Friday, November 30, 2012

Hopscotch Days

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Remember these days?  Carefree days where you didn't worry about a thing and there was no internet. We were outside playing hopscotch for hours.  I found a chalked hopscotch outside a museum and it brought back memories of sunny carefree days with friends.

Temple Athena, Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

This was an amazing place.  I had to sit and wait for all the tourists to disappear to be able to get the shot.  I hung around for ages until the right moment!  I think there is one person behind one of the pillars!  Lots of memories here, as this is where I fell off the donkey after I had visited here.  Stunning place to explore.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Steam Train Carriage

Canon 7D, 18-55mm Lens

Old carriage attached to a vintage steam train at Shantytown on the West Coast of New Zealand, near Greymouth.  I waited until everyone had got off then sneaked back in for the photo!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Red Beach, Santorini



Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens
Red beach in the Akrotiri area on Santorini. Stunningly beautiful and well known for the unique colour of the sand and the hill behind it. Soaring red lava cliffs which drop right to the sandy shore and into the clear blue sea, makes for a majestic setting. The beach can be reached either by boat (there are several connecting Red Beach with Perissa and Akrotiri or by foot. This is as close as I got because of my injured foot.

High Country Horses



Buy Now 

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

This image was taken up in high country on the Molesworth Station, New Zealand's largest working faarm.  The horses are used for mustering, but when not in use are free to roam where they like.  We happened to come across them and they were very curious.  To get this photo, I'm on the road, then there's a bit of a bank and they are on top of that, hence the perspective of me looking up.  In front of them are the Blue Borage flowers that are everywhere, in fact the fields just looked like a sea of blue/purple in some place.  The bees make great honey from it.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Oranga Tonutanga


Buy Now 

Canon 7D, 100mm Lens

This image is made up of a composite of two images. The first a macro of a Flax leaf, and the second a macro image of a greenstone carving of a Koru. The name Oranga Tonutanga means Eternal Health, as the Flax is known to have healing properties, and the Koru is means growth and new beginnings which I like to think is for eternity. The images received honours in the national photographic competion - the North Shore Salon of Photography of 2012.

Oia, Santorini


These two images were taken in Oia, Santorini by my daughter. They are two of my favourite images of this beautiful Greek Island and I wanted to show off my daughters talent of photography! Both images taken on a Panasonic FS30.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Santorini Alley

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Taken in Santorini, the most beautiful Greek Island in the village of Pyrgos.  White washed alleyways with blue windows and doors and a gorgeous friendly dog.

Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Taken on a quick trip around the South Island last year.  The Lupins were still out but not at their best. This is the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekpo.

Volubilis at Sunset, Morocco

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Volubilis, ancient roman ruins near Meknes. Partly excavated Roman city built in a very fertile agricultural area, it was developed from the 3rd century BC onwards as a Phoenician/Carthegenian settlement. It grew rapidly under Roman rule from the 1st century AD onwards and expanded to cover an area of about 40 hectares (99 acres) with a 2.6 km (1.6 mi) circuit of walls. The city gained a number of major public buildings in the 2nd century, including a basilica, temple and triumphal arch. Its prosperity, which was derived principally from olive growing, prompted the construction of many fine town-houses with large mosaic  floors.
The town fell to local tribesmen around 285 but was never retaken by Rome due to its remoteness and indefensibility on the south-western border of the Roman Empire. It continued to be inhabited for at least another 700 years.  By the 11th century Volubilis had been abandoned with the seat of power relocated to Fes and much of the local population had been traRnsferred to the new town of Moulay Idriss about 5km away.
The ruins of Volubilis remained substantially intact until they were devastated by an earthquake in the mid-18th century.  Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed for being "an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire".

Sunday, November 25, 2012

A Venetian Canal

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22m Lens

Beautiful canal in early morning.  The more I look at this the more things I see - the beautiful colour of the water, the rubbish bag on the door, the washing hanging out, the numbers on the wall, the overhead wires, the beautiful green trees and the reflections of the boat.  I loved Venice, beautiful city and loved the alleyways and canals.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Spring Poppy

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 100mm Macro Lens

Taken in a beautiful garden in Marlborough last week on a gorgeous spring day.  The poppies were taller than me so it was actually easy for a change to get them on a different perspective.

Mt Robert View

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 18-55mm Lens at 25mm

View from Mt Robert overlooking Lake Rotoiti at the Nelson Lakes.  Another stunning day in the Nelson Marlborough area with those bright blue skies.  Looking eastward towards Blenheim.

