Scout Images

I just thought I would share some images that were taken during my weekend up in Newcastle. I have never been heavy on post processing but there are a few here that really do need some work to get the best out of, but I have yet to find the time to sit down and play with them.

This was a slightly different weekend away for me, I was very gear heavy, lugging the Kitchen Sink, thus having more options than usual. However, I feel rather stupid when I bring items with me that I dont use, but in this instance I made use of every lens I brought. So what was my Kitchen sink this weekend?

• Nikon D300 + MB-D10
• Nikon F80 + MB-16
• Tokina 10-17mm fisheye
• Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8
• Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
• Nikkor 60mm Micro
• Nikon SB-800
• Cokin ND Grad filter kit (ND4, ND8, holders, adaptor rings)
• C-Pol filters
• Dell Wasabi Zink Printer
• Phottix Geo One

The F80 was loaded up with a roll of Ilford Delta 3200, which I am still finishing but I hope to get this processed and scanned in the near future.

So what did I get up to?

Waking up well before dawn, when it is freezing cold, heading to a beach, then rock hopping in the dark whilst carrying a tripod and a bag full of camera gear does not excite many. The early start, the chill and the stumbling around in the dark would put off most, however this morning I headed out to Clovelly in the company of two friends with one thing on our minds. SUNRISE.

Like most landscape photos, it is the ones that are off the beaten track that look the best, so the rock hopping is mandatory. With the tide due to come in, our window of opportunity is tight. The conditions were not perfect, but being there was worth it.

So what does one take on a sunrise shoot? I took my Nikon D300, Tokina AT-X 10-17mm Fisheye, Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8, Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8, Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR, Manfrotto 055 ProB + 322RC2, Phottix Cleon, Phottix Geo One, Cokin ND filters, C-Pol filters and most importantly my Wolfeyes Defender 260. Despite all the gear, it is the torch that is probably the most vital, it is the one that will light your way in the dark, it is the one that will help people see you if you run into trouble.

The pictures? The experience? PRICELESS. There is a sense of satisfaction gleaned from the early morning, the cold, the wet (I soaked my shoes and pants in a rockpool) when you get to see nature at its best.

I have just spent the day out and about at Cockatoo Island with members of the University of Sydney Photographic Society (PhotoSoc). The sun was out, the weather warm, and the location had so much to cover. However, I managed to do one thing that I dont usually spend a lot of time doing…taking people pictures.

The Phottix Geo One came along on this trip and it once again proved to be very reliable, geotagging most images, even inside the buildings on the island at the expense of battery lift. I drained a battery and a half in my Nikon D300 for roughly a days shooting…

A few days ago I attended a forum meet that saw me down at Minnamurra Rainforest and at Cataract Dam afterwards. I did not take many photos but here are a few taken with my lightweight kit (Nikon D300 and Tamron SP 17-50/Di 70-300).

Just wanted to let you all know that I have been busy and spent last night adding more reviews. So I am pleased to let you know that you can now read my thoughts and opinions on:

Nikon D300 + MB-D10

Fuji S5 Pro + MB-D200

Wolfeyes Defender 260

Sanyo Eneloop AA

Powerex Imedion AAA

Just keep in mind that these are MY opinions and thoughts and NOT technical reviews.

The opening of Sydney Festival 2009 saw a massive free festival of live music acts and performances at key venues in the city CBD. I decided to get out there and enjoy the night, bringing with me a small kit (not small enough as it turns out) to take pictures of the festivities. Here are some of my better pictures from the night.

Sorry but this is going to be LONG update!

First and foremost HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope you have all had a good sleep in and have recovered from the mad partying that was last night. I was out and about and snapped some pictures, starting the night with a sprint to a high vantage point to catch the golden hour light, then sprinting down to the harbour for the 9pm fireworks before heading back to a high vantage point to catch the fireworks from a distance.

Now I have to apologise that I have been a little quiet lately, save for the well wishing over the holidays, what have I been up to? Well I did manage to get out and about to roam city and especially the botanical gardens.

Also there is few new peices of gear in my stable that were acquired over Xmas,  a light tent, fold up grey card and a 35mm film camera that I put together myself.

I was making a new avatar and got a little carried away so I ended up making a larger version. What is it is an animated gif created using Photoshop.

My new avatar!

For the larger version please click on one of the following links:

500×400 BEWARE ~4mb

Just thought I would post some of my newest photos. Wanderings of the city from the last few days.

I was at Bondi last night, so here are some of the pictures from that trip.