Experimenting with steel-wool in photography – plus a Jeep Wrangler.

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

Last weekend I went with a mate to San Luis Pass, Galveston, Texas to experiment with molten steel as an element/feature in photo’s, and ended up combining formed steel in the image too 🙂

We had a blast experimenting with this – thanks to Jeremy Caton for his self-sacrificing work “spinning the fire” (his hands are all torn up from the rotating cable – there will be gloves next time). NOTE: The use of this steel-wool technique requires locations that will not be conducive to ignition and subsequent fire!

As this was the first time either of us had tried this technique I have included the initial “practice” images – practice for Jeremy with the steel-wool, and practice for me as I figured the required metering for this molten steel. The final image is the result of the shoot.

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116079
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 5 seconds at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116083
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 13 seconds at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116091
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 30 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Jeep-Wrangler-and-Steel-wool-2AM-116085-1106087_stacked

Jeep-Wrangler-and-Steel-wool-2AM-116085-1106087
Three image stack.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Same scene, different interpretation – Garner State Park, TX.

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

I recently traveled to the beautiful Garner State Park, Texas to photograph night shots which were to include light-painting.

This blog contains two images; though they were the exact same composition, and both taken after twilight, these are two very different images.

The first image is your “standard” light-painting and was taken after humanly visible light had vanished:

Garner State Park 2AM-115918
A single capture with light-painting.
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 40 seconds at ISO 1600.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The second image also includes light-painting, and the process of capturing this image was started about 10 minutes after the photo above. However, this second image is a “stacked” image – I took 61 photographs, the first of which was the light-painting on the trees and “Old Baldy” then a further 60 images were taken without any light-painting (the last image is a “blank” which helps reduce the digital noise). Total exposure time equates to a little over 40 minutes. Each image had the exact settings of the first photo posted (above) and I compiled them using software that is dedicated to stacking images.

Garner-State-Park-2AM-115920-115980_stackedImage2
61 image stack for a total exposure time of ~40 minutes.
Each frame/picture had the following settings:
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 40 seconds at ISO 1600.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

I could have (and should have) taken a single, 40 minute long-exposure image as this would also have a slightly different interpretation of the scene. That longer exposure would have had more digital noise but smoother star-trails.

So from the same scene and the same composition we can get multiple interpretations/photographs by using different photographic techniques.

Hope you enjoyed these images 🙂

I have previously posted blogs showing this location (Garner State Park, Texas) in Fall color:

https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/a-wet-and-colorful-weekend-near-utopia-tx/

https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/fall-rotation-thanksgiving-2011-garner-state-park-tx/

Galveston’s Tree Carvings – post Hurricane Ike

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

In September 2008, Hurricane Ike made landfall very near Galveston Island, Texas. This storm created a substantial storm surge (approaching 5 meters of sea water) which had drastic ramifications – personal, financial, and ecological – on the surrounding area, including the historic city of Galveston, TX.

Thousands of trees, primarily oak, died as a result of the salt water inundation. Several of the local property owners and Galveston’s Citizen Tree Committee commissioned “chainsaw artists” to carve and chisel their dead trees into sculptures. Here is but a sampling of the numerous and varied carvings.

Lost Oaks Memorial 2AM-113926
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Flock of Birds 2AM-114725
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Flock of Birds 2AM-114753
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Geisha 2AM-113917
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Squirrel with Acorn 2AM-114497
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Details on Dolphin_Dorado_Moray Eel 2AM-114504_7D_blog

Details on Dolphin_Dorado_Moray Eel 2AM-114504
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Firehouse Dalmatian 2AM-114437
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Firehouse Dalmatian 2AM-114946_7D_edited_blog

Firehouse Dalmatian 2AM-114946
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Mermaid 2AM-114489
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Tin Woodsman 2AM-113921
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Tin Woodsman 2AM-114390
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Lost Oaks Memorial 2AM-113927
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A very brief trip to the Texas panhandle – Palo Duro Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, and Wind Turbines.

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

The Texas panhandle is a fascinating region and I spend too little time there unfortunately. Recently I fit in a very quick trip to recharge. Here are a few images from that trip.

Prints of my images are available if you click on the Licensing/Purchasing images tab on this blog or click this link: https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/licensingpurchasing-images/

All images Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography.

