A few quick photo shoots in Halifax and surrounds – Nova Scotia, Canada.

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

I recently undertook an express visit with my wife to visit friends who were staying in Halifax for a period. I only managed to get out and photograph on a few occasions but was enamored of the area. Magnificent vistas, abundant maritime history, so ripe with scenery and scenes; I would have thoroughly enjoyed more time exploring and photographing. Nevertheless, here is a sampling of images from the very few times I was able to go walkabout. I hope you enjoy!

This is the first image I captured – I love the posture, gait, and apparent enthusiasm of the youngster; the dog’s tail; and the fact that the father had a bright red sweater on (excellent for ‘pop’ of people out in nature).

Halifax 2AM-000802
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f4.5 for 1/800 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

A chicane of sorts …

Halifax 2AM-000834
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f5.6 for 1/2000 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Although we witnessed some glorious fall color, it was the same old situation of “you should have seen it last week!” 🙂
the next two images include a birch tree – the bark and patterning thereof fascinated me.

Halifax 2AM-000851
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f8 for 1/800 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Halifax 2AM-000860
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f8 for 1/400 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Definitely much color still available around the area, even if the leaves had fallen.

Halifax 2AM-000887
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f4.5 for 1/1600 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Early in our visit our hosts took me out for a brief but wonderful excursion to Herring Cove. Although very overcast and gloomy, the light was lovely for scenes that didn’t include much, if any, sky. After this mini-hike it was time for lunch so we stopped in at “Now We’re Cookin’!” where I had the superb gastronomic pleasure of a dozen perfectly fried and ultra-delicious “Digby Clams.”

Here are a series of images from the Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve from that visit:

I call this image “The Admiral” – hopefully you can deduce why 🙂 I captured one of our hosts overlooking a temporarily tranquil Atlantic Ocean – it was a fleeting opportunity to get the shot, so I did not have time to adjust the camera settings, hence the very slow shutter speed for a hand held shot. Thankfully I managed to be stable enough for a sharp image.

“The Admiral” – Herring Cove 2AM-000977
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Early into the gorgeous walk I found this scene and liked the various elements so much – hence this image to capture it 🙂

Herring Cove 2AM-000976
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Loved these rosehip berries!

Herring Cove 2AM-000982
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f4 for 1/100 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Herring Cove 2AM-001009
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/15 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Same general scene, different interpretation. My photographic mentor drummed into me to shoot and shoot and shoot a scene from numerous angles/interpretations, with a strict caveat that each composition/interpretation must be appealing to me, not just shooting a bunch and ‘hoping’ one of them will be ‘good’.

Herring Cove 2AM-001011
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/15 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

A portion of the walking trail.

Herring Cove 2AM-001027
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/20 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

More of the meandering walking trail and a very typical scene of this splendid coast.

Herring Cove 2AM-001025
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/30 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

’twas a very blustery gloomy day and the smart one here (that would be me 🙂 ) decides to take a multi-hour exploratory walk around the Halifax waterfront to take in some of the history of this place. When I say it was blustery, it was really blowing! There is a bit of a tale from my home country that goes something like this: “Tie a brick onto a long piece of line and hang it so that it is free to swing. If the brick/string is vertical, there isn’t enough wind to go sailing; If the brick/string are horizontal, then perhaps there is a little too much wind for a sail; Anywhere in between = just right for a sail.” Well, the brick would have been darn near horizontal whilst I wandered around that particular day 😉
This block and blue line appealed to me as they hung and swung, suspended above the dark cold water. Hope you enjoy it too.

“Block and Blue” – Halifax 2AM-000914
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/160 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

I find the marine flora and fauna of cold water habitats fascinating, and Nova Scotia in early winter did not disappoint me.This image, and the mussel image following it, were taken on a bucking and rolling floating dock that was doing its non-level best to ensure that either I fell in the cold cold water, or dropped the camera into said water, or fail to get a sharp image of the subjects that were interesting me. I am very thankful that the 5D Mark III handles high ISO noise so bloody well!

Halifax 2AM-000931
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/40 second at ISO 3200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Halifax 2AM-000937
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/30 second at ISO 5000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Some scenes need capturing, despite the quality (or lack thereof) of available light; I thought this public art installation the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk to be such a scene. This public art installation is a collaboration between Chris Hanson and Hendrika Sonnenberg. One of the lampposts (at rear in this image) is peeing in the ocean. The other two are on their way home after drinking too much – the closest has stumbled and fallen, the other is bending over to check if all is okay with the fallen one.