Clematis Flower

Canon 7D, 100mm Macro Lens

Taken on the Hunters Garden Tour 2010.  Clematis flower with a textured overlay.  The variety of flowers and gardens you see on these tours are incredible and I fully recommend them.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Primary Colours in Burano, Venice


Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Apparently the council in Burano controls the colour of the houses. I think they're doing a great job as there is such contrast and brightness. I love bright colours and I'm sure it affects the mood of the residents - they were so friendly and cheerful.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Tahitian Rose

Canon 20D, 100mm Macro Lens

Taken at Auckland's Wintergardens several years ago, it's remained a favourite of mine.  Works well in a triptych.  Native to Tahiti.

The Bluffs, Mt Vernon, Marlborough

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 18-55mm Lens

Early morning a the White Bluffs at Mt Vernon, Marlborough.  I would love to be able to explore this area again as the landscape was fascinating and the beach was really interesting - quite wild, incredible rock formations.  Great photographic opportunities.

Little Silvereye


Canon 20D, 75-300mm Lens

Little Silvereye on my apple tree in my garden.  These birds dart at the speed of light.  Sometimes when I was out photographing them, they would all suddenly disappear.  After five minutes of waiting around I finally look around to find my cat hiding behind me and it's not until I put her inside and lock her in, that they will come back and allow me to photograph them again.  Smart cat, smart birds!  Not so smart human for taking so long to figure out why the birds had disappeared!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Molesworth Landscape

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Taken in summer on the Molesworth station.  Huge vistas of farmland seemingly uninhabited.  High country and stunningly beautiful.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Mike

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 100mm Lens

Mike is a working dog on the Mt Olympus Station.  Always eager to round up sheep his enthusiasm for his work is amazing to watch.  Beautiful temperament as well and those soft brown eyes can melt the hardest heart!

Coldwater Creek

Canon 7D, 18-55mm Lens, ND 10 Filter

Took this in the Midday sun but used an ND10 Filter to slow it down.  I also took a lot of the glare away  Quite pleased with the result as it was the first time I used the filter.  The creek was freezing cold as it was in the Rainbow Valley next to the Molesworth Station in High Country.  Snow fed.

Main Street, Venice

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Main street in Venice, taken from the Rialto Bridge.  Early morning light, and the colour of the buildings reflected in the water.  Not too busy in October but plenty of activity on the water.  Had to pinch myself as I had seen this view thousands of times in photographs, films, movies, advertisements, but couldn't believe I was actually seeing it for real myself, right there with my own eyes!

Monday, November 19, 2012

Moroccan Grasshopper

Canon 7D, 100mm Lens

Taken lying down on an awkward angle trying to catch him before he jumped away.  This bug was quite big, and I have to say I prefer spiders to these creatures, as their jumping is unpredictable!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Colourful Fishing Boats, Rabat, Morocco

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Taken at the Coast in Rabat, Morocco opposite the Kasbah.  Beautiful colourful fishing boats in a beautiful country.

Cissy Bay

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Taken at French Pass at the top of the South Island of New Zealand.  Calm overcast conditions meant perfect reflections.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Being Called to Prayer, Morocco

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens.

This is as far as a female could go.  The men are off to the mosque to prayer - called six times per day. Taken in a small village of Ismail Moulay near Meknes, Morocco.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Purple Clematis

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 100mm Macro Lens, Handheld, No Flash.

Taken at Hunters Garden Marlborough on a beautiful garden tour in spring.

Vaisons La Romaine, France



Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Taken while walking down an alley-way in Vaisons La Romaine, France. An absolutely beautiful town with an ancient old village on the hill. Would have loved to have spent a day or two there instead of the few hours we had. The first image is the original. The second image has a textured overlay - please let me know which image you prefer.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

The French Garden

Canon 7D, 18-55mm Lens

Taken in the beautiful French Garden at Hortensia House, Marlborough, New Zealand.

The Colours of Paua



Canon Powershot Pro1.

Playing around with an old macro image I found on my computer that I've never done anything with.  The colours of the Paua shell are magic making lovely abstract patterns.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The Little Silver-Eye

Canon 20D, 75-300mm Lens

Taken in my backgarden when I lived Auckland, on the apple tree.  I miss the little white-eyes down here in Marlborough. I have planted lots of native trees in the hope of attracting them. So far I have fantails only, but I'm not complaining as they are also beautiful.

