THE BOAT YARD
Balmaha, Scotland
Friday 31 May 2013
The boat yard at Balmaha has been there a long time. Some of the old sheds are rusty and have seen lots of work looking after the Loch Lomond fleet. It was great poking around the yard and the timber pier and boats. (608)
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INGENUITY & HARD WORK
James Junction, England
Thursday 30 May 2013
When I see these structures I'm amazed by the workmanship and patience that the construction teams had to build these great bridges in the 1830's, when there were no heavy machinery, only ingenuity and very hard work. Almost 200 years later they still function as intended, with trains going over the top and people using the road below, although the trains are remarkably different to the original ones, and people use cars and trucks that weren't even dreamed of in the early 1800's! (607)
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HIGH-RISE BALLOONS
Melbourne, Australia
Wednesday 29 May 2013
Down at Docklands last week and out of nowhere three hot air balloons flew over my head and into shot … what's a photographer to do but to include them in the image!I'm planning to take the same balloon ride myself in the next 12 months so I watched them with great interest. They were majestic, falling down to low levels before the flames roared from the gas burners making them rise over the taller buildings. Can't wait! (606)
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LITTLE WATERFALL
Inversnaid, Scotland
Tuesday 28 May 2013
The road to the Inversnaid Hotel is very narrow and windy and I suspect dangerous during the winter months. The trip was very worthwhile, with the hotel right on the edge of Loch Lomond a great find. I went for a wander down to the edge of the loch and found this peaceful little waterfall. (605)
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WORTHWHILE EXPEDITION
Breamlea, Australia
Monday 27 May 2013
I went out to Breamlea last evening to see if the sunrise would be good enough to photograph. There was a bit of pink in the sky, but not the wow I would have liked. The beach was however nice and quiet and there was a great reflection on the wet sand that made the expedition worthwhile! (604)
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GLASS SURFACE
Loch Lomond, Scotland
Sunday 26 May 2013
The symmetry of a photo caused by reflections in glass surfaced water is always pleasant to the eye. There is possibly a psychological reason for it?This reflection image was taken on my final day in the Trossachs. It was so still and misty and it was very hard to take a bad photo! (603)
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THE LONG WALK
Dromana, Australia
Saturday 25 May 2013
One of the side effects of using a 'long' lens is that the background of a photo seems so far away. This photo shows the Dromana pier, which looks extremely long, but in fact was only a moderate length, and not the long walk you would expect.This photo sees the township beginning to wake (only photographers are awake earlier!) and the lights are on as the sun begins to rise. (602)
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MYSTICAL CONDITIONS
Loch Lomond, Scotland
Friday 24 May 2013
On my last visit to Loch Lomond the water was so still, the hills were misty and the day was a bit grey. But there was something quite mystical about the light and the stillness, very hard to describe in words. Hopefully this photo will make it easier to explain, with the reflection of the boat providing an indication as to the conditions that day! (601)
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FED SQUARE
Melbourne, Australia
Friday 24 May 2013
Federation Square (also colloquially known as Fed Square) is a civic centre and cultural precinct in the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It was opened in 2002.It is a mixed-use development covering an area of 3.2 hectares and centred around two major public spaces: open squares (St. Paul's Court and The Square) and one covered (The Atrium), built on top of a concrete deck above busy railway lines.' [Wikipedia}This image is of the inside of one of the public spaces showing the unusual windows covering the walls. (600)
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LARGE LYCHGATE
Luss, Scotland
Thursday 23 May 2013
This is the Luss Parish Church. 'The present church building was constructed in 1875, and subject to major restoration works in 2001. The church site has had 1500 years of continuous Christian presence, being originally founded by Saint Kessog, and has 15 listed ancient monuments in its graveyard.' [Wikipedia]I was impressed by the architecture and by the size of the Lychgate, one of the largest I have seen! (599)
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DOCKLAND SUNRISE
Docklands, Australia
Wednesday 22 May 2013
One of the best photographers on the internet is Klaus Herrmann. He posted a new video on his website titled 'The Making-of The Parliament (HDR)’ which I watched during my lunch break. It inspired me so much, I modified my workflow to include one of his unique steps and had to try it out on an unprocessed image. So here it is, sunrise at Docklands in Melbourne. Take a look at Klaus' website & see why I think his work is outstanding. As you would expect, the best in the business don't mind sharing their work and expertise, which is great for the rest of us! (598)
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BOLLARD REFLECTIONS
Melbourne, Australia
Tuesday 21 May 2013
