EZtuSdG_Bl3gf-UTU58FyLc3zcEVYh-xSGTJjOlm7XNIuhP3kHE_dQE53O3aHCNxEir6nzH4-vrEPzELUFcri0MAUKWTCZmkOUYkOqiy49uoop2WaIy0b7GzVyCvPjCk1d/s1600/IMG_0264-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKDu-HHtZi4EZtuSdG_Bl3gf-UTU58FyLc3zcEVYh-xSGTJjOlm7XNIuhP3kHE_dQE53O3aHCNxEir6nzH4-vrEPzELUFcri0MAUKWTCZmkOUYkOqiy49uoop2WaIy0b7GzVyCvPjCk1d/s320/IMG_0264-2.jpg" width="213" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Canon 5D mkII, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">17-40mm f4 @ f18, 1/2 sec exposure, 2-stop GND filter, tripod</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I took this last photo in Redbank Gorge. Unfortunately, we didn't time our visit well so the light was way too contrasty. Im pretty keen to head back a couple of hours before or after midday when the indirect light refracts off the walls a little. I used a polarising filter to try cut down on the glare. This place has so much potential for amazing photos, stay tuned!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvWlD8UGUoYUdYBUcQ6NEhfLAzosSenuTYm7c3hCShh6SBbPA7dyi_8VtyrztkETwXkJKnRWaSLsrf10sjFirbpbLmVGfCi9OQ-GEYO7PgXdLGcK_fCvqU_K56Mp8K0pFRNGXRM0ba_IS/s1600/IMG_0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvWlD8UGUoYUdYBUcQ6NEhfLAzosSenuTYm7c3hCShh6SBbPA7dyi_8VtyrztkETwXkJKnRWaSLsrf10sjFirbpbLmVGfCi9OQ-GEYO7PgXdLGcK_fCvqU_K56Mp8K0pFRNGXRM0ba_IS/s320/IMG_0290.jpg" width="213" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Canon 5D mkII, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">17-40mm f4 @ f11, polarising filter, tripod</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-87943474941130262882012-03-01T16:35:00.001-08:002012-03-01T16:37:50.970-08:00Ghost GumThis is my favourite shot of the year so far. Its a really pretty spot in a band of ghost gums on limestone that's only a short walk from the Ormiston Gorge accesss road. I like the mixture of the cool colours from the stormy sky and shadow combined with the warmth of the sunset on the gum and on the Heavitree Range backdrop. Ive always struggled a bit with the messiness of eucalypt leaves, particularly when its windy like it was on this evening, so I simply chose to exclude them. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkv1Xn5MYZzmYEywSP4nCoF_cKNoPiWc0TDE-u0C5RBWf56mUxP22I4pR_DM4ssOJfaa9ut5fc_sidwwjovso9C4gRcsA6tr4CUHjTHUUjo0Y_xnhgLc-YOsxY8WMigGsrzQTmPtkNG1X/s1600/Ghost+gum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkv1Xn5MYZzmYEywSP4nCoF_cKNoPiWc0TDE-u0C5RBWf56mUxP22I4pR_DM4ssOJfaa9ut5fc_sidwwjovso9C4gRcsA6tr4CUHjTHUUjo0Y_xnhgLc-YOsxY8WMigGsrzQTmPtkNG1X/s320/Ghost+gum.JPG" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Canon 5DmkII, ISO 100, 70-200mm f2.8 @ f8, tripod</span> </div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-74681231236160094842012-02-29T15:06:00.000-08:002012-02-29T15:06:00.858-08:00Celebrate the stormWith the recent interesting weather around Australia, I thought it would be a good time to share some of my favourite storm photos from the last year or two. All were taken in the Alice Springs region. Hope you like...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij52YXRaFJl2T28urMsP3KnkdMfDq_uYgDA6nxw6ljEyrut0RBkCQW9VhS-BbYJzE3hUEDni7V-MoALdcEWsuqsTBLwcIVTxiFXpUj5-L7oPffQZ06HH7OoCvcZdlWGhvuWAd-tIHnq7wS/s1600/IMG_0455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij52YXRaFJl2T28urMsP3KnkdMfDq_uYgDA6nxw6ljEyrut0RBkCQW9VhS-BbYJzE3hUEDni7V-MoALdcEWsuqsTBLwcIVTxiFXpUj5-L7oPffQZ06HH7OoCvcZdlWGhvuWAd-tIHnq7wS/s320/IMG_0455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcz-_V-P7tVtcd6Tp9MWFVuzhV5jJG3QV8fucDeImjIhz9VDSDRjjxAdlSK5hrov0_7z0X9drpybHJ9aRMStxZhbBDDi_UxL3ga04WNV5odSNROe4m4Lo9H6KmSgXA9HCn-ICJzoSmbDx/s1600/IMG_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcz-_V-P7tVtcd6Tp9MWFVuzhV5jJG3QV8fucDeImjIhz9VDSDRjjxAdlSK5hrov0_7z0X9drpybHJ9aRMStxZhbBDDi_UxL3ga04WNV5odSNROe4m4Lo9H6KmSgXA9HCn-ICJzoSmbDx/s320/IMG_0126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLFD1KjrXQ8KFqwtpIYaepev57q1WWRPNVlKUdtbK2veJ5b23neFOuG9KxhnghPquv0EUcpsUMJbWbBuwCn6_zCQ4jo2Od0JJZlTx6D7_iot1ztINZAQjTje4Wxn4l2QdxtVMq_ITCukm/s1600/IMG_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLFD1KjrXQ8KFqwtpIYaepev57q1WWRPNVlKUdtbK2veJ5b23neFOuG9KxhnghPquv0EUcpsUMJbWbBuwCn6_zCQ4jo2Od0JJZlTx6D7_iot1ztINZAQjTje4Wxn4l2QdxtVMq_ITCukm/s320/IMG_0336.