CAMERA OBSCURA

Blue Tongue

2012-02-12T21:30:00.000+11:00

This video doesn't really belong here, however I still wanted to share it. These lizards are quite common in Australia and yet they usually quickly walk away when people get too close. This guy not only did not shy away but he stopped for a long snack. :)

PS This video was taken on the iPhone 4S. Not too shabby.

Kangaroo

2012-02-07T06:38:00.002+11:00

Eastern Water Dragon

2012-01-30T10:57:00.002+11:00

Galapagos Tortoise

2012-01-30T10:55:00.001+11:00

Australian Water Dragon

2011-01-11T08:18:00.003+11:00

Olive

2010-09-27T16:59:00.003+10:00

My boy and me

2010-05-15T15:52:00.003+10:00

Amber abstract

2010-04-17T14:53:00.002+10:00

Camellia Sasanqua

2010-04-17T08:55:00.007+10:00

I never get tired of capturing these flowers, they are always so different. I like this bud stage the best just starting to open. This may be the last season that I get to photograph them as well as by this time next year we should well and truly be in the new place. I may have to plant some over there.

Dragonfly

2010-04-13T10:19:00.002+10:00

Alexander's First Easter

2010-04-04T16:53:00.001+10:00

Alex 9 1/2 months

2010-02-21T19:09:00.003+11:00

Alexander's first tooth

2010-01-26T12:35:00.003+11:00

Xmas 09 - Alexander and Tracey

2009-12-26T09:28:00.003+11:00

Xmas 09 - Opening the presents

2009-12-26T09:05:00.006+11:00

Xmas 09 - Placing his first ornament

2009-12-26T08:27:00.003+11:00

Alex - Outside on swing

2009-11-03T19:12:00.003+11:00

Alex - Tasty

2009-11-03T19:08:00.002+11:00

Alex - Playtime 5 Months

2009-10-14T10:58:00.005+11:00

Alex @ Centennial Park

2009-10-09T21:49:00.002+11:00

Tracey with Alex sleeping in her arms.

2009-10-05T17:24:00.003+11:00

Alex sitting up on bed.

2009-09-26T06:26:00.004+10:00

Two more photos of Alex from 23/8/09

2009-09-13T02:13:00.006+10:00

Tracey and Alexander 23/08/09

2009-08-26T20:32:00.003+10:00

On Sunday we had a little family photo shoot. Here is a little preview. Many more to come. Stay posted...

Alex 10 Weeks

2009-07-14T19:07:00.005+10:00

Our gorgeous baby Alex is 10 weeks old already.

Here he is on Mum's shoulder after a feed.

This is his angelic look...

and this is his cheeky look, aka his what'cha talkin'bout Willis look.

TESTING NEW FLASH WEBSITE

2009-07-05T08:55:00.000+10:00

http://users.tpg.com.au/yecap/

Alex

2009-06-30T17:45:00.001+10:00

GREEN

2009-06-24T21:36:00.003+10:00

Father and son

2009-06-14T11:36:00.003+10:00

Winter Morning

2009-06-11T11:21:00.008+10:00

Winter is certainly with us and even though the sun is shining brightly it is more for light than heat.

Macro studio - Mark II

2009-06-03T12:39:00.004+10:00

The $10 Strobist macro studio is up and running and this morning the different backgrounds were tested.

I think they look quite good. Certain colours especially light ones, as I found out, do not work very well on a white backgroud as there is not enough contrast so having the ability to mix and match the background colour is a good thing. It allows for a bit of creativity too.

Anyway here are the results, I think they speak for themselves.

Macro studio - Mark II

2009-06-02T21:53:00.005+10:00

Here is the second attempt at making the $10 Strobist macro studio. This time around I took the time to make more accurate cuts in the cardboard and as suggested I used tracing paper for the diffuser sides rather than grease proof paper as I did the first time around. I also made it possible to change the background colour by fixing a couple of hooks to the back of the box, making a couple of holes in the coloured cardboard and hooking it on. This way not only does it make it possible to change background colours easier but it also holds the cardboard in place without having to use sticky tape or blue tack which could in time ruin your backgrounds.