I caught the train to Melbourne this morning in the 'wee hours' so that I could take a few shots of Victoria Harbour before I had to go to a meeting. One of the first sights I came across was these bollards with stainless steel caps that looked fantastic in the morning light.I like the way that you can't see where the bollard ends and the reflection begins ... the water was so calm and the rising sun made for this amazing effect. (597)
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THE NAKED FERGIE
Main Ridge, Australia
Monday 20 May 2013
I'm sure that most countries in the world would have used the iconic Grey Ferguson tractor on their farms and Australia is no exception.I found this one at the 'Ten Minutes by Tractor' winery and restaurant on the Mornington Peninsular. Talking to the gardener there, he revealed that someone had stolen the engine cover and front grill off the tractor that is used as an art installation in front of the restaurant. Makes you wonder about some people. Luckily 99% of us are decent law abiding people, something you might doubt when you listen to the media! (596)
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SOFT LIGHT
Loch Lomond, Scotland
Monday 20 May 2013
The morning light in Scotland is so soft and this image of Loch Lomond shows what I mean. The hills are covered in snow & mist to further soften the photo. The reflections of these hills in the water also adds to the gentle feel of a lovely part of the world! (595)
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FALLS OF DOCHART
Killin, Scotland
Sunday 19 May 2013
'The Falls of Dochart are situated on the River Dochart at Killin in Stirling (formally in Perthshire), Scotland at the western end of Loch Tay. A bridge crosses over the river just as you enter Killin giving a fabulous view of the falls as they cascade down over the rocks and around the island of Inchbuie, which is the traditional burial place of the MacNab clan.' [Wikipedia]I was fortunate enough to stay overnight in Killin a few months ago and had a chance to take a photo or two of these falls. While not a direct drop in the sense of most water falls, this one is nonetheless spectacular because of the volume of water and the huge rocks over which the water flows. (594)
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ALL OF THE ICONS IN ONE
Sydney Australia
Saturday 18 May 2013
Sydney has three iconic attractions that are recognised world wise. There is the harbour that has dozens of wonderful bays and beaches and is the centre of most activity in the city. The second icon Is the 'coat hanger', the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is easily recognised and dominates the skyline. The third icon is the Sydney Opera House (see my post from last Tuesday).So imagine my excitement when I was able to get all three of these iconic features in one photo! (593)
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FLOCK OF SEAGULLS
Rosebud, Australia
Friday 17 May 2013
There I was, minding my own business and taking photographs along the beach, when out of nowhere, a flock of seagulls descended around me and got in the way of a very pleasant image. What is a bloke to do, but capture a few of them (photographically speaking) and see if the shot worked. What do you think, is it worth keeping? (592)
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WATERFALL ROCKS
Portsea, Australia
Thursday 16 May 2013
This stretch of the Victorian coast has interesting rock ledges that create small waterfalls when the waves wash over them. I love the green moss on the rocks in the foreground, although I don't know how it survives the rough seas when the surrounding rocks have been clearly eroded over the years. (591)
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HASN'T SURVIVED
McCrae, Australia
Wednesday 15 May 2013
Unfortunately this old tree hasn't survived alive, but it has been left on the beach and provides a great silhouette against a stormy sky. (590)
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PATTERNS
Sydney, Australia
Tuesday 14 May 2013
I was fortunate enough to visit the Sydney Opera House yesterday and take a guided tour of the wonderful performing spaces. The guide took us behind the scenes and also into the main hall where I was thrilled to see the Sydney Symphony Orchestra practicing under the guidance of the world renowned conductor, Vladimir Ashkenazy . Of course I wasn't allowed to take photos in there but I was able to capture this image outside, showing the famous 'sails' covered in patterned tiles that glistened in the sun. (589)
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GOOD MORNING
Clifton Springs, Australia
Tuesday 14 May 2013
I'm sitting here in my office, wondering which photo I've taken in the past week or so should be today's feature, and watching the sun come up out of my window. So this photo seems to be an appropriate choice!The sun rises over the lagoon at the Clifton Springs boat ramp. I love the soft golden grasses around the bank that catch the early morning light and turns them silver. Good morning everyone! (588)
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A SEAT WITH A STORY
Dromana, Australia
Sunday 12 May 2013
At the end of the Dromana Pier I found this old wooden bench seat. I bet it could tell a few stories! You could imagine old couples sitting here after the long walk along the pier or young couples spending time holding hands watching the sunset across the bay. Unfortunately it appears that fishermen have been using it to clean their fish as evidenced by the dirty stains and someone has tagged it with graffiti ... a bit of a shame really!It was early in the morning when I took this photo, so the slow shutter speed has smoothed out the water and revealed the lovely green tones. The lights are still visible along the shore and Mount Martha can be seen in the background. (587)