Wind Turbine 2AM-114791
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 1/5 second at ISO 1600.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Cadillac Ranch 2AM-114850
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 1/2 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Hoodoo at Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114814_7D_blog

Hoodoo at Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114814
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/800 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114896_7D_blog

Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114896
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114897_7D_blog

Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114897
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Golden-fronted Woodpecker 2AM-30656_30D_blog

Golden-fronted Woodpecker 2AM-30656
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens and Tamron 1.4x teleconverter. f5.6 for 1/320 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

White-winged Dove 2AM-30604
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens and Tamron 1.4x teleconverter. f5.6 for 1/160 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The Lighthouse - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114886_7D_blog

The Lighthouse – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114886
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 1/250 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Hoodoo at Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114844_7D_blog

Hoodoo at Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114844
A light-painting.
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 30 seconds at ISO 1600.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

That is the end of this little adventure. Thanks for visiting!

A little bit of Grand ‘ole Texas – a photo-tour.

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

Recently we had two friends from overseas visit with us at our home in Texas. Unfortunately their time in this great state was very limited so we were unable to show them much of Texas. To compensate, we instead created a ‘photo-journey’ through some of the diversity and grandeur contained within this state.

From the Gulf of Mexico and coastal marshes, to the Hill Country and on through to the mountains of West Texas…

1_Kemp's ridley sea turtle_Andrew McInnes-2AM-28367_small

Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

2_Dawn Fishing_Andrew McInnes-2AM-24908_small

Dawn Fishing.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

3_Trawler_Andrew McInnes-2AM-109703_small

Trawler.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

4_Green Heron_Andrew McInnes-2AM-7848_small

Green Heron.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

5_Great Egret Family_Andrew McInnes-2AM-7177_small

Great Egret family.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

4_Caddo Lake State Park_Andrew McInnes-2AM-114548_small

Bald Cypress – a light-painting.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

8_Pied-billed Grebe_Andrew McInnes-2AM-13193_small

Pied-billed Grebe.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

9_Bluebonnet Highway_Andrew McInnes-2AM-28665_small

Bluebonnet highway.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

10_Claret-cup Cactus_Andrew McInnes-2AM-28736_30D_small

Claret-cup cactus.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

11_Sabinal River_Andrew McInnes-2AM-106270_small

Sabinal River dusk.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

12_Poppies and fence_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110209_small

Poppies and fence.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

13_Wildflowers and Fence_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110506_small

Wildflowers.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

14_Sunflower and Ladybird Beetle_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110488_small

Sunflower and Ladybird Beetle.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

15_Locust and Thistle_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110423_small

Locust and thistle.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

17_Garner State Park_Andrew McInnes-2AM-27737_small

Fall and the Frio River.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

18_Stockyards_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110286_small

Stockyards – a light-painting.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

19_Wild Oats_Andrew McInnes-2AM-110425_small

Wild oats at dawn.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

20_Coyote_Andrew McInnes-2AM-14844_small

Coyote.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

21_Independence Creek_Andrew McInnes-2AM-106000_small

Independence Creek – an oasis in the desert.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

22_Salt Flat_Andrew McInnes-2AM-0010_small

Salt flat – Permian Basin.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

23_Davis Mountains State Park_Andrew McInnes-2AM-114647_small

Davis Mountains – a light-painting.
© Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

I hope you enjoyed this partial look at wondrous Texas. So much to experience, too little time.

Light-painting: before-and-after shots in West Texas.

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

I have a fondness for photographing so-called “light-paintings” and sometimes they are the only keeper shots I return with if the available light doesn’t have the magic quality. Here are two different scenes illustrating why sometimes a light-painting can bring an otherwise flat scene to life. (NOTE: for these particular images the moon was in its first quarter and therefore contributed to the overall scene – I prefer no moon for these shots but sometimes my free time doesn’t align with those preferences).

DISCLAIMER: In no way do I present myself as an expert on this technique – or anything photographic. Rather, I present these images and technique to illustrate how I capture light-painting images. Hope you enjoy 🙂

This first pair of images of boulders (1a and 1b) were taken roadside – I desperately wanted to shoot this from the private ranch on which they are located but was denied permission. Nonetheless, I found the subject/scene sufficiently interesting and returned and found this composition, without trespassing 🙂

The second pair of images (2a and 2b) were taken later the same evening as the pair above.

Image #1a:

A ‘blank’ shot (no light-painting) to determine the exposure I wanted for the sky and to check the composition. VERY ordinary!

Rockpile Ranch 2AM-114640_7D
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 25 seconds at ISO 3200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Image #1b:

Resultant light-painting image.