So here are some of the results from tonight's session. These were just things around the house that I could get my hands on and are merely experiments showing off a black background.

Photoshoot Models - Greg and Shane

2009-06-01T08:05:00.002+10:00

Strobist home made Macro studio - examples

2009-05-30T17:35:00.003+10:00

Alexander's Orchid

2009-05-30T06:07:00.004+10:00

This was Alex's present to his Mum on Mother's Day.

Shot using Strobist budget Macro studio. See here.

Thumb Print

2009-05-29T03:57:00.003+10:00

No comment.

Shane - Have a look at this

2009-05-24T09:01:00.003+10:00

Improving image quality

Original

Noisware + Whitebalance in LR

Noise Ninja + Whitebalance in LR

Agave Attenuata

2009-05-17T10:03:00.003+10:00

Autumnal Colours

2009-05-14T08:31:00.003+10:00

Yesterday I got a chance to go down the road and take a couple of quick snaps of some Autumn trees which were losing their foliage fast. I had seen them earlier in the week as we took Alexander for a stroll and wanted to come back before they had gone completely bare. I love these intense colours, they are amazing.

Here are the results and as usual please feel free to leave comments and criticisms.

Adventures in the Bark

2009-05-03T14:55:00.006+10:00

Once again I am limited to the front yard to test and play with my new camera. Today I decided to go macro and a have a good look at what is going on down there. Luckily the grass was nice and dry so I could throw myself on the floor and start snapping.

Dante enjoyed this little expedition although he was more interested in hunting lizards rolling in the dirt and basking in the sun than what I was up to.

Anyway here are the results. Hope you like them.

MossClover Bloom
Unopened Magnolia Bud

Magnolia Flower Center

Odd hot chilli pepper

2009-05-01T22:44:00.005+10:00

Crescent Moon

2009-04-30T19:14:00.003+10:00

E-30 Aspect Ratios

2009-04-26T22:42:00.007+10:00

Another of the Aspect Ratios on the new camera is the 6:6.

Here is tonight's dinner (Pizza Margherita) in the 6:6 ratio.

E-30 - Aspect Ratios

2009-04-26T14:28:00.013+10:00

Multi-Aspect Ratio Shooting

Since photography is a form of expression that is essentially based on clipping a scene, framing is an important component of style. The E-30 provides nine aspect ratios including the standard 4:3, as well as 16:9 for impressive, cinematic-style images, and 6:6, which is available with medium format cameras, plus 3:2, 5:4, 7:6, 6:5, 7:5 and 3:4. By selecting the aspect ratio before shooting and easily reviewing images on the LCD throughout the shoot, the Multi-Aspect function adds a new means of expression to your photography.

Here is today's lunch (Cream of Cauliflower Soup) in the 16:9 ratio.

E-30 Art Filters - Jewels

2009-04-21T22:56:00.007+10:00

The purists will say that this is not photography.

I think it is a lot of fun. Art filters are an Olympus first I believe as far as digital SLRs go. They basically allow you to put effects on your photos "in camera" without the need for Photoshop.

This is the description that Olympus give of this particular filter called POP ART on their UK site.

"Pop Art
The Pop Art filter transforms normal, everyday scenes into bright and colourful Pop Art. This effect enhances the saturation and brilliance to give your colours a punchy and vivid style reminiscent of Pop Art."

These are the before and after shots they gave as an example:

I think you can easily tell which one has the Pop Art Filter effect.

Now here is my take on it:

E-30 Test Shots

2009-04-19T20:45:00.003+10:00

These are a couple of test shots that I took today. I must admit that the subject matter is not that great (I was confined to my front yard).

The first picture really shows how great the articulated LCD screen can be in combination with live view, lucky cause the ground was pretty wet.

fgg d

Well maybe it is not ...

2009-04-17T18:37:00.005+10:00

as big as promised but it is finally here. Introducing my latest bit of kit.