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLc8SRWtn5vdYXk9-T9rk-RuaBwlzlbBiqHa4xg3StK6IUNK8sK4fdp3wzGt0y0nTLg5uMW4KSZOX3PicJ7SjUIdApwac-BXb8jaeymGZfedkPHWBu0SmKqcjIiwuvAkMeadSuzqBJftfM/s1600/IMG_0155-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLc8SRWtn5vdYXk9-T9rk-RuaBwlzlbBiqHa4xg3StK6IUNK8sK4fdp3wzGt0y0nTLg5uMW4KSZOX3PicJ7SjUIdApwac-BXb8jaeymGZfedkPHWBu0SmKqcjIiwuvAkMeadSuzqBJftfM/s320/IMG_0155-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWShlGnVfqRPy-1LENKOxhBfnetneVeLiHkUcK00jgKcLCcQZY8lreSYpJ4czW8FEfQndF_7_XbU18jeNFr7cKDkwaBsuCttlRkqO7Fn_xQrKI-gXficEDyucW_QsByK-L2A85uv59pKw7/s1600/IMG_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWShlGnVfqRPy-1LENKOxhBfnetneVeLiHkUcK00jgKcLCcQZY8lreSYpJ4czW8FEfQndF_7_XbU18jeNFr7cKDkwaBsuCttlRkqO7Fn_xQrKI-gXficEDyucW_QsByK-L2A85uv59pKw7/s320/IMG_0073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Og4PLY2BHqfjbfvT0rkdCqYcZvfp12INlHXzRhRhjpS9pRoDCJxHFkJPiuQ9Xv_Jy6T0Zhio3qV9_-9YlAC7NUyXEPfVJ-WPRU8ZMKbmsWKJ51zuGSP9MwUnsOuegWfaezB2r7FAngXW/s1600/Lightning_ampitheatre1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Og4PLY2BHqfjbfvT0rkdCqYcZvfp12INlHXzRhRhjpS9pRoDCJxHFkJPiuQ9Xv_Jy6T0Zhio3qV9_-9YlAC7NUyXEPfVJ-WPRU8ZMKbmsWKJ51zuGSP9MwUnsOuegWfaezB2r7FAngXW/s320/Lightning_ampitheatre1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-62058520151457968352012-01-11T00:16:00.000-08:002012-01-11T00:19:01.436-08:00Stormy nightsI love lightning photography! Its really fun but there's really not much skill involved, just making sure the scene is in focus, setting a fairly wide aperture and allowing a long shutter to do the rest. However, there's still a large degree of luck in where the lightning will strike and how many times and I always end up deleting dozens of photos for every one I keep. <br />
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For a while now Ive been waiting for the right storm to loom over the pituresque Mt Sonder. Finally, a couple of evenings ago my wish came true as an intense electrical storm approached Mt Sonder from the north west, just after dusk. Although not entirely satisfied with these photos, I do quite like the first one. With a moon over my back, there was just enough illumination to bring out some detail in the front of the mountain. Unfortunately, the shutter mechanism in my canon 5D broke the day before so I had to use my alternative camera. Not sure when I'll get the 5d back from the canon technicians but im missing it already!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JDQ4xK1SbXT7WORjivwHtIGAUoHtkgMjc_4DKgHMp9rDr0ry_T48Vp85VqTxiFEjQcvZ2HSFVGT4yicFvAPEIUfbNTU5X5DV_ESMLxO28HK941ARJW8NqF0yLDFY2PglvUHTbDTLCtAa/s1600/IMG_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JDQ4xK1SbXT7WORjivwHtIGAUoHtkgMjc_4DKgHMp9rDr0ry_T48Vp85VqTxiFEjQcvZ2HSFVGT4yicFvAPEIUfbNTU5X5DV_ESMLxO28HK941ARJW8NqF0yLDFY2PglvUHTbDTLCtAa/s320/IMG_3990.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> 7D, ISO 100, 70-200 f2.8 @ 2.8, 15 sec</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVv3CrJJVhvvumH2aezOnA9fgR_tQrfv_ZJ9RrDypN9Rh9mj-dnQjW2b0LOyBkyAStgAQaUfhyuSkRQCSBFfbwKEUW2DSWVrb7Pt6DbIdOXeB1M379-jttU-h2xZEYdvs4gnNCr4Rm4Ut/s1600/IMG_3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVv3CrJJVhvvumH2aezOnA9fgR_tQrfv_ZJ9RrDypN9Rh9mj-dnQjW2b0LOyBkyAStgAQaUfhyuSkRQCSBFfbwKEUW2DSWVrb7Pt6DbIdOXeB1M379-jttU-h2xZEYdvs4gnNCr4Rm4Ut/s320/IMG_3965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">7D, ISO 100, 70-200 f2.8 @ 2.8, 20 sec</span>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-69068761759054490602012-01-05T02:39:00.000-08:002012-01-05T02:39:03.710-08:002 mileMost mornings of late Ive been cruising down to the 2 mile area at sunrise. 2 mile is the name given to the uppermost section of the mighty Finke River and includes a string of long, reed-fringed waterholes. There's a stack of birdlife there at the moment, including various ducks, egrets, herons, ibis, spoonbills, cormorants and more. In country where wildlife viewing can be hard work, 2 mile can be a real gem. All of the following pics were taken there over the last few days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-um-7odSSgtU/TwV6v8KfEZI/AAAAAAAAAQg/mR9kjNOAQDc/s1600/IMG_2430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-um-7odSSgtU/TwV6v8KfEZI/AAAAAAAAAQg/mR9kjNOAQDc/s320/IMG_2430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pink Cockatoo, Canon 7D, ISO 320, 400mm f5.6 @ 7.1, 1/1600</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRRyjj6czTo/TwV7K1zMzJI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/xjdXOj8dYuY/s1600/IMG_2889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRRyjj6czTo/TwV7K1zMzJI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/xjdXOj8dYuY/s320/IMG_2889.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dingoes, Canon 7D, ISO 500, 400mm f5.6 @ 5.6, 1/320</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ls7RzCOVFSo/TwV7U8DyV8I/AAAAAAAAARE/py_gFTFQnkg/s1600/IMG_3064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ls7RzCOVFSo/TwV7U8DyV8I/AAAAAAAAARE/py_gFTFQnkg/s320/IMG_3064.