“Drunken Street Lights” – Halifax 2AM-000946
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/30 second at ISO 5000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Boardwalk boards (and nails)

Halifax 2AM-000958
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f4 for 1/100 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Whilst she isn’t particularly old, this yacht is reminiscent of a time apparently long gone, when vessels actually had lovely lines! Plus, what’s not to like about bowsprits, jib-booms, bowlines, and vertically seamed sails with stitched lines along the leech?

Halifax 2AM-000968
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f16 for 1/125 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

A new day, and, well, there were some trees still shedding their colorful leaves, and a stunningly sky, so why not?

Halifax 2AM-001342
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 1/3200 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Halifax 2AM-001400
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 1/2500 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Dusk was rapidly descending on a bloody chilly day when I happened upon this lovely little yawl at rest on its mooring in a secluded and tranquil inlet.

Halifax 2AM-001083
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/10 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Sometimes “hard to figure out at first” is intriguing – to me at least 🙂

Halifax 2AM-001084
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/10 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

A revisit to Herring Cove because the light was “cleaner.”

Herring Cove 2AM-001036
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/15 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

A little ‘overflow’ creek from Powers Pond to the Atlantic Ocean (via Herring Cove).

Herring Cove 2AM-001043
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/10 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

To me these next two images typify coastal fishing hamlets.

Herring Cove 2AM-001038
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/20 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

To my eye, when strolling around town, this image was very appealing. Initial concerns about it being “too busy” rapidly dissipated – likely due to the location of the colored elements, the reflections, and the leading line of the dock. Perhaps I am mistaken?

Herring Cove 2AM-001108
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f16 for 1/250 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Speaking of reflections… here are two more from the walking trail at Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve.

Herring Cove 2AM-001115
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f16 for 1/60 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

A stunning blue sky, granite, and grass.

Herring Cove 2AM-001062
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/25 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

My final image from Herring Cove showing one side of the entrance to Herring Cove; the great blue yonder is the fabled ornery Atlantic.

Herring Cove 2AM-001066
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/30 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

On the coldest day of the winter thus far (it having snowed the first snow of the season the previous night), we ventured on a quick trip down to Peggy’s Cove – a gorgeous sunset, some ice in the rocky depressions of the granite headland, and it was blowing stink, and we were right on the edge of the Atlantic. Not blowing quite strong enough for there to be whitecaps in the toilet, but darn near!
The following images were all captured within roughly one hour, and again, I present 4 images with the lighthouse in it, each sufficiently appealing to me.

There were some strange light behavior happenings last evening during dusk at Peggy’s Cove – one with my lens glare (this image), the other some neat atmospherics (the next image).

Peggy’s Cove 2AM-001471
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f16 for 1/200 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The three of us who were there together all were mesmerized by the vertical shaft of light – normally I expect to see crepuscular rays, but this instance had only the vertical element. As it was developing I was scampering around trying to find any element for foreground interest. “Beam me up” or perhaps a “batman-like beam.” 😉

Peggy’s Cove 2AM-001488
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1.6 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Peggy’s Cove 2AM-001474
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/25 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Peggy’s Cove 2AM-001485
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/8 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

And to wrap up this visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia – Canada, here is a light-painting of the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove – the primary purpose of the quick evening trip to Peggy’s Cove. I hope you enjoy this light-painting image – is was certainly the most difficult to make: my wife and our host said I looked a bit like a mountain goat running around over the rocks and boulders in the dark whilst painting the scene with my trusty Q-beam II Million power flashlight.

A light-painting – Peggy’s Cove 2AM-001515
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 30 seconds at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

A few hours in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

On the first day that the National Parks were reopened to the citizens who own them, I drove to the Smoky Mountains to have a few hours in Cades Cove – a truly remarkable location, and a visit I highly recommend.

All images are Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.
If you wish to purchase prints please visit my website http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/ or send an Email to me.

I feel so very fortunate to see a family of American Black Bears up close and personal – sort of.

Peek-a-boo 🙂

American Black Bear_2AM-000210
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400MM f/4.5-5.6L lens. f5.6 for 1/400 second at ISO 800 (handheld).
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Mama bear ascends. Such amazing claws/claw strength!

American Black Bear_2AM-000214
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400MM f/4.5-5.6L lens. f5.6 for 1/400 second at ISO 800 (handheld).
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Unlike the assorted yahoo’s who observed the scene with me, I did not approach and stand under the tree!

American Black Bear_2AM-000371
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400MM f/4.5-5.6L lens. f5.6 for 1/125 second at ISO 1000 (handheld).
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The fog was very thick when I first arrived. This scene/habitat is very similar to that where I observed the bears.

Cades Cove_2AM-000546
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105MM f/4L lens. f22 for 1/5 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Morning light flashes the prairie through the fog.

