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Australia  /  New South Wales  /  The Rocks
Opera in Focus

21 December 2016

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One of the Sydney’s Secret Photospots, the one and the only missing medallion in the historic Cast Iron Railings at the Circular Quay walk near Dawes Point. I will be honest to admit I wasn’t the first one who figured out the composition, the railings are there since the 19th century, we might not even know who was first. I hope, though, I did add my touch to it. You might’ve seen few similar pictures from various cities around the world. When I started on it myself I did not know the spot and did not have the right gear. So I spent good 6 months preparing to take this picture. First stage was to utilise my lunch jog around the city to find the spot where this kind of a picture could be taken. Running from Circular Quay train station towards the Hickson Road Reserve I carefully kept an eye on the old cast iron fencing. I was almost under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and thought that the missing medallion might’ve already been fixed up when I finally noticed it. Here it is, I thought, to myself, in the open sight and yet no one is taking a picture. I was so happy about the find I thought that there must be a queue of photographers taking a turn to capture the view. Yet no one was paying any attention to it. It felt like I stumbled across a $100 note with no one around. I carefully put it back into my memory and continued with the jog under the bridge thinking about the time to come back.

Few weeks later I returned on a weekend to see if my camera, lens and tripod would be suitable to take the picture I had in mind. I must’ve looked like a hunting heron on a lake while trying to set up the tripod with one leg on the sandstone base and other two legs on the ground (that’s it, the tripod legs). To my surprise I did manage to take few shots as planned without attracting crowds. It turned out I needed approximately 35mm lens for this. I had a universal 28-300mm travel zoom with me, so I decided to come back later on with a 35mm prime for better quality and sharpness. The only problem was that I did not have a 35mm prime lens. Hence the rest few months were spent in constant internal struggle where I tried to convince myself that I did not need another lens. I succeeded in quite opposite and became a happy owner of used Nikon 35mm f1.4 AI-S. This lens is so beautiful that I easily found (or bought?) a peace with myself shortly after.

During my first take the afternoon light was quite simple, bright and ordinary. So I asked myself why not to get up early and take few pictures during sunrise. To get up at 3 AM on a normal working day and catch a first train to city, why not indeed? I knew the sun was rising behind the Opera House, but I did not know where exactly it would come up. And that’s why I spent a good hour after sunrise waiting for it to come up… right behind the tallest sail of the Opera. As I was patiently waiting for sun to emerge the gigantic cruise ship was slowly approaching the Overseas Passenger Terminal. There was no other way for it but to pass right between me and my subject. The thought of missing the opportunity completely crossed my mind for a moment. I would not be keen to do another 3 AM any time soon. Crowds gathered on the top deck waving and smiling for the picture. I made few takes knowing in advance it would be of little use. The ship did not even fit into the frame. It was total opera eclipse. The minute it was drifting along to the terminal felt like an hour. I waited, the Sun luckily waited too and few minutes later I was snapping exposure bracketing sets away focusing on Opera and back on the railing. Focus stacking was a must have for this shot I rightly thought at the time. Believe or not, but sun was pretty quick in its moves and show was over in no time. It fully rose above the Opera House, the wonderful sunstar effect disappeared and magic was no more. I packed up and continued on. It was close to 7 in the morning, but I already felt like half of the day’s work was behind me.

Later at home I noticed a nice little touch, resident gull decided to add itself into the photo. Sydney is not complete without its crazy screaming and bullying silver gulls. And ferries. I am glad this work combines both plus few extras. Overall, this is easily one of the most labour and time intensive pictures I’ve created. It all, however, fits nicely together, even HDR with focus stacking wasn’t too hard to do, it just took numerous hours in alignment of 2×3 sets of bracketing shots. I am happy with the result, yet feel this composition has more potential which is why I may come back to explore it more later. The time flies freely thinking about the next picture to make.

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Australia  /  Blue Mountains  /  Grand Canyon  /  New South Wales
Grand Canyon Stepping Stones

22 November 2016

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The stepping stones carved out of sandstone in the middle of Grand Canyon rainforest in Australian Blue Mountains are impressive and very much convenient in crossing multiple gullies and creeks along the way.