Olympus E-30

I have had a bit of a play with it and I haven't been abel to wipe the smile off my face. I can't wait to take it out for a proper test drive.

Some good reviews can be found here, here, here, and here.

Self Portrait 2

2009-04-15T13:44:00.003+10:00

Here's another one.

Self portrait

2009-04-15T13:16:00.004+10:00

My first attempt. I generally hate looking at myself in photos but in an endevour to improve my portraiture skills I have embarked on an a program inspired by some of the stuff I have seen on flickr.

What is it?

2009-04-15T11:27:00.002+10:00

Dante was looking inquisitively at a noise outside the window.

Soft

2009-04-15T10:56:00.005+10:00

Happy Birthday Tracey!

2009-04-11T17:34:00.006+10:00

It's not officially until tomorrow but we ate the cake today so...

Something big is coming...

2009-04-07T22:02:00.003+10:00

Well you will just have to watch this space... Let's just say I am very excited.

This fortnight's Round Robin Challenge - By the Numbers

2009-03-28T09:02:00.005+11:00

This is how they describe the challenge...

"Time for an all new challenge! Jill who authors the blog, South Bay Soliloquy, recently emailed me an idea... "By The Numbers" Here is how she explains it...

"How about something called "By the Numbers" as a topic? Anything showing numbers: signs, a child holding up fingers to show how old he is, a number on a shirt, house numbers, whatever...""

Here is what I was thinking...

As always any critique or feedback is very much appreciated.

Introducing Stilla

2009-03-23T19:24:00.004+11:00

The old girl may be just a scrawny little tabby but she still can hold her stare and look positively regal.

Dante - Hi

2009-03-22T09:41:00.004+11:00

Violet

2009-03-21T15:04:00.004+11:00

Roses are red...

Latest Lens - ED 50mm f2.0 Macro

2009-03-19T20:54:00.005+11:00

This will be the last lens I will be purchasing for a very long time. I think it compliments my other two lenses very well. ED 50mm f2.0 Macro prime lens from Olympus. Got a pretty good review from Dpreview. If you are interested have a look at the review here.

Here are the details:

Product Name ED 50mm f2.0 Macro

Type Macro Lens

Model EM-P5020

Focal Length 50mm

35mm Equivalent Focal Length 100mm

Lens 11 elements in 10 groups, including 1 ED lens element.

Mechanism Floating focus mechanism

Angle of View 24 degrees

Closest Focusing Distance 0.24m

Maximum Image Magnification 0.52x

35mm Equivalent Magnification 1.04x

Number of Blades 7

Maximum Aperture 1:2.0 (wide)

Minimum Aperture 1:22

Filter Size 52mm

Dimensions 71mm (D) x 61.5mm (L)

Weight 300g

PS the previous 2 posts Berries and Autumn Sky were taken using the new lens.

Berries

2009-03-19T20:31:00.003+11:00

At work we have these hedging bushes and I noticed these pink berries growing in them. Not sure what they are exactly bu the soft pink colour was quite eye catching.

Autumn sky

2009-03-19T20:23:00.004+11:00

The weather in Sydney at the moment is just about perfect. Cool mornings mild days and cool evenings. The sky is also pretty fantastic, with really nice cloud formations. This would have to be my favourite time of year. :)

Magnolia - In Bloom

2009-03-01T16:10:00.003+11:00

Oregano

2009-02-27T17:09:00.004+11:00

Shrove Tuesday

2009-02-24T19:06:00.004+11:00

I know pancakes are the traditional done thing for today however, I thought this may still do.

Abstract - Colour

2009-02-24T17:47:00.003+11:00

This photo was captured as I was going up some escalators. Slow shutter speed due to low light and aiming at a cosmetics display created this interesting effect.

The Strand

2009-02-24T17:27:00.005+11:00

This would have to be my favourite shopping arcade in all of Sydney. It was built in 1891 and it has been beautifully preserved inside and out.

Summer - Coat...