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Black-fronted Plover, </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Canon 7D, ISO 200, 400mm f5.6 @ 8, 1/160</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiGMgyFUKS0/TwV7wCG7XUI/AAAAAAAAARg/dp1GMDt2uZs/s1600/IMG_3179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiGMgyFUKS0/TwV7wCG7XUI/AAAAAAAAARg/dp1GMDt2uZs/s320/IMG_3179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Darter</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Canon 7D, ISO 200, 400mm f5.6 @ 8, 1/800</span></div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-65709882610939324642012-01-03T04:23:00.000-08:002012-01-03T04:35:22.158-08:00WildfireThe last few days Ive witnessed some of the most intensive wildfires ive ever seen. A bad combination of dry storms, hot weather and low humidity has resulted in extensive wildfires burning throughout the western part of the West MacDonnell NP. Although some areas did burn with incredible intensity, the magnitude would have been far worse had park staff not implemenented a widespread and effective control burning regime over the last couple of years. For this they should be congratulated. <br />
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I took the following couple of photos of the fire front burning on the western Heavitree Range on New Years Eve/Day, when I stayed up till about 3am to shoot. To give you an idea of scale, in the first shot the front is about 7km long. All photos taken with canon 5D mkII, other specs follow each photo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqIeaoAenUE/TwLs_6Z1VBI/AAAAAAAAAPA/0Xn9apLeV6Y/s1600/IMG_3475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqIeaoAenUE/TwLs_6Z1VBI/AAAAAAAAAPA/0Xn9apLeV6Y/s320/IMG_3475.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ISO 400, 70-200mm f2.8 @ 2.8, 15 sec</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ut-cLBHqW4/TwLvjYBigCI/AAAAAAAAAPM/itB0uv7oqhA/s1600/IMG_3441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3ut-cLBHqW4/TwLvjYBigCI/AAAAAAAAAPM/itB0uv7oqhA/s320/IMG_3441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ISO 100, 70-200mm f2.8 @ 2.8, 5 sec</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next few photos were taken on new years day in Ormiston Pound.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83FB_a9FyYo/TwLwS_N0pQI/AAAAAAAAAPY/MaKwoZg3JIw/s1600/IMG_3536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-83FB_a9FyYo/TwLwS_N0pQI/AAAAAAAAAPY/MaKwoZg3JIw/s320/IMG_3536.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ISO 100, 17-40mm f4 @ 8, 1/400 sec</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8QPdmR1pUU/TwLxbWlbNcI/AAAAAAAAAP8/ANi9K0ZEErk/s1600/IMG_3569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8QPdmR1pUU/TwLxbWlbNcI/AAAAAAAAAP8/ANi9K0ZEErk/s320/IMG_3569.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ISO 200, 70-200mm f2.8 @ 5, 1/640 sec</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHidpM_UBYQ/TwLxLWNeamI/AAAAAAAAAPw/9Uk_weB0ngw/s1600/IMG_3614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHidpM_UBYQ/TwLxLWNeamI/AAAAAAAAAPw/9Uk_weB0ngw/s320/IMG_3614.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ISO 200, 70-200mm f2.8 @ 5, 1/400 sec</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I took the last couple of photos yesterday morning. A combination of higher humidity, favourble winds and a coordinated team effort between ground and aerial crews saw the entire western front extinguished. </span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkEvzITZMwA/TwLx-IrTXHI/AAAAAAAAAQI/MOQmTFWxiaE/s1600/IMG_3645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wkEvzITZMwA/TwLx-IrTXHI/AAAAAAAAAQI/MOQmTFWxiaE/s320/IMG_3645.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ISO 1250, 70-200mm f2.8 @ 2.8, 4 sec</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRUduULA0Oo/TwLypZ2Ty-I/AAAAAAAAAQU/pUNvdwt3f6w/s1600/IMG_3680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eRUduULA0Oo/TwLypZ2Ty-I/AAAAAAAAAQU/pUNvdwt3f6w/s320/IMG_3680.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">ISO 320, 24-105mm f4 @ 5, 1/800 sec</span></div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-46819037146717227902011-12-30T04:24:00.000-08:002011-12-30T04:24:02.436-08:00Occupation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The MacDonnell Ranges have a history of Aboriginal occupation which probably spans tens of thousands of years. However, unlike some other parts of upland central Australia, rock-art is not prolific. One exception to this can be found at the infrequently visited Roma Gorge, in the southern part of the park. The sandstone geology in this area is apparently well suited to engraving and the boulders in the creekline are adorned with petroglyphs. Visitors are only allowed in the front part of the gorge and this is where I shot these photos. I took them mid afternoon and this forced me to shoot in shadow. I think I'll return on an overcast day so I can shoot out in the open more without having to deal with the extreme