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Australia  /  New South Wales  /  Pyrmont
Moonrise Over Barangaroo

16 November 2016

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Pyrmont wharf is a quiet location with fantastic views over the Sydney city skyline. Five minutes too far of a walk for most of the tourists the wooden wharf is top spot for after the sunset photography. Sunsets are great too, but instead of catching the star itself you will enjoy reflections of colourful sky in many of the Sydney CBD glassy buildings. Sounds of clinking glasses and chatter from the balconies of wharf apartments behind will add to the feel of Sydney’s relaxing lifestyle while rare, but dedicated local runners will test sturdiness of the tripod. Wide lens is handy to capture the mass of Darling Harbour waters and their silky smooth multi-coloured light shades. Ferry-waiting patience in the dark could prove useful in getting some interesting lighting effects over the water and striking light traces on long exposures. Location is quite often windy, so be prepared to get your windshield on.

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Australia  /  New South Wales  /  Sydney  /  Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sunrise from Sydney Harbour Bridge

3 November 2016

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Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of top Sydney attractions for every photographer. That’s the first thing most of new arrivals will see from a window of an airplane landing in Sydney. You can admire it, you can see it from almost anywhere in the city, you can and should photograph it, you can drive over it, you can climb it, and you can also take great pictures from it. There is a walk path on the Sydney Opera House side of the bridge and couple of viewing platforms at the pylon bases. While it is not most friendly location for a photographer with DSLR due to fencing and only small openings in between, it is, nevertheless, possible to take great shots at any time you like. Even crazy-early cold-and-windy sunrise times like this photo.

Wide lens will help to fit most of the Sydney Harbour into the shot, while zoom will be handy to get close-ups of the Opera house and ferries darting in and out of Circular Quay. Tall tripod is useful to have, but tricky to set close enough to the fence. And don’t get lens too close to the fence or you might end up scratching it as I did in the excitement of capturing rising sun. Use filters to protect the lens where possible or a smaller camera that will have better chance to fit through.

Sunrises are one of the best times to get a feel of real Sydney. There is no rush, almost no traffic, and strangely not many photographers. It is the time you can have one of the world greatest cities to yourself (almost) while greeting new day with breathtaking views at one of the Sydney’s Best Photospots.

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Australia  /  New South Wales  /  Popular Posts  /  Sydney
Top 5 Sydney Jacaranda Photospots

24 October 2016

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Native tree of subtropical regions of South America, Jacaranda trees became popular in gardens and town alleys all over the world in the early 20th century. Due to the beautiful purple flowering that carpets everything around the tree is now spread through all the continents including Australia. You can even find a reference in Aussie folk culture. A poem by Lesley Sabogal, Christmas Where The Gum Trees Grow, has following lines:

Christmas where the gum trees grow
There is no frost and there is no snow
Christmas in Australia’s hot
Cold and frosty is what it’s not
When the bloom of the Jacaranda tree is here
Christmas time is near

From late October and over the November carpet of purple-blue flowers under the magnificent trees looks no less than magical. Add a historic sandstone building background of which there is no shortage in Sydney and place becomes a frame out of a fantasy movie. Interestingly enough Jacaranda is a deciduous tree not because it evolved to avoid cold winters, but rather dry seasons common in its tropical homeland. It keeps with the habit even here in Sydney where there is no distinct dry season and winters are not that cold.

Sydney Royal Botanic Garden

Royal Botanic Garden located right in the Sydney city is a great place to visit in spring. The colourful season starts with different varieties of tulips blooming late August to early September which then hands it over to cherries blossoms in October. There are quite a few scenic spots to be enjoyed with all favourite views over the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline. In late October and November you cannot go past the grand Jacarandas accentuating their presence with the colour blast. I especially like late afternoons when sun gets lower to skyscrapers and is shining through Jacarandas’ little trumpets with golden light.

Top 5 Sydney Jacaranda Photospots - Royal Botanic Garden

Jacaranda and the palms at Sydney Royal Botanic Garden

Circular Quay

One of the central and most popular Sydney’s locations in any season is an area of Circular Quay. What many people don’t know, however, is that you can escape the crowds and get an elevated view over the blooming Jacarandas at the Quay with Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House in the frame if you go up to the Cahill Expressway pedestrian walkway (stairs from Macquarie Street, or an elevator at the east corner of Circular Quay station ground level).

