Emu Creek Station, Western Australia.

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

The missus and I had a very loose itinerary for our 10 day road trip together around parts of Western Australia; on the definite list were the stromatolites, the Pinnacles, and hot-air ballooning (see previous blog posts). We made no reservations, kept the fuel tank above 1/2 full, sort of looked at maps (some were very poor, some excellent), and just drove and enjoyed the scenery and each other immensely. On one leg of the journey the day was fast-moving toward night and we needed to find somewhere to sleep for the evening. We did not take tents or blankets so some shelter was necessary due to it being deep winter when we were there. Allison was analysing the road atlas when she said, “We have two accommodation options available. The first is a caravan park (a good option if their furnished vans aren’t already rented), the second is a “station”.” In Australia a station, when used in rural terms, is a large property (ranch in the USA). This particular station, Emu Creek Station http://www.emucreekstation.com/ is relatively small for the region – approximately 330,000 acres. I was instantly keen on the homestead stay at the station and the missus was enchanted by the idea.

We arrived unannounced just prior to dusk, were welcomed very kindly, conducted a brief business discussion and then excused ourselves to run down to the river to shoot some photo’s in the stunning light. What a bloody beautiful place this is. We shot a few images then returned to the homestead and enjoyed freshly made sausages, home-grown steaks, fresh made bread, delicious sides, and lovely company – dining with the owners and staff. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emu-Creek-Outback-Station-Stays/10150102321265483

Later that night I took a few night shots before retiring for the evening. Early the next morning was exquisite and the missus and I went for a walk and captured a few more images before returning for a lovely brekky and then heading out as we had to be back in Perth to drop off the rental car, pick up a scientific instrument for the missus’ upcoming research expedition on the Indian Ocean, and then, regretfully, get me back on the plane to Texas for work.

Should you find yourself in the Pilbarra region I thoroughly recommend you stay at Emu Creek Station and enjoy the hospitality of Kylie and John Boyle and the staff.

We sure hope to return, only this time staying for a week or more to capture more of this beautiful place. I would thoroughly enjoy capturing the transition into “the wet” starting October’ish each year – this is monsoonal country. Hope you enjoy these photo’s, all of which are from around the homestead.

These images are all © Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.
To purchase please visit my website: http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/

The homestead bathed in soft pastel light.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111414
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The next series of images are sequenced to illustrate the vitalness of water and the transition from pasture to riparian areas; each image will take you closer and closer to the permanent water-hole in the river until, finally, you can immerse yourself in the freshness of life’s liquid – vicariously at least.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111436
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-29549
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5 -5.6 lens at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-29453
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at ISO 640.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-29441
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at ISO 640.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-29495
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

I just love the flora of Australia and I thought these White River Gums to be fascinating.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-29490
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-29536
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-29539
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111376
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Typically I would not post such similar images as these two (above and below). However, experiencing the evening and the vista, I had distinctly different, yet very similar “feelings” when viewing this/these scenes. As such I am posting both as stand-alone images. Do you have a preference?

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111381
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111424
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111426
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111427
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111439
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

An alternative to homestead stays, there are numerous camping opportunities along the river; here is a sample camp-site (and the billy is on the boil).

Emu Creek Station 2AM-29558
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111402
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Emu Creek Station 2AM-111406
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Ava good night 😉

Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia.

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

If you venture or already live “Down Under” the missus and I thoroughly recommend a visit to Kalbarri N. P. – we found it to be fascinating. Hope you enjoy the photo-tour.

A reminder that my images are available for purchase (see tab at top of page).
All images Copyright © Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-29388
Canon 3D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f9 for 1/200 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-29343
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5mm lens. f9 for 1/640 second, ISO 200
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-29352
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5mm lens. f9 for 1/500 second, ISO 200
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-29363
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5mm lens. f9 for 1/500 second, ISO 200
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-29385
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5mm lens. f9 for 1/500 second, ISO 200
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111221
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f16 for 1/125 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111268
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/500 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111272
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/160 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111279
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f9 for 1/400 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111284
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f9 for 1/400 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111294
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/160 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111304
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/250 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111319
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f16 for 1/160 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111312
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f16 for 1/160 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Sandstone in the gorge floor.

Kalbarri National Park 2AM-111306
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f16 for 1/125 second, ISO 400
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This image is immediately after self-extraction from “quicksand” which I suggest might be a partial misnomer – a more apt name would be “extremely rapid sand”. This was my first experience with it and we both were enveloped several times!

Andrew just after extraction. The water behind my feet is from where I was “stuck.” I remained on my knees to distribute my weight and made my way out of there. The missus suffered a little worse as she is shorter than I and thus sank further, relative to leg length. Enough excitement for the day so we shot from surer footing after that.

The next (soon) to be published blog is from Emu Creek Station – a series of images primarily of river gums and water.

Calcium Carbonate structures from Western Australia.

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

This photo-blog shows some of the unique calcium carbonate structures we saw on our brief but wonderful 10 days of exploring parts of Western Australia. Hope you find it interesting and “pretty”.

All images Copyright © Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.
If you are interested in purchasing any of my images please scroll to the “Purchasing Images” tab at the top of the page and it will provide a link to my “shop.”