contrast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-25466936487642874692011-12-26T04:53:00.000-08:002011-12-26T04:53:42.866-08:00The detailI often read of how other nature photographers styles have changed over time, evolving as they begin to see nature in different ways or their messages shift. For me, I know my style is undergoing a pretty major change. Whereas a year or two ago I was just into trying to capture big vistas with wide lenses, Im now looking more and more at the detail. Im still up for those big dramatic landscapes when the situation arises, but good quality dawn/dusk light is such a rare commodity in the centre and by looking at whats right in front of me or at my feet, Im able to shoot in a wider range of conditions and all sorts of lighting. <br />
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These next couple of photos were taken in Ormiston Gorge, late in the afternoon. The first shot is a closeup of stones in the creekbed and this is something I'll continue to experiment with. Im not satisfied with this shot but I love the textures and colours of stone in the gorge and there's unlimited potential for different compositions.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LkUlJI97zo/Tvhqd9slBWI/AAAAAAAAAN4/iEuHck11Bag/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LkUlJI97zo/Tvhqd9slBWI/AAAAAAAAAN4/iEuHck11Bag/s320/IMG_2970.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next shot was taken at Ormiston waterhole and, as above, was shot in complete shade. What I think makes it work is the incredible folding geology and texture. I think the plant and water give it some balance and sense of scale. It would probably be neater if the water was completely calm though so I'll probably try it again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRjinzuXhV4/TvhsQ8v_27I/AAAAAAAAAOE/Wg_TCgJYYuw/s1600/IMG_3000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRjinzuXhV4/TvhsQ8v_27I/AAAAAAAAAOE/Wg_TCgJYYuw/s320/IMG_3000.JPG" width="213" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next day I headed to redbank gorge. This is a real 'slot canyon' with awesome refracted light at different times of the day. Unfortunately you need to swim through a very deep waterhole to get up the gorge and I didn't have any waterproof protection for my camera gear. Over the next couple of weeks I'll head back up with a pelican case and a bodyboard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was hoping there'd be some rock-wallabies hanging around the cliff out the front of the gorge but in the heat of the day they were probably in deeper shade. Instead I took this photo of a ghost gum on the cliff out the front of the gorge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-2966670436400344482011-12-20T16:24:00.000-08:002011-12-20T16:24:22.008-08:00West Macs projectHi there<br />
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Its been a really hectic past few months at work which, although a pretty lame excuse, has made it hard to find the motivation to shoot photos. However, I now have the next four or five weeks off to do little more than relax (watch cricket!), exercise and shoot as much as I can. For a while now Ive been toying with the idea of trying to produce a coffee table book on the West MacDonnell NP. Of course, the usual waves of self-doubt have made me question whether this is something acheivable or just a fanciful pipe dream. However, what I do know is that the West Macs includes some of the most spectacular country ive seen in Australia and I desperately want to share this with others. I want to do the place, its people and its wildlife justice by showing just how special it is. I have so many ideas floating around my head for shots, locations and stories and Im really excited at the prospect of pushing myself artistically further than Ive ever done before. Regardless of whether I have the ability to pull it off, Im going to enjoy giving it a solid crack!<br />
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Macropods (euros, red kangaroos and rock-wallabies) are going to be a big part of the project because: they are the largest native fauna in the park, they are so important to the parks ecology (in particular, they are the major prey for dingoes), and they are charismatic and photogenic. In light of the last couple of qualities, Im really suprised more photographers don't work intensively with them in Australia. The following photos are from my first session shooting after a long time off and Im really happy with the results. I found this young euro (common wallaroo) by chance on the Heavitree Range, west of Alice Springs. I'd just sat down to watch a couple of ringneck parrots feeding in callitris pine when this euro ambled into view about 20 metres away, feeding on grasses and herbs. It was about 30 minutes until sunset with a cloudless horizon so I knew if I could remain unnoticed I would be in for some decent light. If anyone has experience with euros, they'll know just how hard they usually are to get close to so I was keen not to blow the opportunity. <br />