Top 5 Sydney Jacaranda Photospots - Circular Quay

View on Circular Quay jacaranda trees from Cahill Expressway pedestrian walkway

Cathedral Street

Cathedral Street in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo is one of the hidden city gems. I discovered it by chance while jogging during one of afternoons. Going up to Dowling Street I got surrounded by Jacarandas blooming all over me. When I turned around the top of Sydney Tower was peeking through creating quite a scenic photo composition which I keep coming back to every year since.

Jacarandas in Bloom on Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, Australia

Jacarandas in Bloom on Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, Australia

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McDougall Street

Just across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, on the shores of Kirribilli suburb is another worth to visit display of Jacarandas in Sydney. Dozens of trees line up along the McDougall Street creating beautiful alley of colour. Being close to the Milson Park and with the bay nearby location does get a lot of traffic, so arrive early if you like to have it for yourself or take it easy and relax with a picnic in a park to absorb the colour overload.

Top 5 Sydney Jacaranda Photospots - McDougall Street

Alley of jacarandas at the McDougall Street, Kirribilli

University of Sydney Quadrangle

There are many Jacaranda trees at the grounds of University of Sydney, however, the giant Jacaranda at the Quadrangle is on top of my list of displays in Sydney. The majestic tree was planted around 90 years ago for the visit of Duke and Duchess of York and is enjoyed by everyone since then.

Top 5 Sydney Jacaranda Photospots - University Of Sydney Quadrangle

Under the jacaranda tree at the University Of Sydney Quadrangle

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The grounds of the University are vast. One can spend good few hours exploring one faculty after another and walking under the numerous Jacaranda trees planted along the walking path. Taking a break under one of them is a wonderful way to enjoy gentle spring weather and get best of the location.

What’s your favourite spot?

Top 5 Sydney Jacaranda Photospots - University Of Sydney Picnic

Students enjoying a picnic under the jacaranda at University Of Sydney

 

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Australia  /  Popular Posts  /  Tasmania
What to See in Tasmania

5 October 2016

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A Farmstay

What could be a better way to experience Tasmania if not through meeting the locals? Staying at Eden Farmstay near Hobart was our highlight. Right on arrival we were greeted by the friendly crowd of chooks, rosters, turkeys, ducks. Goats were showing their curiosity giraffing their necks from the paddock and lop-eared bunny nearly chewed through his enclosure to investigate if we had any carrots for him (we did).

A warm welcome from locals at Eden Farm

A warm welcome from locals at Eden Farm

Hobart and Salamanca Market

Early morning at the markets is a perfect time to get a taste of local produce. Salamanca Market in Hobart runs every Saturday and has a great selection of local handmade souvenirs as well as tasty local edible goodness. Grab freshly brewed coffee, delicious donuts made in front of you and browse through 300+ stalls rain or shine. Our picks were fresh apples from nearby orchards, freshly baked organic sourdough bread with a live music accompaniment, Tasmanian timber souvenir from Jacko the Woodturner, cheese tastings (plus few to go) and Danish donuts – that 3 minute wait felt like the longest! No wonder we even got a parking fine for wandering there too long. But even those $35 spent were a good value, if you can say that about parking fines, and could not spoil the experience. Just be mindful of the time.

Chilled apples at the Salamanca Market

Chilled apples at the Salamanca Market

Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a convict settlement, which is pretty much a standard description of any town in Australia. It is located on the Tasman Peninsula, 60km down from Hobart. While not being the most pleasant place to live in middle 1800s with most dangerous of British criminals serving the time there I still got a feeling that place had quite good ambience. From the museum stories and pictures it seems that it was more like a well organised work place rather than a jail. While there were punishments for those who were not behaving like the “silent system” where a person was hooded up and made to stay silent reflecting on his deeds, those who were working hard and productive got reward in larger amounts of rations, tea, sugar and tobacco. Now a World Heritage site, it was considered a model penal institution at the time and I think I could feel that bit of thoughtfulness around there. Apart from various tasks like cutting wood and smaller craftsman shops, there was an established dockyard where some of the well-behaved and eager prisoners were employed. Over the 14 years it was in operations 155 vessels big and small were put on water. That’s about one every month. Not bad for a place that supposed to be a prison for those who were convicted while already being in the prison (Australia)! The location itself is very picturesque and calming in good weather with cruises available. There apart from colourful commentary of the guide you might be also entertained by local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and whales if lucky enough.