Rockpile Ranch 2AM-114641_7D
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f4 for 30 seconds at ISO 1600.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

For the fence posts ‘painting’ I used a MAG-LITE ® with a home-made snoot to reduce light spill on the surrounds – approximately 3 seconds of light-painting. The boulders were ‘painted’ for approximately 27 seconds using a Brinkmann Q-Beam ® 3 million candlepower spotlight (rechargeable and inexpensive at approximately $40). This image was taken at 7:50 PM. Color temperature for 1a and 1b was 4000.

Image #2a:

A ‘blank’ shot (no light-painting) to determine the exposure I wanted for the sky and to check the composition. As such no light was added to the scene. Again, VERY ordinary!

Davis Mountains State Park 2AM-114643_7D_2a

Davis Mountains State Park 2AM-114643_7D
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f4 for 20 seconds at ISO 1600.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Image #2b:

Resultant light-painting image.

Davis Mountains State Park 2AM-114647_7D_2b

Davis Mountains State Park 2AM-114647_7D
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5 for 30 seconds at ISO 1600.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

After the ‘blank’ shot I made a slight adjustment to the composition to reduce foreground and increase sky/stars. For the external ‘painting’ I used a MAG-LITE ® with a home-made snoot to reduce light spill on the surrounds – approximately 25 seconds of light-painting. The interior was ‘painted’ for approximately 2 seconds using quick pulses from a Brinkmann Q-Beam ®. This light was used because of its inherent warm color, to simulate the glow from a fire. This large light is what I typically use when the subject is not immediately proximate. This image was taken at 9:20 PM. Color temperature for images 2a and 2b was 3200.

Any comments or thoughts are appreciated. My appreciation to Ken Zoller for his locations “guiding” by cell-phone 😉

I am soon to post a photo-blog that highlights some of my light-paintings – please stay posted 🙂

Margaret River Region – Australia’s South West

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

A region of diversity famous for its premium wines and stunning wineries, picturesque rural vistas, stunning forests, spectacular coast with both tranquil beaches and world-class surfing, plus fantastic views and proximity to the southward migration of humpback and other whales. Welcome to the Margaret River Region of Australia’s South West.

This is Canal Rocks under heavy swell.

Canal Rocks 2AM-113306
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 1/2 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Canal Rocks 2AM-113270
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 0.3 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A lovely “chute” with abundant epiphytes – an offshoot of the “canal”.

Canal Rocks 2AM-113689
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 1/40 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The view as you descend to Canal Rocks.

Canal Rocks 2AM-113217
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/160 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A lovely drive through a karri forest.

Karri Forest 2AM-113017
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/15 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Boranup Karri Forest.

Boranup Karri Forest 2AM-111945
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f9 for 1/30 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The now ruined Hamelin Bay Jetty was built in 1882 to service the local timber mills.

Hamelin Bay 2AM-113078
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.5 for 1/1000 seconds at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Proximal to the jetty ruins is a small public boat ramp.

Hamelin Bay 2AM-113093
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/200 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This is the other portion of Hamelin Bay.

Hamelin Bay 2AM-113080
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/320 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

If you are lucky (and perhaps brave), you might be fortunate enough to have the local stingrays pay you a visit – as they did here to my lovely wife. Although massive, these are “gentle” creatures – the worst you may experience is them nom-nomming (chewing) on your toes 🙂

Smooth Stingray - Hamelin Bay 2AM-113560_7D

Smooth Stingray – Hamelin Bay 2AM-113560
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/200 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The “business end” of a massive ray (and another coming in from the back).

Smooth Stingray - Hamelin Bay 2AM-113530_7D_Facebook

Smooth Stingray – Hamelin Bay 2AM-113530
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/320 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste.

Sugarloaf Rock 2AM-113201
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/100 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Injidup Point, not far from the mouth of the Margaret River.

Injidup Point 2AM-113094
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Injidup Point.

Injidup Point 2AM-113109
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/400 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Dune and clouds at Moses Rocks.

Moses Rocks Beach 2AM-113336
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/100 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Yallingup, a world famous surf-break which was quite that day, at dusk just before we nestled among the boulders to enjoy a quite beverage and hors d’oeuvres – magical.

Yallingup 2AM-111960
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A little color and softness among the colorful rocks at Yallingup.

Yallingup 2AM-111964
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/5 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Meelup Beach, a glorious place to take a dip.

Meelup Beach 2AM-113746
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/30 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Picnic table with a view – Meelup Beach.

Meelup Beach 2AM-113737
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Castle Rock, just around the point from Meelup Beach. Climbing the point nearby allows for unfettered views of Geographe Bay and the Indian Ocean.

