photos and other things…
The sunset this evening was one of the more amazing of recent. Unfortunately I was stuck in traffic for the best of it. Racing (or driving as prompt as possible) once out of the traffic, finding a park and jogging down the track to an open area, I missed all but the last of the sun as it dropped into the horizon. With tide out and still, I did manage to catch it reflecting the last of the days sun as it slowly curved down and away out to sea.
Shot on the Ricoh GRD IV and resized in Gimp.
An amazing weekend of weather after a week of storms. Down at grass level with the Ricoh GRD IV, shooting in bleach bipass mode.
Ricoh GRD IV
Looking over one of the blogs I regularly follow, I was inspired to have a look back, and reflect on my trip to the South Island in December 2011. My second time travelling from New Zealands North Island to the South Island, I cannot express how beautiful parts of our wonderful little country are.
Todays image was shot somewhere in the region of the Routeburn track (a stunning 32km track down the bottom part of the South). What takes ones breath away when down near the Souther Alps is the shear size and enormity of this great mountain range. Its something that simply must be on your travel list if you come down to New Zealand.
Shot on the Ricoh GRD IV, resized and bordered in Gimp.
Secret River is in my mind.
I can go there any time.
Everything Mother Albirtha says is true.
The sky is gold and the river is blue.
Secret River, I love you
Rawlings, Marjorie Kinnan, The Secret River, Scribners, 1955, p. 56
Shot on the Olympus four thirds E500, edited in CS5 and Gimp.
Another shot from the Olympus E500 showing off its colour palette.
Scaled and profile bordered in Gimp.
Before a busy day in the garden, I managed to get a walk in early morning today. One of the great things about out new home is that its about 5 minutes away from a great coastal bush walk.
I brought out the old Olympus E500 four thirds DSLR. Although getting a little long in the tooth, it has pleasing colours, and still handels well compared to my newer units.
Looking out across the water to the next peninsula I captured the calm, golden morning.
Golden Web – shot on the Sony Nex about a year ago with the Industar 61 Lens. I recall it being a beautiful golden morning (albeit cold).
A quick wander around yet another new suburban area in Albany on Aucklands North Shore brought me to an urban stormwater treatment pond. Stormwater, around the world, in ever increasing concrete jungles is a huge polluter to rivers, streams and beaches. Travelling around different areas of Auckland (and I am sure elsewhere), we have seen an increase in these treatment ponds around built up suburban areas. Designed to remove sediments and contaminants, as well as offering flood protection, the resulting outpour of water is much fresher and healthier for local wildlife. Perhaps not from the perspective in todays shot, they can also add a nice green/lake visual environment around the suburban area (whilst still being off limits to people of course).
Shot on the Ricoh GRD IV, switching back to bleach bipass setting. Slightly cropped in Gimp.
A short stroll after work at the Beach Haven waterfront. Light rain precedes what is forecast to be a potentially heavy storm and possible isolated tornadoes tonight.
Shooting again using the B&W High Contrast mode on the Ricoh GRD IV and post editing in Gimp – cropping aspect and adding a slight colour tone tint.
Friday!
MikeHawkey.com 