2009-02-23T18:19:00.002+11:00

of Arms.

SYDNEY - Layers

2009-02-22T22:02:00.005+11:00

These images may be all too familiar to most Sydney siders. However I hope that others will find the blend of old and new architecture, in this city which is usually more known for its magnificent harbour, interestring.

Dinner Sat Night

2009-02-15T21:46:00.004+11:00

Fettuccine with lamb sausage meatballs, tomato and basil sauce with raw shelled peas.

Abstract 2

2009-02-11T19:09:00.002+11:00

This is another light abstract. Any guesses?

Blast From the Past

2009-02-11T18:55:00.005+11:00

This would have to be one of my all time favourite photos. I used it for one of my recent Round Robin Challenges and had to include it in this blog.

Paris - Louvre Entrance Twilight

Sanseveria + Jumping Spider Macro

2009-02-02T21:01:00.004+11:00

Succulent + Spider Macro

2009-02-02T18:27:00.004+11:00

Whilst shooting the cactus/succulents macro shots I came across some interesting little critters, so of course I decided to include them too.

Cactus Macro 3

2009-02-01T19:02:00.003+11:00

Cactus Macro 2

2009-02-01T18:59:00.003+11:00

Cactus Macro

2009-01-31T12:41:00.004+11:00

Dante resting

2009-01-26T10:43:00.004+11:00

Here is a recent picture of my cat Dante (aka The most difficult feline to photo). I know the foreground is a bit washed out but him being black it is the best I have managed to do in ages.

Yachts - Watsons Bay Sydney

2009-01-26T10:22:00.005+11:00

Went for an excursion yesterday to Watsons Bay. Very beautiful spot in Sydney. Unfortunately the weather was not very condusive to photography though. The skies were too overcast and very very bright so every thing turned out a bit washed out. Very disappointing. Here is one of the very few photos I was half happy with.

Abstract - Garden Litter

2009-01-25T19:20:00.004+11:00

This morning I did some gardening. As I have said before we have been having some really hot days in Sydney and many of the plants in the back yard have been burned by the sun. So even if this photo may look like it was taken in Autumn it was only today, in the middle of the Australian summer. I guess the rose petals sort of give you a bit of a clue. While I was pruning and sweeping I collected the litter in a box and when I was finished and was on my way to throw it in the garbage it caught my eye and thought it might make an interesting photo. Maybe it was an excuse to test the capabilities of my new lens in the macro range. Anyway here it is. As usual make sure you let me know what you think.

Summer Fruit Series (3/3)

2009-01-24T11:24:00.006+11:00

Pumpkin - Golden Nugget (Cucurbita maxima) - Fruit

A New Addition - 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD Standard Wide Zoom Lens

2009-01-23T23:30:00.003+11:00

This is my latest lens, only had it for two days.
Here are some details...

Product Name 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD Standard Wide Zoom Lens

Model EZ-1260 SWD

Focal Length 12-60mm
35mm Equivalent Focal Length 24-120mm
Lens 14 Elements in 10 Groups, Super ED lens, 2 ED lenses, Aspherical ED lens and 2 Aspherical lenses
Angle of View 84 - 20 degrees
Maximum Image Magnification 0.28x
35mm Equivalent Magnification 0.56x
Number of Blades 7 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
Maximum Aperture f2.8 (12mm) - f4.0 (60mm)
Minimum Aperture f22
Filter Size Diameter 72mm
Dimensions 79.5 x 98.5mm
Weight 575g

If you would like more information go to www.olympus.com.au

Summer Fruit Series (2/3)

2009-01-23T14:59:00.009+11:00

Muscat Grape Vine - (Vitis Vinifera) - Fruit

Summer Fruit Series (1/3)

2009-01-22T18:41:00.015+11:00

Cactus - Prickly Pear (Opuntia Littoralis) - Fruit

Cactus - Prickly Pear (Opuntia Littoralis) - Fruit ripe

Summer Fruit Series

2009-01-22T18:36:00.005+11:00

Over the next few days I will be posting a series of three photographs featuring seasonal fruit. In Sydney we are in the middle of some seriously hot summer days. Temperatures have reached the low forties, especially in Western Sydney where these photographs were taken. As usual I hope you enjoy the images and please feel free to comment and give your opinions.