Castle Rock 2AM-113118
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/200 seconds at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Same feature, different view/feel.

Castle Rock 2AM-113120
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/200 seconds at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A ketch at anchor in the tranquility afforded by Geographe Bay – viewed from “whale lookout” at Castle Rock.

Castle Rock 2AM-113351
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f16 for 1/80 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This lovely tranquil beach with its clear and clean water also has portions dotted with boulders, some of which are partially submerged.

Castle Rock 2AM-113126
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/100 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

More rocks, first by daylight, then after dusk – with light added by flashlight.

Castle Rock 2AM-113366
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Hues of blue – a light-painting.

Castle Rock 2AM-113415
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 20 seconds at ISO 100 – a light-painting.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Dusk at Castle Rock.

Castle Rock 2AM-113172
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 13 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Ah, the primary image I originally went to Castle Rock for: A light painting with stars and meteorite.
I had to rock-hop in a mad dash once I set the self timer for the exposure in order to position myself such that the shadows/light source were creating the feel I wanted. Thankfully no falls or broken ankles!

Castle Rock 2AM-113197
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f4.5 for 30 seconds at ISO 3200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Fremantle, Western Australia – an assortment.

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

Ah Fremantle, what a place you are! The following images are an eclectic assortment including fireworks, beach, doorways, plants, a square-rigged ship, an abandoned power-generation station, and graffiti.

Hope you enjoy a non-encompassing glimpse of “Freo.”

Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour – the fishing boat fleet are out of frame to the left.

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112459_7D

Blessing of the Fleet – Fremantle 2AM-112459
Canon 7D Canon with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 8 seconds at ISO 3200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The ferris wheel in Fremantle’s Esplanade Park (also in the photo above).

Fremantle Ferris Wheel 2AM-111913
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5 for 2.5 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Bathers Beach, proximal to Esplanade Park and the Fishing Boat Harbour.

Bathers Beach 2AM-111888
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A beach immediately south of Fremantle – the Indian Ocean was very tranquil that day.

Cockburn Beach Dunes 2AM-112161
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/160 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This fine ship is the STS Leeuwin II (sail training ship) whose home-berth is Fremantle.

I had the great privilege and pleasure to sail onboard her as an officer in my early 20’s – I was thrilled she was at dock for a portion of my recent visit to Freo. She is a a three-masted barquentine of 55 meters (~ 180 feet) displacing 344 tonnes with a mast height of 33 meters (~ 108 feet). Having been atop the mast underway I can assure you it is quite spectacular and ‘whippy’ up there!

STS Leeuwin II 2AM-112486
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Transportation of a different variety – a Morris Minor as I recall – which is not indicative of the majority of automobiles in the area 😉
We call this one “Not CUBA” because that is precisely how it “felt” when we saw this scene.

Not CUBA 2AM-112488
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/6 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Whilst wandering around the amazing residential side-streets I came upon this doorway which had a particularly Indian (sub-continent) look to it – or at least that is how it struck me. I think this might well be my next book-mark for my paper books.

Door and Arch 2AM-112346
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 3/10 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

More doorways…

Blue Door 2AM-112079
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f20 for 1/4 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Blue Door and Lattice 2AM-112348_7D - Copy

Blue Door and Lattice 2AM-112348
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Still on the side-streets…

For this image I wanted to convey a soft and ethereal feel using the asparagus fern so I chose a wide-open aperture, elevated the camera and shot downwards so that only the top (nearest) frond would be in focus – I think it worked, but do you too?

Asparagus Fern 2AM-112103
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f4.5 for 1/5 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

These next four images, three of which are plant-centric, were captured as part of a self-assignment to capture patterns and texture.

Vine on Tree Trunk 2AM-112108
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5 for 1/20 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

I chose a large aperture (small opening) to ensure maximum depth-of-field as I needed the three-dimensional aspect to really capture what I saw. This image suggests Asia for me (the terraced gardens). How about you?

Morning light caresses a succulent from the garden of the home we were staying in.

A driveway gate post.

Rust and Wood 2AM-112116
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f20 for 3/10 second at ISO 400. I also added a little light with a flashlight from the right hand side to add depth to the image.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Street Kiss # 1

This street art/graffiti is by “REBOOT” – think about it…

Street Kiss # 2

A mate of mine, Paul Waite (http://www.paulwaitephotography.com/#) – a phenomenal photographer based in Fremantle – took me to the abandoned (and VERY eerie) Fremantle Power Station for a light-painting shoot. Unfortunately access is prohibited so we couldn’t get inside and shoot the amazing ruined interior and all its rust, glass, and graffiti. However, it became an exercise in capturing the forbidden access to this huge old building and surrounds.

