Bulrushes

Autumn - time for pruning the deciduous shrubs. Yesterday, it was the turn of American Dogwoods  (Cornus sericea) by the pond to receive their annual “haircut”.  The resident frogs were in full voice – how on earth they can focus on reproduction in that freezing water is beyond me, but that’s another topic!

The clumps of bulrushes at the pond’s edge looked marvellous in the late afternoon sun - worthy of fetching the camera, but I had instead some fun with a scrap of paper, brush and black ink.

Image © PeteM2020

Motocross – Broadford

Image © PeteM2020

Sunday 19 May, Broadford meet; a spectacle of noise, mud, and fearless riders. Their dedicated followers, family and friends trackside and cheering – complete with bbq’s, comfortable chairs and a few beers. Another great Ozzie day out!!

I’ve put together a webpage with heaps of images from the day. Changed the picture style to suit the ambience – more pop, “grit” and saturation. Have a look: Motocross -Broadford

Pinus Radiata

Hurtling through a cold dreary landscape in the late afternoon - then this:

Image © PeteM2020

- an abrupt stop!

Doppelgänger *

Image © PeteM2020

The word doppelgänger came to mind when I snapped this picture. It wasn’t just the reflections of the people, but also the repetition of the strong blue colour that triggered the word association. The un-reflected figure in the bottom right corner adds interest, tension and stark contrast to the other people in the composition.  The “grittiness” of the image was enhanced in Photoshop by adjusting the tone curve and saturating the yellow of the taxicabs. Enjoy a larger version by clicking on the image!

In fiction and folklore, a doppelgänger is a paranormal double of a living person, but in vernacular English it’s just simply used to describe any look-alike person.

* German for look-alike, literally a "double goer".

A Jeffrey Smart Moment

As the Sydney - Melbourne flight was delayed; refreshments at the bar seemed a natural diversion. The rather non-descript bar, views and fellow patrons were– like the weather - uninspiring. However, a perfectly poured pint of Guinness lifted the spirits no end.

Image © PeteM2020

With a sudden break in the clouds, the drab view became a spectacular vista – the deep shadows, dark blue sky, corrugated iron and stark light-poles instantly conjuring up a “Jeffrey Smart Moment”.

Motocross -Wonthaggi

Image © PeteM2020

There are two sides to sports photography– what appeals to the punters and what excites the photographer. I presume it comes down to understanding what drives the sport - the nuances, details and “politics”. Frankly, I don’t understand any of it, but in the case of the motocross Nationals at Wonthaggi, I was just totally blown away by the way the riders virtually flew around the track. That’s what fired me up and that’s what I tried to capture. 

For a few more of my images from the day – check out this website: http://www.ampm.com.au/motocross

Top Arts 2013

The annual exhibition is on again at the Potter Gallery (NGV - Federation Square) – a must see! I never fail to be impressed by the ability and talent of these young students. It’s hard to pick a winner, but the work by Rebekka Lord-Johnson called “Alex” certainly caught my eye.  For an overview use this link:http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/learn/top-arts-hub/2013/exhibiting-students-2013

The building is, in it self, worth a close look – a clever use of materials, angles and light. This image of one of the stairwells is one of several attempts to capture the stark contrast between light and dark – smooth and texture - triangles and squares. I’m rather chuffed with the final result.

Image © PeteM2020

Colours impossible to ignore!

Rolling fog in the valley below, bright sun above, long deep shadows coupled with spectacular autumn colours  - oh what a morning for a stroll through the garden! The Japanese Maples and American Dogwoods are just at their best – couldn’t resist snapping a few frames. Enjoy!

Image © PeteM2020

Image © PeteM2020

Image © PeteM2020

(Click on any of the images for a larger version)

Golden Hour

Image © PeteM2020

The golden hour – that magical phase that occurs about an hour before sunset or an hour after sunrise. The closer the sun is to the horizon, the faster the warm tones change and the shadows alter – quickly capture the moment, or it’s gone!