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Here is one of the first shots I took, while the sun was mostly hidden behind a cloud. The euro is looking straight at me from about 10 metres away but I remained still and had the wind in my favour so she didn't wise up to me. I quite like the quality of light, with a hint of side light from the right and also the framing by the green pick (<em>Goodenia ramelii</em>) in the foreground. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDjfHZ8GNuQZg2GZxs2V-KtydlRy-a6bnoozwfUd2_GZ21JincqypNgqYz-5jgI4oSIUNgIZOyNj83kVQGobFvElZif9IVkBAbrHqceDJZSDn3zwNONHoNsYzMA0M9CWp7hrXz9I2hpnh/s1600/IMG_1903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDjfHZ8GNuQZg2GZxs2V-KtydlRy-a6bnoozwfUd2_GZ21JincqypNgqYz-5jgI4oSIUNgIZOyNj83kVQGobFvElZif9IVkBAbrHqceDJZSDn3zwNONHoNsYzMA0M9CWp7hrXz9I2hpnh/s320/IMG_1903.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eventually the sun emerged from beneath the last cloud and, with some smoke haze about, gave the light a nice soft golden quality. This shot was taken as she approached to within 3 metres, still oblivious to my presence. A good demonstration of how just how much they rely on their hearing (just look at those ears!) to detect predators (dingos). Some nice backlit highlighting of the whiskers and fur. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally she picked up my scent and stood right up, bashed the ground with a foot (an alarm response for euros) and hopped away a couple of metres. This worked out well for me as I was able to frame her body more completely for a nice full-frame backlit shot. Unfortunately, because it was handheld I wasn't able to stop down as much as I'd like, so the body is a little soft, but still pretty stoked overall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All shots handheld 7D, 400mm f5.6 lens @ 5.6. ISO 400-640.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-82433240514319738122011-09-12T15:52:00.000-07:002011-09-12T15:52:19.122-07:00Camels at sunsetHi there<br />
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Sorry for the prolonged absence. Haven't had much of a chance to shoot over the last couple of months but wanting to change that over Spring-Summer. <br />
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I took these shots on Henbury Station which has been reccently purchased by RM Williams for carbon credits. This means they will be removing all cattle, horses, donkeys and camels. The camels in the following shots are bulls and they were quiet enough to approach on foot to within about 10 metres. Camels are very much a part of the central Australian landscape. Although the magnitude of environmental damage they inflict is questionable (except for a handfull of plants like the threatened quandong which they absolutely smash!), many millions of dollars have been allocated to their control over the next few years. The main political pressure came from pastoralists because camels were begining to cost a heap of money through the damage they cause to fences and other infrastructure. Camels also began to damage infrastructure in remote Aboriginal communties, apparently regularly smashing evaporative air-conditioning units to access the water.<br />
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Personally, I wish that kind of money was directed towards a biological control for cats! Feral cats are the #1 reason why extinct in the wild mammals, such as the rufous-hare wallaby and burrowing bettong, cannot be re-released on the Australian mainland. Anyway, camels are pretty photogenic, hope you like. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpd2Q_BNOT581lwP7flGETIfvf7nBK14V1BuMtbJrvSPfaGfYqa6N8neTr27B-L190wLhjjIipOu4jrWH-oxoEINKQ6cIhtmCg2pIPsobFhDQTRfjE9X-ESoS7RAqtuXimvsJaWQyifFV/s1600/IMG_2599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpd2Q_BNOT581lwP7flGETIfvf7nBK14V1BuMtbJrvSPfaGfYqa6N8neTr27B-L190wLhjjIipOu4jrWH-oxoEINKQ6cIhtmCg2pIPsobFhDQTRfjE9X-ESoS7RAqtuXimvsJaWQyifFV/s320/IMG_2599.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3Kz2sdMqfTCC10XHl2ZRpb7rW3JTo702Nqx8JWbTm2oVbpt794db8_c4pkw0CzYujGn8NtQaSD3ASIZxMxf_22aE6p7-st82CuzbQWBSFsvQsEzEJ2LLhc1kCTkFp1TN8FJUyBoGk1IH/s1600/IMG_2605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3Kz2sdMqfTCC10XHl2ZRpb7rW3JTo702Nqx8JWbTm2oVbpt794db8_c4pkw0CzYujGn8NtQaSD3ASIZxMxf_22aE6p7-st82CuzbQWBSFsvQsEzEJ2LLhc1kCTkFp1TN8FJUyBoGk1IH/s320/IMG_2605.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-67527400261791262972011-07-17T23:01:00.000-07:002011-07-17T23:01:26.661-07:00FogHere in the desert we don't get fog too often so I like to try and get out and make the most of it when it happens. Last week we had some decent rain and with some cold mornings forecast for the days following, it looked to be shaping up well. Sure enough, saturday morning I drag myself out of bed at 7 (after staying up to watch the tour de france) to be greeted with a nice thick fog. My first destination was Kyumba reserve which has some nice rock-formations and calltris pines that I thought would look cool shrouded in mist. Unfortunately, Kyumba was an island of clear air in a sea of mist!<br />