For this light-painting the building was already illuminated by some street lights over a rise to the right of frame, hence the two-toned building (I thought it was not only fortuitous how it matched the building’s horizontal lines, but also added an extra dimension to the “wierdness” that eminated from this place). I used a LED light to bring attention to the fence (the blue or ‘cool temperature’ of the LED lights adds to the cold metallic physical structure of the fence and razor-wire and the mental picture of its purpose)!

South Fremantle Power Station 2AM-113429_7D

South Fremantle Power Station 2AM-113429
Canon 7D Canon with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 30 seconds at ISO 100. Light-painting by Andrew McInnes.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

To close this particular photo-blog I have included three fireworks images from the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony conducted in The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. Two of these images are 1 second exposures, the other is a 4 second exposure – based on effect I was seeking plus the bahavior/pattern of each particular firework.

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112469_7D

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112477_7D

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112472_7D

Bye for now.

Southern Forests Region – Australia’s South West

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

A scenic 36 hours spent in and around magnificent karri, marri and tingle forests (including the “Valley of the Giants”), undulating terrain sliced by numerous rivers and streams, fertile orchards and vineyards, all edged by dramatic cliffs, estuaries, and beaches along the Southern Ocean – welcome to the Southern Forests Region of Australia’s South West.

Here are three images from Fernhook Falls on the Deep River.

Among the forest under-story these “flowers” really “Popped”.

Color and lushness were pleasant surprises far below the forest canopy.

An early morning bath in renewing rain and nourishing light greet the forest, including a youngish Karri tree.

This walkway allowed for magical, if wobbly views of Beedalup Falls near Pemberton.

Beedelup Falls - Pemberton 2AM-113050_7D

Beedelup Falls - Pemberton 2AM-113039_7D

A grand old Tingle Tree (a so-called Giant Tingle Tree) in the Walpole Wilderness Area. This tree has a circumference of almost 25 meters and is thought to be the oldest living eucalypt in the world. The heartwood has been ravaged by numerous fires yet the tree survives because the “living and growing parts” (xylem and phloem) and located just under the bark.

Tingle Tree - Walpole Wilderness Area 2AM-112769_7D

An exposed portion of roots from the Giant Tingle Tree – resilience and form.

Tingle Tree - Walpole Wilderness Area 2AM-112772_7D

Nearby, a fern seeks the light after establishing itself in the decaying hulk of an old tingle tree – decomposition and succession at work!

Tingle Tree - Walpole Wilderness Area 2AM-112739_7D

When stirred up by pulses in river flow, Saponin – a leachate type product from plants breaking down in the water – causes a frothy, often cappuccino-like surface in Circular Pool. The pool’s name refers not to the shape – rather, it is for the currents and resultant eddies (circular flow) which create a myriad of patterns such as this, ephemeral as this pattern is as it is continually morphing.

The Cascades section of Lefroy Brook also contains serene little embayments where the water is calm, such as this little spot.

The Cascades - Lefroy Brook 2AM-112923_7D

Segue (of sorts)…

This is a Spotted Pardalote, a tiny and at this time of year very industrious “little colorful job.” I was enthralled for a considerable time as I enjoyed several of these birds gathering their nesting material alongside the Warren River, near Pemberton.

Dawn and fog caress the Warren River and surrounding forest – near Pemberton.

The coast, an innate yearning for most Australians. A rainy dawn at Nornalup Inlet, near Walpole, where estuary becomes ocean.

My final two photo-blogs from this trip to Western Australia will be images from Fremantle and the Margaret River Region. I hope you enjoy my existing photo’s and will visit the new posts when they occur.

Blackwood River Valley Region and Geographe Region – Australia’s South West

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

The purpose of this particular trip was that I planned to do some long-exposure night images to capture the Orionid meteor shower with a light-painting of the ubiquitous grass-tree in the foreground. Unfortunately my planning was awry so only managed to get a few shots before the rising sun burnt-out the stars. Alas, no meteors included in the images but I am well-pleased with the resultant grass-tree images.

On the drive to the region we passed through the Geographe Region and a wonderful little ruin near the town of Boyanup. We captured some images of this ruin during the day and determined we would return to “light-paint” the building and its associated trees that night.

Here is the ruin by day