Guard Tower at the Port Arthur

Guard Tower at the Port Arthur

Mount Field National Park

It might sound like just about everything is around 60km from Hobart, which is mostly not the case, but nevertheless, located 64km up and left from the Tasmanian capital is one of the oldest Tasmanian parks, Mt Field National Park. That is the place to visit if you, like me, still hope that the last Tasmanian tiger that was captured there in 1933 is not the last, but rather last captured. We enjoyed serene Russell Falls, drove up on muddy bumpy mountain road through the rainforest, hiked to the top through frozen creeks breathing fresh air, had a cuppa on Seagers Lookout and felt like the only people on the planet.

Counterclockwise from the left: view off Seagers Lookout, muddy track up the hill, frozen track upper in the mountains

Counterclockwise from the left: view off Seagers Lookout, muddy track up the hill, frozen track upper in the mountains

Freycinet Marine Farm

Some of the freshest and tastiest Pacific Oysters we tried were at the Freycinet Marine Farm in the middle of Tasmanian nowhere. I still have that fresh taste of salty oyster in my mind. Steamed Tasmanian Blue Mussels, fried abalone, garlic scallops, umm… I am already feeling hungry. So don’t hold back and try everything, it is delicious.

One of the treats at the farm: Oysters grilled with smoked salmon and brie

One of the treats at the farm: Oysters grilled with smoked salmon and brie

Wineglass Bay

The best part about seeing Wineglass Bay is that you can do it multiple ways. It is one of those locations which you can hike to and enjoy yourself on a secluded beach or you can walk up to a nicely set lookout. Those looking for a little bit extra can climb Mount Amos nearby for an unforgettable experience and stunning panoramic view. And you can, of course take a flight and see it from the air, which I would think is stunningly beautiful (less adrenaline though). We have done it via Wineglass Bay lookout and as a Mount Amos climb. I’ll leave the climb story to be told separately as it is worth it. For now, we take it easy and enjoy the view from Wineglass Bay Lookout.

Tip: If you are visiting a wildlife park beforehand don’t spend all the Roo’s food there, spare a packet for the cute friendly wallabies at the Wineglass Bay Lookout car park. As bad as it is from “don’t feed wild animal” point of view we just could not resist. At least it was wildlife park approved food.

Sunrise views from the top of Mount Amos over the Wineglass Bay

Sunrise views from the top of Mount Amos over the Wineglass Bay

Cradle Mountain

A part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area the Cradle Mountain is what Tasmania is all about, the essence. From beautiful lakes, to streaming waterfalls, from patches of rainforest to alpine landscapes it is so diverse, so beautiful and so accessible it can be as well be a dream. Stay for a few days in a nearby Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages, check the weather, get out before sunrise not missing the most beautiful time to see Cradle Mountain. Go for a walk around the lake for few hours on one day and set off for a day long walk higher up the other for not-to-miss views of the Dove Lake and some of the scenery you can only see from up there (Crater Lake). Just check the weather report before you go up and have rain gear with you.

Historic Boatshed at the Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain on the background

Historic Boatshed at the Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain on the background

King Solomons Cave

The rule with any cave is simple, the further away from the tourist tracks it is the more untouched and original its condition is likely to be. King Solomons Cave in Tasmania are indeed one of the hidden gems that you would be surprised to find in the middle of thick rainforest. You can be assured that the visit is quite worth it by the fact that the cave was opened in 1908 by two local entrepreneurs on a well-attended occasion with visitors including then Premier of Tasmania. If it was worth all the hassle travelling there in 1908 it most definitely should be a hundred years later! There are a number of tours running through the day which we found one of the most interesting to listen and participate to out of the many we have seen. And as an added bonus it is constant 9C there, which is considered refreshingly cool in summer and nice and toasty for winter. Well, maybe not that toasty.