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AUTUMN LIGHT
Red Hill, Australia
Saturday 11 May 2013
It is autumn (fall) here in Australia and the leaves are beginning to turn, providing us with beautiful golden and red leaves. This was evident when I drove past a vineyard last weekend at Red Hill. The sun shinning on the coloured leaves provided a wonderful view, although the direct sun in the image proved difficult to process.I love the autumn, the light is great, the weather is generally good and the colours are spectacular! (586)
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BEACH BOXES
Mornington, Australia
Friday 10 May 2013
The term ‘beach box’ means bathing box, boatshed or similar structure. Beach boxes have been built by members of the community over the past century, and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes often reflecting the architectural style of the period in which they were constructed. Individually, each one is unique in its appearance and character; as a group they are a colourful cluster of historical icons.' [http://www.mpbba.org.au]I love the nearest beach box painted in the Australian Flag colours, it makes me feel patriotic and typifies the Australian spirit. (585)
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NOT THE REAL LONDON BRIDGE
Portsea, Australia
Thursday 9 May 2013
This rocky outcrop is called 'London Bridge' because of the arch that you can see through. In fact the inside of the arch feels more like a cave. It is a busy tourist attraction as evidenced by the feet marks on the beach and believe it or not, on the day I visited there were fishermen casting their rods from the top of the left hand side!I like this image because of the uniqueness of the rock and because the clouds were doing the right thing for me (you know that I love a good cloud!). (584)
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LIFESAVERS
Dromana, Australia
Wednesday 8 May 2013
The men and women of the Surf Lifesaving Clubs around Australia work tirelessly to protect the public from drowning and accidents around our coast. On Sunday I was able to witness a competition on the Dromana foreshore of these brave people as they went through their various lifesaving techniques in competition, but with the ultimate aim of honing their skills for there vital job.These inflatable rescue boats were lined up waiting for their club members to use. I thought they made a great contrast against the pier and lovely green water of Port Philip Bay. (583)
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COULDN'T BE MORE DIFFERENT
Williamstown, Australia
Wednesday 8 May 2013
Looking at this photo gives a sense of calm and relaxation with the boats moored on a waveless bay with the clouds lit by a morning light, but the city in the background is anything but, with thousands of cars and people all busily going about their business! Just a few kilometres apart, these two locations couldn't be more different. (582)
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DROOPY LIGHT
Dromana, Australia
Monday 6 May 2013
Piers feature in a lot of photographers' portfolios. There is something nice about the straight lines that seem to go most of the way to the horizon and add a slow shutter at dawn and the water turns to a smooth silky surface. I love the main light as it droops over to light the way for fishermen and boat owners who use this pier during the night. I hope you like it too? (581)
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OOPS!
Mornington, Australia
Sunday 5 May 2013
On Friday night Port Phillip Bay was hit by a storm that brought down trees across roads, and helped this yacht slip it's moorings and come to rest on the Mornington Beach. Hopefully for the owner, there isn't too much damage.I love the way the yacht's mast creates a diagonal line across the image and the beautiful beach sheds that are an iconic part of this side of the bay provide wonderful colour. (580)
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TOAST TO THE COAST
Modewarre, Australia
Friday 3 May 2013
Many of the regions in Australia have wineries and produce great wine. The Bellarine Region is no exception. There are more than 30 wineries that participate in an annual event called 'Toast to the Coast' in November. Food and wine tasting is the name of the game so come and visit our region if you enjoy both of these things. (579)
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MORNING REFLECTIONS
Clifton Springs, Australia
Thursday 2 May 2013
A boat ramp isn't normally that photogenic, but the one at Clifton Springs has provided me with a number of great shots, including this one. There is a beautifully enclosed lagoon as part of the launching area and the bird life is abundant. This area provided a wonderful reflection of the morning clouds when I visited earlier this week with my daughter who is also a (much better) photographer ... www.emmakatephotography.com . (578)
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VIEW FROM THE TOP
Cape Shank, Australia
Wednesday 1 May 2013
One of the State of Victoria's most rugged sections of coast is situated at Cape Shank. A lighthouse stands guard over this dangerous point to warn ships of impending danger. The National Parks people have created a walk down to the end of the cape and on the day I visited there were half a dozen or so surfers with a death wish trying to catch a wave!I didn't venture down to the bottom this time, partly because of laziness, and partly because the view from the top was great. (577)
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