Russell Falls, Tasmania

Mt Field National Park is about an hour from Hobart - a magnificent place for photography. I spent the last five days in and around Hobart on holiday, and this place was the highlight of the trip. Weather was raining every day, but I chanced it anyway and headed up to the park, luck was there as I got 2 hours break from the down poor.

Russell Falls was about to burst, winter rains had pumped it full. The water was coming down with such a force, it created a wind that made keeping a steady tripod a challenge. The mist from the fall crashing into the river below sent a drenching mist over the viewing platform, so much that after each of the 7 vertical shots, I had to turn the camera around and wipe down the lens. Good thing I grabbed a shower cap from the hotel bathroom, was a great rain jacket for the camera.

I've seen photographers take great shots of these falls, but I wouldn't think many have bothered when it is as wild as this. Enjoy.

Southgate, Melbourne, Yarra River

The sun was already over the horizon, shining a few last rays over the passing clouds, and the city lights were starting to add color to the buildings. I didn't have my tripod with me to take the long exposure I needed to capture the light. instead, I thought just to take a few snaps and check the potential of the scene.

I set my camera up to take a fast exposure in the dull light, hand-held I took five frames, bracing myself on a nearby bridge. Back home, stitching them together, the scene came to life. I'm keen to see another warm day and hopefully be ready with my tripod, with a little more drama in the sky and sparkle from the city lights, this spot should turn out a winner.

Steelly Blue Docklands

Behind me the sun was setting and shining rays of light through a cover of clouds. A grey blue tone beamed over the city and reflected off all the buildings. It reminded me of the time down at Lorne Pier. Being a little before dark, the city lights were yet to show.

With the tripod set-up, I loaded the lens with filters to slow the exposure from the brightness. Currents where slowly flowing around the dock and with an 8 sec exposure, I could capture the glassy water reflection.

I've been down to this spot a few times, and every time presents a different view. This occasion I was lucky for it was such a calm day, as the sail boats normally sway in the wind and surely would have blurred during a long exposure.

Lorne Twilight

Overcast sky, threat of rain, once again a freezing cold morning... The chances of getting a majestic sunrise was looking very slim! Still after waking up to the pitch black at 5:45am, figured I might as well fire off a few shots. The clouds were rolling along slowly, maybe enough to clear the horizon?

No luck - the sun was up and over the horizon and then over the cloud cover... then for only a moment the clouds illuminated with the backlight of sun, casting a vibrant blue across the rock pools and giving this scene. I packed up, watching the fishermen gathering on the Pier hopeful for a day's catch, knowing I already had mine in the bag.

Broken Jetty

Walking the length of beach around from 'The Nobies, Phillip Island', I was trying to waste a little time before sunset. I had a planned shot around the corner, but had a few hours before dusk. The sun still high and harsh, photo opportunities were proving very slim. I shot this jetty out of boredom anyhow, with the birds perched on top of the pillars and the tide making it's way in rapidly, I didn't have much time.

The tripod must have been set up with levels way off center for the curve on the horizon to show. Somehow I think it makes the shot work? 7 vertical shots stitched.

Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

6 am sun rise, standing by my tripod shaking from the freezing cold morning, constantly wiping the fog from my filters. As the sun started to show, you could feel the drop in temperature, and as the sun's rays reached over the cradle, the mist across Dove Lake was burning away.

Stacking my lens with filters, I attempted to correct the contrast in the sky against the reflection of the boat house. 45sec exposure and quick check of the histogram, I was sure I had a keeper from Cradle Mountain.

SpikeyBridge, Swansea, Tasmania

The last morning before heading home I awoke at 4:30am to be sea-side 1/2 hour later. My mate had convinced me not to waste the opportunity sleeping in (still not sure it would have been wasted? but up I got anyway, craving a cup of coffee).

We were heading out to the local lookout spot near Swansea, no shops open - no coffee in hand - optimism was low. Making our way down to the rocks, night still black, we scouted out our positions and setup.

Shaking by the tripod, blowing warm air into my hands, still craving that coffee for 40min when suddenly the sky transitioned from pink to lining the clouds with a magnificent golden fringe. Despite the longest sunrise I have experienced, it was all over with a 1/3sec exposure to make this seascape vista, capturing a fond memory of Tasmania's East Coast.