Cave entry through the thick rainforest and some of the cave treasures below

Cave entry through the thick rainforest and some of the cave treasures below

Moving Around

We used Avis to get Toyota Rav4 car rental in Launceston and drive down to Hobart. Overall, the service and the car were great, but it is always good to compare. See who have the best deal with the little search widget below.

Compare Cars for Hire in Tasmania

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Japan  /  Shinjuku  /  Tokyo
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building at Night

18 September 2016

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One of the tallest buildings of the metropolis and with an architecture style said to combine a look of a Gothic cathedral and a computer chip Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is one of the main Tokyo photo attractions. Impressive from the outside and standing at 243 metres high it also a good place to observe Tokyo from the above with its two panoramic observation decks. With tripods not allowed, though, we switched our visit to the “it is better from outside than inside” mode.

It was a rainy evening in Tokyo, one of those when the best idea would be to hide in a small yakitori shop, but we were out and about taking it on to find the best framing for The Tocho. Hiding under the roof of the hall nearby not only provided an escape from the rain but also put an interesting architectural ornament to the main building in the viewfinder. Clouds were flying low and fast, light drizzle was inescapable and after few photos lens got covered in drops. I decided to go on with the few more pictures, I liked that water drops on the lens added bright bokeh spots somewhat watering down strong character of the central subject.

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Canterbury  /  New Zealand  /  South Island
Road to Mount Cook

16 May 2016

I had someone coming over today and asking me for tips on what to see in New Zealand on the South Island. I thought for few seconds and replied that no matter where you are planning to go there you could not make a wrong decision. Get out of the city and it is all there for you to see and experience. If you are thinking about travelling in New Zealand as well, have a look through my article Travelling in New Zealand in a Motorhome. Some nice scenery photos there as well.

And here on the picture the road to the most beautiful wonder this side of the world, Aoraki / Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand / Aotearoa. You would think it will be one of the busiest roads on Earth with people rushing everyday to see it. But guess what? It is not. There was hardly anyone on the road and it was a pleasure to enjoy it all in peaceful quietness.

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Australia  /  New South Wales  /  Young
Thistle Field

24 January 2016

Colours of an Australian summer on a distant cherry orchard are striking and bright. I bet that year from year a farmer driving big diesel truck with cherry pickers cannot help but wonder why these people prefer to walk in the heat with heavy buckets of fruits instead of jumping on a truck and getting an easy ride back to the gate. Well, how else would it be possible to soak up the scenery and take some of the most memorable summer photos?

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Bangkok  /  Thailand  /  Wat Pho
Wat Pho Grandeur

17 January 2016

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Starting before sunrise and continuing into the heat of the day in tropical Thailand is challenge enough, but to appreciate the immense beauty of what is around at the same time is hard piece of a cookie. I would rather stay in the shade with my sunglasses on, drinking milk tea with grass jelly. Something would say to me, however, that I have to get out and do it the hard way. Now back home, looking at this in a more comfortable environment (ironically yet still after a crazy sunrise photoshoot) and going through a thousand of Thailand places we visited I can understand why the hard way was the best choice. After the physical difficulties worn off I remember only the good moments and stupendous grandeur of Wat Pho, the Buddhist temple complex in Bangkok.

Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok dating back to the 16th century. Bangkok has a lot of temples big and small, old and quite recently built ones. But it is Wat Pho I consider a great choice to start with the serious temple-seeing before visiting the Grand Palace (leave that one to the last day). It took us couple of hours to walk about and appreciate the complex and its thousand Buddha collection. What’s best about it is that if you start in the morning before the crowds arrive you have a chance to then relax at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School in relative quietness. I wasn’t a big fan of trying traditional Thai massage, but not many things can beat an air-conditioned pavilion with the views on one of the grandest Thai temples while being gently massaged by a therapist. I would come back just for that.

Available as high quality art print. And in case you wondered, watermark is not included on art prints or images available for digital licensing.

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    • Top 5 Sydney Jacaranda Photospots
      24 October 2016
    • What to See in Tasmania
      5 October 2016
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