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Meknes, Morocco.

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

Taken in Meknes, Morocco at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Fascinating place steeped in History, and everywhere you turned was something to photograph, be it bright colours, history, interest, ruins, or people.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Colourful Pukeko

Buy Now

Canon 20D, 75-300mm Lens

Taken at Ngamanu Wildlife Park at Waikane, Kapiti Coast a number of years ago.  Still one of my favourite images of this colourful bird.  Was late afternoon.

Monday, November 12, 2012

The Old Rhino


































Buy Now
Canon 7D, 75-300mm Lens

Taken at Auckland Zoo
Textured Overlay

Natures Dream

Canon 7D, 100mm Macro Lens
Background Overlay from Anna Lenabem

Macro Image of a leaf taken with the sun shining through overlaid with a background for effect.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Rare and Endangered New Zealand Falcon


Buy Now

Canon 7D, 100mm Macro Lens

Very rare and endangered with not many in the wild. Gorgeous colourings.  Wilson was brought along to our Camera Club meeting where he sat for a photo session after we had listened to an informative lecture on how special these birds are.  He was an excellent model.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

It's a Long Road to Freedom

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 18-55mm Lens

Taken on the Road to French Pass.  Very typical New Zealand Bush Road.  Reminds me of the song...

It's a Long Road to Freedom
A winding steep and high
But when you walk in love with the wind on your wing
and cover the earth with the songs you sing
The miles fly by.

Autumn Vines

Canon 7D,10-22mm Lens

Autumn in Blenheim is beautiful when all the grapes turn hues of red, orange, and yellow.  The rows go for miles, and it's hard to get the right angle.  Here I tried to show a smattering of what the leaves are like close up, but allowing our eyes to follow the vines to give an idea of what the land looks like overall.

Friday, November 9, 2012

A Cute Pest


Buy Now

Canon 7D, 100mm Macro lens

Don't be fooled by the extreme cuteness. This is one of thousands that are destroying farmland around the South Island of New Zealand.  They chomp up my garden and make holes in my lawn as well. Ok ok - I'll agree that its cute too.  The problem is... that they breed like... well.... Rabbits!



Medieval Inscription

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens

This was taken in Morocco at Volubilis.  An ancient medieval city ruin and a World Heritage site.  Late afternoon sun brought out the inscription with a lovely golden light. If anyone can tell me what it says - please let me know.


Thursday, November 8, 2012

After the Earthquake, out of the Cracks

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens.

Triptych.  Use of selective colouring to show up the bright red poppies, growing out the huge chasms that was caused by the earthquake, this one right through someones driveway.  The house was abandoned and nature was just taking over, and the bright red poppies just flourishing in the cracks.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The Yellow Cabs of New York City

Buy Now

Canon 20D, 18-55mm Lens

Driving in NYC one needs to have nerves of steel along with bravado and bullying to get anywhere.  Just loved all the yellow taxicabs which made it a colourful and vibrant city.

Pink Clematis

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 100mm Macro Lens.  Handheld. No flash.

Taken at Hunters Garden Marlborough at the Woodend Gardens last year.  Springtime in Blenheim is a beautiful place to be with gorgeous gardens available to visit.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Bee on Lavender

Canon 7D, 100mm Macro Lens

Bee on lavender at Woodend Gardens.  Late afternoon sun.

Me and My Shadow

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 100mm Macro Lens

This Australian Import was sunning itself on my windowsill.  It's an Australian Swift Ground Spider, also known as the Spotted Swift Spider or the Wasp Mimicking Spider.  They don't spin webs, rather they run full speed and catch their prey that way.  They don't usually sit very still.  A bite from them isn't nice, but won't kill you.  They are found in the Nelson Marlborough region of New Zealand only.

Monday, November 5, 2012

The Mad Bear of Burgers Zoo

Canon 7D, 75-300mm Lens
Taken in Burgers Zoo, this Sun Bear went totally mad over a piece of fire hose.  Although I believe zoos have their places and importance for conservation, this was a case where the bear was just crazy, and showings signs of abnormal behaviour.  I purposely left my shutter speed slow to try and capture the action.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

The Black Swan

Buy Now

Canon 7D, 10-22mm Lens
I had no choice but to use the wild angle lens on this image because the swan swam right up to me and was inches from my camera!