:)

Candle

2009-01-22T10:54:00.005+11:00

Just trying my hand at some still life photography. As much depth of field as I can get my hands on and sharp were it counts. The subject was waiting to be photographed in my opinion. Lots of stuff happening with the gold design and the purple glass.

Hope you like it. :)Here is another bonus shot. I call it Forbidden Fruit. If you look closely you may know what I mean.

Still More Close Encounters

2009-01-19T12:39:00.006+11:00

This small/medium sized lizard (Skink) is a permanent feature in the front yard. He loves baking in the sun on the pavers. Dante and him have had several battles and most of the time the lizard is fast enough. Find out more about Skinks here.
Here are a couple more of the same lizard from a different angle. The third photograph is just a closer crop of the second one.

More Close Encounters

2009-01-18T20:59:00.005+11:00

Another creature that inhabits the back yard is this St Andrew's Cross spider. Apparently they are quite harmless to humans. For more information about this spider go here.

Medibank International - Sydney

2009-01-16T23:48:00.006+11:00

Had the opportunity to go to the Tennis today and of course I took the SLR. What an opportunity. Elena Dimentieva won the Women's singles title for 2009. Here she is in action.

Close Encounter

2009-01-12T16:15:00.007+11:00

Was not planning on doing any photography today, however as I went outside to take the rubbish out to the bin I literally stepped on this guy. Lucky for him he was a fairly big guy and I wasn't too heavy on my feet.

Boat HDR

2009-01-11T22:06:00.004+11:00

Sydney Center Point Tower HDR

2009-01-11T19:14:00.004+11:00

Sydney Opera House HDR

2009-01-11T16:02:00.007+11:00

So today I got the chance to go out and take some HDR photos. Here are some results.

This first image was compiled using jpg images:For this one Raw images were used:

Teddy bear HDR

2009-01-09T15:02:00.007+11:00

Didn't get to go out to take some outdoor photos today so instead I had another go at the HDR experiment. This was taken under very low light conditions and again three shots were taken at +/- 2 stops and one at regular exposure. Tried to keep the colours fairly toned down. Don't really want it to look too unnatural.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

2009-01-08T21:57:00.004+11:00

This is a process that I have heard a lot about but never tried before, until now that is. Interesting effect and supposedly there are no areas which are underexposed or overexposed. Hmm not sure yet, the pros do a terrific job as you can see here.

This is my first time effort. It was taken under available light using a tripod.

Can't wait to try a proper landscape.

Abstract

2009-01-08T09:41:00.006+11:00

This was just a little experiment I did this morning. I was playing around with aperture and the like and I thought that the result was interesting. It would be good to know what you think.

Frangipani

2009-01-05T09:13:00.006+11:00

This picture was taken this morning. It isn't the most original composition I know, however when I walked past this Frangipani and took in its sweet fragrance I couldn't resist taking the camera out and snapping a few shots.

The Vine

2009-01-04T22:05:00.004+11:00

Here are three more images. These were taken in spring as the vine in the back yard started shooting again. The sheen on the new leaves and the colours were quite intereesting, so I decided to take a few snaps.

A couple more from Greenwell Point

2008-12-31T13:59:00.008+11:00

Watermelon

2008-12-29T22:38:00.011+11:00

Watermelon has been our favourite fruit this summer. Besides the taste I love the colour of it. It is a brilliant and refreshing fruit.

Greenwell Point Pelicans

2008-12-29T12:31:00.003+11:00

Yesterday we went down to Nowra to have a fish and chips lunch with Shane and Michelle. After lunch we decided to take a couple of snaps. Here are the results.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T12:11:00.001+11:00

The presents are wrapped and ready to go. I couldn't resist taking these shots.