A few days spent exploring the Victorian High Country with my son @mitchgreenphotos.
A new part of Oz for us to explore and more of a scouting trip than anything, we were keen to seek out some Snow Gums, with a view to return later in the year.
Despite lots of these gums dying off (they’re being eaten alive by a native wood borer - Longicorn Beetle!) we did mange to find a couple of groves of these stunning trees.
We returned for 2 sunrises to shoot them - which meant a 4:30am start, 90min drive from Bright, a bit of a hike. Frost, icy wind … at least the company was great!
These two jutting rock stacks, Gog and Magog, stand guard against the usually raging Southern Ocean ... not such a tough job this day!
Before sunrise, a 30min drive, a hike through the scrub, just to take in these Karijini Colours! So worth it!
In early August 2022 my son Mitch and I travelled to Karijini National Park in outback Western Australia for a week dedicated to Photography and Hiking in Karijini's amazing gorges. This adventure had been on our mind for a while and we finally had the opportunity to do it!
We had another great time together, catching up, listening to podcasts and music, only one loaf of banana bread this time (thanks Coles, Tom Price) and photographing the amazing Ghost Gums, the stunning red cliffs and fields, wildflowers and hiking the gorges.
A somewhat busy Tuesday morning at the rocks - a few other intrepid photographers having the same idea.
Plenty of nice sized waves rolling in … the ocean water still so warm!
This was around 15 minutes before sunrise … a slow shutter speed required, catching that lovely flow!
Just after this the clouds lit up with a couple of extended neon pink rays!
Stunning sight
Deep in an ancient forest, down Manapouri way, a sun star briefly burst through the dim light, as if honouring these fallen beech trees.
Crown ferns, still, forming a guard of honour.
It’s a humbling experience to stand alone in these ancient forests, amongst giant trees hundreds of years old … only birdsong breaking the quiet.
When I saw these fallen trees, for some reason, my thoughts turned to fallen soldiers.
I felt the need to honour them.
I’ve been to Horse Head Rock 8 times now, all but one with my son Mitch. Fortunately for me, Photography and Camping/Hiking (and Banana Bread, Coffee, Music, Dark Beer, Schnitzels … ) are things we both enjoy. A few times a year we aim to catchup and enjoy these ‘things’ together.
Over the years, trips to the Far South Coast have featured, as we both have become obsessed with ‘getting the shot’ at Horse Head Rock! All we are asking for is for some decent sky colour, a reasonable tide and swell, and a reasonable coffee … that’s not true … we have to have a great coffee! 🤣
Well finally, 2022 got off to a great start with The Maker blessing us with some lovely sky colour, a 2m tide and large swell …oh, and we found a new coffee ‘dealer’ for our addiction! 😍
The Sun just about to rise over the Pacific Ocean …
From a glorious sunrise a couple of weeks back, viewed from a small, weathered ledge on the edge Minnamurra Headland.
Driving up from Berry an hour before sunrise, with hints of red already in the high cloud - max anticipation! :) This morning was going to be Special! During the shoot I met a young family who, on that day each year, go out to watch the sunrise in memory of their daughter/sister.
It was her birthday … she would have been 12 …
The silent company was very welcome … and very Special!
From an awesome sunrise a few weeks back - my first really good sunrise at this location.😤
It's taken me many, many pre-dawn trips up the highway, sometimes bleary eyed, but forever hopeful, to finally get a beautiful sunrise at Bombo 🤩
An awesome location for Sunrise, Daytime, Sunset and of course Astro.
So fortunate to have this in our region! ☺️
Shot during a much cherished recent catchup with my son Mitch - our first for months!
We'd managed to successfully coordinate a few days camping down south, and then some time back up in Berry. Some great catching up, with a run of 4 and 4:30am starts for sunrise, plus sunsets ... all well worth it!
First light striking the Tasman Island Lighthouse, and the vertical cliffs of Tasman National Park. Behind Tasman Island is Cape Pillar, with The Blade and Cathedral Rock lighting up!
Further back Cape Huay can be seen - you can just make out the Totem Pole.
Lastly you can see The Sisters, just off Cape Surville.
From a magic sunrise flight out over Eastern Tasmania.
The morning before, my son Mitch and I headed west to explore the valley that we had driven through on our first day of our Karijini adventure. We were looking for possible vantage points to shoot either sunrise or sunset, interesting trees, red ridges dotted with spinifex. Lots of bush bashing. Our research indicated that snakes are quite plentiful in the park, so we had taken the precaution to bring our trusty snake slippers (gum boots!) with us. This morning, an hour before sunrise, we headed out across the plain, then up a ridge, snake slippers on …
Another classic Summer Sunset, viewed from Gerroa, looking south along Seven Mile Beach.
Coolangatta Mountain stands out as a distinctive landmark on the Shoalhaven river plain.
Coolangatta takes its name from an Aboriginal word Culunghutti.