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However, driving back towards Alice I came across some scenes on the side of the road worth shooting. This is an ironwood backlit by the sun which was distorted through the fog.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpPXbaXie8Mb6kdGqmYw9R4tXGC2tAAALwr5ReGcqJnQOpbNgvuaIDg6r3hy6Gs8N5kH6wpbr6VAXuD9oHzH_HMIcc1AC65m7K50WHTZ10WBe7-q44okE_4fGI785ErfBgsNOGIc6wA89/s1600/IMG_1828-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpPXbaXie8Mb6kdGqmYw9R4tXGC2tAAALwr5ReGcqJnQOpbNgvuaIDg6r3hy6Gs8N5kH6wpbr6VAXuD9oHzH_HMIcc1AC65m7K50WHTZ10WBe7-q44okE_4fGI785ErfBgsNOGIc6wA89/s320/IMG_1828-1.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A little further on I came across some powerlines with the upper parts of shiny metal glowing in the mist. I don't think Ive seen this before but it was very cool, made it look radioactive!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyZ-IXPDN-Q2skK5EcDlmJ1-nomY8ee1ChXSh3MT0aIxT4BKvMJAP4resJbyeOQ5InAlo1WH0jZoL_l8Mtaxgh702HCvWUot5OIo2qlSd3EBmKXDVPhGyC_BRvrvZGBI8U2MKFbd-mgtc/s1600/IMG_1854-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyZ-IXPDN-Q2skK5EcDlmJ1-nomY8ee1ChXSh3MT0aIxT4BKvMJAP4resJbyeOQ5InAlo1WH0jZoL_l8Mtaxgh702HCvWUot5OIo2qlSd3EBmKXDVPhGyC_BRvrvZGBI8U2MKFbd-mgtc/s320/IMG_1854-1-2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the sun started to shine a large fog 'rainbow' appeared. No colour, just a white semi-circle. Has anyone seen this before?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrP2Ijd294TIhxbqQhrM-YUNY9QK8IoQLWdjPL6xM35SBldBYcX-ez_-U9lHUHnQkPy6lhSraixIsQntRZF9I3vUVzuvSRLtzIwHIcSc9UwCb0uC0WGEzLecnmcvsMrQeN81f3JXEIsHv/s1600/IMG_1838-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrP2Ijd294TIhxbqQhrM-YUNY9QK8IoQLWdjPL6xM35SBldBYcX-ez_-U9lHUHnQkPy6lhSraixIsQntRZF9I3vUVzuvSRLtzIwHIcSc9UwCb0uC0WGEzLecnmcvsMrQeN81f3JXEIsHv/s320/IMG_1838-1-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is my last shot in the fog. Its a river red gum on the banks of Roe Creek with the rays of sun just catching the last of the fog. Ive softened it up a little to give it a more dreamy look and accentuate the rays of light. Let me know if you think it works. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBvdJDflh8R7U-ogPPP_eBWhiO6cAEKHXeQna8pclkgWoz04EitaFQwZY9dJymSRtWQ8qavncxCn5qYcU4v_JlTViGOUvjnkEMKT1KQJg9KIc2nUsJHpThwsIVOgisfB61k8yLh7pseTv/s1600/IMG_1865-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBvdJDflh8R7U-ogPPP_eBWhiO6cAEKHXeQna8pclkgWoz04EitaFQwZY9dJymSRtWQ8qavncxCn5qYcU4v_JlTViGOUvjnkEMKT1KQJg9KIc2nUsJHpThwsIVOgisfB61k8yLh7pseTv/s320/IMG_1865-1.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-34016808674906563802011-07-10T17:47:00.000-07:002011-07-10T17:47:40.586-07:00Brinkley's BluffOver the weekend we walked section 4 of the Larapinta Trail. The highlight of this 20km walk is the 1200 metre exposed summit of Brinkley's Bluff and this is where we camped the night. This was the last section of the Larapinta Trail that I had left to walk (having walked the other 11 sections over the last couple of years) and it was well worth the effort of lugging 20kg of food, water, camping and camera gear up there. Im a bit of an endorphin junkie so I know that with the pain of physical exertion comes the pleasure of an endorphin high and I think some of my best photographic work comes when Im buzzing after exercise. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnPUW97qhFKVX_BlXqnBDCp_lLTSTXmejv0kQzXBXWu8up52bmm0lHWejJ9v_TYvdGesAVLt2oBq-S_R4dJoM2tWc8dx9-wkxMuQ7h5IicL9UpHDxW4GjUdK-Qa6eedqgqeV44v8kTIQj/s1600/IMG_1582-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnPUW97qhFKVX_BlXqnBDCp_lLTSTXmejv0kQzXBXWu8up52bmm0lHWejJ9v_TYvdGesAVLt2oBq-S_R4dJoM2tWc8dx9-wkxMuQ7h5IicL9UpHDxW4GjUdK-Qa6eedqgqeV44v8kTIQj/s320/IMG_1582-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In saying that, I was a little dissapointed with my photos, mainly because I couldn't come up with a 'classic' strong landscape composition of foreground leading off into the distance. I think I could also have done better with my 70-200 f.28L for more distant shots but this is a bulky, weighty lens and I made the call not to pack it. My kit ended up being 5DmkII, 24-105mm f4L, and a lightweight tripod. This is probably my best landscape photography option when I wish to travel light as it's reasonably versatile in terms of zoom range. The lens isn't without its flaws (notably distortion and vignetting at the wide end and chromatic abberations at smaller apertures) but some of these can be worked through in processing and others through careful comosition and zoom selection. I'd love to return to this location now that Ive got some idea of the layout and some ideas for better compositions. I'd be an amazing location in a storm but it's also one of the last places on earth I'd want to be with extreme wind and lightning!