Cades Cove_2AM-000553
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105MM f/4L lens. f22 for 1/8 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

This is not a monochrome/black-and-white treatment. Rather, the fog and rain and mist altered the light to what you see here.

Great Smoky Mountains_2AM-000528
Canon 7D with Canon 100-400MM f/4.5-5.6L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

The lovely winding road that leads to Cades Cove follows a stream for a good portion, and this lone tunnel is always intriguing to me. I stopped to take this image on my way out – the fall leaves are beginning to turn on a show right now!

Great Smoky Mountains_2AM-000079
Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 24-105MM f/4L lens. f22 for 6 seconds at ISO 800.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All Rights Reserved.

These images are a mere sampling of the wondrous place that is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more of my images of the park, swing over to some of my earlier/archived posts:

https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/2012/01/05/a-bloody-cold-shoot-in-the-mountains/
https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/serenity-in-the-great-smoky-mountains-national-park/

Cheers,

Andrew

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/

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!

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 🙂

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?

Ferns Vines and Lines 2AM-112099
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f22 for 2 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Succulent 2AM-112354
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/40 second at ISO 320.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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 #1 2AM-112158
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/320 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Street Kiss # 2

Street Kiss #2 2AM-112366
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/320 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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-112469
Canon 7D Canon with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 1 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112477_7D

Blessing of the Fleet – Fremantle 2AM-112477
Canon 7D Canon with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 1 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112472_7D

Blessing of the Fleet – Fremantle 2AM-112472
Canon 7D Canon with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 4 seconds at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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.

Fernhook Falls 2AM-112804
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Fernhook Falls 2AM-112855
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Fernhook Falls 2AM-112874
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Flowers 2AM-112716
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Flowers 2AM-112717
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Karri Tree 2AM-112698
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Beedelup Falls - Pemberton 2AM-113050_7D

Beedelup Falls 2AM-113050
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Beedelup Falls - Pemberton 2AM-113039_7D

Beedelup Falls 2AM-113039
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Tingle Tree 2AM-112769
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Tingle Tree - Walpole Wilderness Area 2AM-112772_7D

Tingle Tree 2AM-112772
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Tingle Tree 2AM-112739
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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.

Circular Pool 2AM-30266
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

The Cascades – Lefroy Brook 2AM-112923
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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.

Spotted Pardalote 2AM-30289
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Warren River 2AM-112953
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Boyanup Ruin 2AM-112251Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. © Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Here is one of the light-paintings from that night.

Boyanup Ruin Lightpainting 2AM-29856_30D

The following images are all from the Blackwood River Valley – this is a typical scene.

Rural Scene 2AM-113052Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A bold and very vivid splash of color from a very small little bird.

Splendid Fairy-wren 2AM-30032Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Soft morning light backlights foliage and warms the pasture after a chilly evening.

Morning Grass 2AM-29905Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Grass-trees and southern stars as first light reveals itself.

Grass-trees and southern stars; a light-painting.

Great Southern Region – Australia’s South West

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

The Great Southern Region of Western Australia’s South West contains rolling pastoral landscapes, mountain ranges, rivers and streams, and forested cliffs abutting the seemingly relentless Southern Ocean. There are also delightful cosy coves, tranquil inlets, and calm bays – it is primarily a few portions of the stunning coast that I share in this photo-blog.

Aptly named “Elephant Rocks.”

Elephant Rocks 2AM-112553Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This is the lovely tranquil cove adjacent to (western side) Elephant Rocks.

Elephant Rocks - Denmark 2AM-112563Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Greens Pool, on the eastern side of Elephant Rocks, is rated one of Western Australia’s most idyllic beaches.

Greens Pool - Denmark 2AM-112593 Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Winter rain approaches the tranquil and very torquoise Greens Pool.

Greens Pool 2AM-112550Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Greens Pool - Denmark 2AM-112588Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Greens Pool - Denmark 2AM-112591Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Greens Pool - Denmark 2AM-112572Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Greens Pool 2AM-112587Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A light-painting amidst a cold winter rain – Wilson Inlet.

Sunset near “The Gap” and “Natural Bridge.”

The Gap 2AM-112517Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens plus Cokin Z-pro Graduated Neutral Density filters.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Coastal wildflowers and scrub near “The Gap” and “Natural Bridge.”

The Gap 2AM-30178Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A lovely gentle swell enters Lowlands Beach.

Lowlands Beach 2AM-112540Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Karijini National Park – August 2012

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

The last blog of images taken over 10 days in the Austral winter of 2012. Karijini National Park is a must see – hope you enjoy these images presenting a feel of the place.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111495
A motion blur image with abstract intentions.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/5 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.