My son Mitch and I had set up camp deep inside The Grampians, 9km down a windy dirt road, off the main road to Halls Gap. A beautiful campground, all to ourselves, nestled in amongst tall gum trees - kangaroos with joeys, emus wandering in, cockatoos, blue wrens, kookaburras, magpies.
We were keen to get to Mt Abrupt for sunrise - that meant a 4am start, 70min drive south to the southern end of the Grampians. Then it was a 90min hike in the dark to the summit. Very steep, path was mostly good, however several sections crossing over slippery, wet rock. A steady wind “enhanced” our feeling of “being alive” !
Eventually we made it, just in time for first light, and were rewarded with this awesome view!
Many thanks to Mitch for all of his assistance in getting his 'old man' to The Peak!
Just back from very short catchup with my son Mitch in WA - Cervantes, Albany and Margaret River districts.
Weather not the kindest but great catchup.
We have some amazing beaches here on the East Coast, however WA definitely has it's far share as well! This was one of them!
‘Twas so awesome to be able start our day, stopping here, waiting and watching the sun’s rays light up this amazing backdrop to Lake Gunn!
The water so still …
My son Mitch and I spent 2 weeks in NZ mid-2019, planning to do as much Photography as possible, with just handful of locations targeted.
Each day we’ve planned for and went out for Sunrise and Sunset, and we saw some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen. This sunrise is definitely in my top 3!
Just beautiful!
1hr pre-dawn drive, steep hike up the icy ridge, totally breathless!
So worth it!
Up early for a planned sunrise shoot at Bombo Quarry, however a huge band of low cloud out over the horizon caused quick rethink. We headed up to Saddleback Mtn lookout - a great view watching the light fill the shadows in the valleys.
Then snapped this on the way back home .... the cloud was still there !
The "Shoalaka" Tree …
🌅This is as close as I’ve got to the famous Wanaka Tree over in NZ - google it … lots of awesome pics … maybe one day for me.🤔
Anyway, this little tree is part of a Mangrove Forest in the Comerong Island Nature Reserve, and part of the Shoalhaven River Estuary.
'Twas my first visit to the island - many thanks my mate Matt for letting me tag along - glad we had your Jeep and not my Candy!
It was pretty cool standing in the water, out amongst these Mangroves … and the crabs … pelicans … fish, and a lone seal. 🦀
Provided time for a long overdue catch up with a good friend - for me that is a big part of my photography experience.
Great to get the shot, great to be out with photography mates sharing the experience. 🙏👍
This one is a bit special …
When I started working in IT for BHP back in the early 80's, it was all a bit surreal … no a LOT surreal!
I had no idea what Computers did/could do, and let's just say the "process's" around doing our work were a little "immature" . At high school, I had heard that "IT" was the Next Big Thing - good money and job security. I definitely wanted some of that!
Anyway, during the early years at BHP there were a lot of "cowboys" that did whatever they wanted or thought should be done, without much thought for others or quality. However , there were a few older guys ( nearly 40!) that had more regard for quality, both in work and relationships. Dennis was one of these guys.
Sadly, he passed away in October. His son Graham came to work with us as well - one of the very genuine "nice guys".
Anyway, Graham asked me if I was interested in shooting an image for his family that they could print, and donate to the hospital here in Berry where his Dad had been nursed. I felt privileged to be asked. Graham provided some background, and mentioned a spot on the Shoalhaven River where, as kids, they have often gathered as family.
This is the spot … very peaceful … very welcoming.
Vale Denis.
Had a hunch the sky was going to explode this morning! Headed out to Gerroa to catch up with my photography mate Matt, and we made our way north up the beach to find a suitable composition. The receding tide made for some great water-play with these rocks .... and THAT sky! :)
Another BIG swell pounding the South Coast of NSW.
No Surfers out this morning, too big even for the Ocean Photographers!
This image is from a camping trip down the coast earlier this year, to one of my favourite camp grounds Mystery Bay. The camp ground is beautiful, nestled in amongst tall spotted gums and banksia trees, and adjacent to both the main beach and Billys Beach. It's bush camping, so limited facilities, but a great camping site! I'd gone there to mainly shoot in and around the beach.
This afternoon I was driving back from hunting down a coffee, and noticed a storm rolling in to the west so went searching for a side road to find a clear area to shoot. My luck was in! I didn't know this lake was nearby the camp! My Tip? Be prepared to explore your location when out shooting ... you never know what might be just around the corner or over the road! :)
Has to be one of my favourite views on the South Coast .... just draws you down to Seven Mile Beach!
Such a great location to finish the day!
From a quick mid-week trip up to Sydney to catch up with my son Mitch.
We’d hoped to capture a nice sunset around the harbour. We headed over the bridge and down to Milsons Point and Kirribilli. Not overly hopeful ... not much cloud ... but slowly it changed and the colours built!
During a late afternoon walk, we spotted this group of trees, and thought, if the sun were to set just near ‘there’ … could be nice!
Then waiting for the sun to set, trying to avoid this pesky blood sucking … 'worms'!
Worth it … just!!