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMqqECaJBIz6_atoN2ekm4lmsQv8DKqQKs7A9iaeTAWwzoi56y-fc-TgGMuTch6cmH6IxdRaj-u5vx1QmLAVaCxKigLB2LOficiIg5kG753SVXlWhRxNrl0CJddXH7QZtnyIZjlEQSL4V/s1600/ISO640f5.6_105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMqqECaJBIz6_atoN2ekm4lmsQv8DKqQKs7A9iaeTAWwzoi56y-fc-TgGMuTch6cmH6IxdRaj-u5vx1QmLAVaCxKigLB2LOficiIg5kG753SVXlWhRxNrl0CJddXH7QZtnyIZjlEQSL4V/s320/ISO640f5.6_105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WmEPtcSGIboOKV8M4ADJyi9FgA6kTQEe1zmbEM3V4TThmYWDPwOsIAWAJAuq-gJNyYhzriMHTwCWFz8coKkp6es9RMFH5SljjkEddYC8Yzs4fe47myn2RgewdVFYvyrTAbcILNAhnTQw/s1600/ISO400f4_105mm_hh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WmEPtcSGIboOKV8M4ADJyi9FgA6kTQEe1zmbEM3V4TThmYWDPwOsIAWAJAuq-gJNyYhzriMHTwCWFz8coKkp6es9RMFH5SljjkEddYC8Yzs4fe47myn2RgewdVFYvyrTAbcILNAhnTQw/s320/ISO400f4_105mm_hh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g134CCX2vplY38Bygkw_xUd15bD5FQPk1hJO3dIo4xb9FZ_Q_7Df78G7Esh7nY0OQmTtv2PpRLkPZ0OuwsMmY5s1JV2p76w1h4EgmT9PBbQt7rg_Smi0hkv7qJup02Gc1TRwPyAndsLR/s1600/ISO100f8_105mm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8g134CCX2vplY38Bygkw_xUd15bD5FQPk1hJO3dIo4xb9FZ_Q_7Df78G7Esh7nY0OQmTtv2PpRLkPZ0OuwsMmY5s1JV2p76w1h4EgmT9PBbQt7rg_Smi0hkv7qJup02Gc1TRwPyAndsLR/s320/ISO100f8_105mm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-68383655661714323332011-07-05T17:11:00.000-07:002011-07-05T17:11:26.850-07:00Mount Gillen 2Yesterday after work I climbed the range again but this time no BFRW's to be seen up near the radio towers. However, I did have a good view of a grass fire burning adjacent to the suburb Gillen down below. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHkmNF0_1PZL5MYfC7vwHgNrt-r4oCD7-vfXKnfaFEsSqj9P4mm3_OGdSyzopPuaKQkx4gtxy8bqVt-hIK4kAdHHqOFXYR5Pve1Rfemp9WYdrXrtZYQTI1hnGR9FUXP3nJGg5VHgIOmSb/s1600/IMG_1470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHkmNF0_1PZL5MYfC7vwHgNrt-r4oCD7-vfXKnfaFEsSqj9P4mm3_OGdSyzopPuaKQkx4gtxy8bqVt-hIK4kAdHHqOFXYR5Pve1Rfemp9WYdrXrtZYQTI1hnGR9FUXP3nJGg5VHgIOmSb/s320/IMG_1470.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Although it looks a little like spinifex from a distance, the grass in this photo is all Buffel grass (<em>Cenchrus ciliaris</em>) which was introduced to central Australia (from the middle east and northern Africa) as a pasture grass for cattle and for soil stabilisation. Although its been of great value for these purposes, it can also create very high fuel loads and once it browns off, becomes highly flammable. It's also of ecological concern as it tends to greatly reduce plant diversity, readily outcompeting native grasses and forbs and killing more fire-sensitive shrub species, such as Mulga and Ironwoods, through increased fuel loads and fire frequencies. Last year we had very high rainfall across arid Australia (more than 3 x the annual mean in many regions) and this has meant that the buffel grass has thickened up and, with conditions now drying out, is primed for a big fire season. Already there have been dozens of smaller fires throughout Alice Springs.<br />
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Anyway, back to photography. Although I didn't see any BFRW's the Dusky Grasswrens were out in force and I came across at least three different groups over a couple of hundred metres. These birds are very much characteristic of the range country surrounding Alice Springs and I really enjoy watching and trying to photograph them. Although most people probably just see them as a flash of brown skipping along the ground, they are actually a really attractive bird viewed at close quarters and through binoculars or a telephoto lens. I took this photo from the second group I encountered. Most of the time they don't sit still but they can be inquistive and this individual sat on this rock checking me out long enough to reel off a few shots. I love the colours in the late afternoon light, all browns and reds and a nice balanced shadow. Also, unlike yesterdays wallaby shots, this photo is a little more characteristic of my style, where I like to show animals in their environment, rather than just tight portrait shots. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFPE2NjDQZQXRQEAvOJ4KeNY6rozLOC2kPQsDAz9IJ-o_eORtBWUOSsIWTtGdE-iQJv6RAt0v1gpjwnXKCrgDyqxq3W6xmKg5PC68jEemHWvf0QDbxctsG0ia1NLcHofMHTvv_vR46RvF/s1600/IMG_1478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFPE2NjDQZQXRQEAvOJ4KeNY6rozLOC2kPQsDAz9IJ-o_eORtBWUOSsIWTtGdE-iQJv6RAt0v1gpjwnXKCrgDyqxq3W6xmKg5PC68jEemHWvf0QDbxctsG0ia1NLcHofMHTvv_vR46RvF/s320/IMG_1478.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's another shot from a few month back, harsher light but a more complete shot of the bird itself. This was taken with my partners Canon 7D which has a far superior autofocus system than my 5DmkII and I'll talk more about this in future posts. Both shots were taken with my 400mm f5.6L and I think at f7.1, ISO 400. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY_fkALRFd_kMfmBoB8lMK0mn6K600bdeBIqm1vbiSD6IXxh8p-E9i0_eym3OmBUXt2sZNNQroAhNUa0QiQZQGI0w7YjLVUi6BWKxqp7nGMVhReNsblLrPf0pRqEOPu-1VQxDERk2fcie/s1600/IMG_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidY_fkALRFd_kMfmBoB8lMK0mn6K600bdeBIqm1vbiSD6IXxh8p-E9i0_eym3OmBUXt2sZNNQroAhNUa0QiQZQGI0w7YjLVUi6BWKxqp7nGMVhReNsblLrPf0pRqEOPu-1VQxDERk2fcie/s320/IMG_0319.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-9577206646604022162011-07-04T18:31:00.000-07:002011-07-04T18:31:58.355-07:00Mount GillenMt Gillen is situated on the Heavitree Range, south of Flynns Grave in Alice Springs. The location is a popular day walk for Alice Springs locals and offers a nice view of the town. Further east towards Heavitree Gap is one of my favourite photography locations, partly because it's pretty much my backyard but mostly because there is some great wildlife to be seen and photographed. Black-footed rock wallabies (BFRW) are one of the regularly viewed residents but one that i haven't really managed to do photographic justice. <br />
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Yesterday after work I climbed the range and came across this really healthy looking adult male up near the radio towers. BFRW's tend to be pretty flighty in this area (probably because there is less human contact than in more heavily visited areas) but this one was really quiet and allowed me to photograph it at close quarters until sunset. <br />
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I tend to travel as light when exploring this range so I can cover as much ground as possible and I only had my 400mm f5.6L with me. This meant some pretty tight framing (none of the photos in this post are cropped) which, although probably not ideal, I think worked ok. These shots are with about 15 minutes to go until sunset. They really can be beautiful animals.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A major downside of minimising weight was that I didn't pack my tripod! The sun briefly ducked behind a cloud and then popped out for the last minute or two before hitting the horizon and produced this light. Unfortunately, even with maximum aperture and ISO800/1000, these (the better shots) are still a bit fuzzy. To add insult, the wallaby yawned just after the second frame just as I'd filled the CF card! Might try again this afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3Jb8O_DqKmIghyphenhyphenMWubsCbJYSyXeqn2M1Lm1k-D2gtn2rttwt_IuYNfpYq0gRyaW_-6ZCYHjwn4aCfMZ3bKTJ_MnsohtEh7gxerxUdrY3tAGD24yi4jqENyIB4cBIz_mjlYvKKuKU0ShJ/s1600/IMG_1417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3Jb8O_DqKmIghyphenhyphenMWubsCbJYSyXeqn2M1Lm1k-D2gtn2rttwt_IuYNfpYq0gRyaW_-6ZCYHjwn4aCfMZ3bKTJ_MnsohtEh7gxerxUdrY3tAGD24yi4jqENyIB4cBIz_mjlYvKKuKU0ShJ/s320/IMG_1417.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKemN67fyIXKlI11NpsdAmTabhI2SU8L0CnhvY4idYem9Ku9RLCo-af_jo4sOL0yW6fU8e3YgYfbwCAtR4iGKN1LRVvt3VxBgTewuiHyfnkXsNU4DPQrOkFjcTvLT_Hrh4yVWvn_5s63NB/s1600/IMG_1432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKemN67fyIXKlI11NpsdAmTabhI2SU8L0CnhvY4idYem9Ku9RLCo-af_jo4sOL0yW6fU8e3YgYfbwCAtR4iGKN1LRVvt3VxBgTewuiHyfnkXsNU4DPQrOkFjcTvLT_Hrh4yVWvn_5s63NB/s320/IMG_1432.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div align="left"></div>Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702201236960221577.post-49492703578790864292011-07-04T17:42:00.000-07:002011-07-04T17:42:18.419-07:00WelcomeHi there, welcome to my blog. Here I will be mostly documenting and sharing my experiences photographing landscapes and wildlife in central Australia. Currently, I don't make any money from taking photos but nature photography is something that gives me immense pleasure and I thought it was about time that I share this with a wider audience than just my family and friends. Feel free to post any comments, criticisms and advice because I have a long way to go in becoming the photographer I want to be. I hope you enjoy.Smacshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02213836973901525998noreply@blogger.com0