First, here are a few images of limestone pillars known as the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, near Cervantes, Western Australia. These spires exist up to 3.5m tall (11.5 feet). We were forunate to experience these fascinating structures in conjunction with a simple yet glorious sunset.

The Pinnacles 2AM-111015
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/250 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The Pinnacles 2AM-111018
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/160 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Here is one for scaling purposes – the model is actually 1/2 of 2AM (the missus), “getting down amongst ’em.”

The Pinnacles 2AM-111023
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/125 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The Pinnacles 2AM-111050
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/15 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The Pinnacles 2AM-111062
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1.3 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The Pinnacles 2AM-29302
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f7.1 for 1/20 secondd at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The Pinnacles 2AM-111069
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 3.2 seconds at ISO 100.
A little light-painting on this one.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The Pinnacles 2AM-111083
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 3.2 seconds at ISO 100.
Southern stars and a full light-painting job on this one.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The next series shows Thrombolites at Lake Clifton, Western Australia – the largest reef of living thrombolites in the southern hemisphere. Thrombolitic structures have an internal clotted structure (as opposed to those that have a laminated organisation, which are stromatolitic – next series of images) and are formed through precipitation of calcium carbonate within the microenvironment by microbes as a result of photosynthetic and metabolic activity (source: Hilary Wheater, “Thrombolites of Lake Clifton.” 2010).

Thrombolites – Lake Clifton 2AM-110904
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/50 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Thrombolites – Lake Clifton 2AM-110899
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Thrombolites – Lake Clifton 2AM-110898
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Lastly, this series shows Stromatolites (living), the world’s oldest organisms, at Hamlin Pool in Shark Bay, Western Australia – a hyper-saline environment. Similar to thrombolites, these rock-like structures are layered accretionary structures formed in shallow water by the trapping, binding and cementation of sedimentary grains by biofilms of microorganisms, especially cyanobacteria (commonly known as blue-green algae). Stromatolites provide some of the most ancient records of life on Earth. Shark Bay’s stromatolites are only 2,000 to 3,000 years old, but they are similar to life forms found on Earth up to 3.5 billion years ago. Until about 500 million years ago, stromatolites were the only macroscopic evidence of life on the planet. (sources: Wikipedia; Sharkbay.org)

Stromatolites – Hamlin Pool 2AM-111117
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/40 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Stromatolites – Hamlin Pool 2AM-111123
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/15 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Stromatolites – Hamlin Pool 2AM-111132
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/10 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

These next three are more about the magnificent sunset and silky smooth waters – an absolutely immaculate evening!

Stromatolites – Hamlin Pool 2AM-111143
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Stromatolites – Hamlin Pool 2AM-111187
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 0.6 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Stromatolites – Hamlin Pool 2AM-111193
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1.3 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

More photo’s from Western Australia to follow, including Emu Creek Station, Kalbarri National Park, and Karinjini National Park.

Comments welcomed.

Bye for now.

“Photo’s from a balloon.” Avon Valley, Western Australia.

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

On the first morning of our 10 day trip around parts of Western Australia we enjoyed a glorious and serene sunrise hot air balloon flight above the Avon Valley, near Perth. I highly recommend the experience wherever you are. Windward Balloon Adventures was the company who provided this aeronautic experience and we were very satisfied. http://www.ballooning.net.au/

Hot Air Ballooning 2AM-29230
Dawn inflation of “Rainbow Drifter”.
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 1/80 second, ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Avon Valley 2AM-29239
Sunrise over the Avon Valley as seen from the “Rainbow Drifter” balloon.
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 1/8000 second, ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Hot air rising – it was -3 degrees Celsius (26.6 F) and this heat was welcomed!

Hot Air Ballooning 2AM-29241
Burning on the “Rainbow Drifter.”
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 1/1000 second, ISO 400.
© Copyright Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Avon Valley 2AM-110932
Sheep and Stubble.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/60 second, ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Avon Valley 2AM-29242
Farmhouse, fields, and fog.
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 1/800 second, ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Avon Valley 2AM-110940
Shadows, knolls, and contours.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/80 second, ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Avon Valley 2AM-110946
Foggy fields.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/2000 second, ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Avon Valley 2AM-110961
More foggy fields.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/2500 second, ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Avon Valley 2AM-110948
Tree array and shadows.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/400 second, ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Avon Valley 2AM-110963
Descending over dwelling.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/2000 second, ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Deflating the 30,000 cubic feet capacity of the balloon.

Hot Air Ballooning 2AM-110966
Deflation after touchdown.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1/1600 second, ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

“Photo’s from Perth.” Western Australia.

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

This is a “botanical” looking photo-blog – I am drawn to the fascinating textures and intricacies of the flora found in Australia and the apparent contrast of coarse vs. delicate. All these images, excepting the view of the city, were taken at Kings Park, Perth. http://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park/

This is in no way presented as a thorough representation of the vast floral variety of Western Australia, let alone the whole continent.

Downtown Perth and the Swan River.
Viewed from South Perth.
Canon 7D with Canon EF24-105mm f/4 lens.
Copyright © Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Resplendent, ripe, and rough.

Ashby’s Banksia 2AM-29084.
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This Hooker’s Banksia flower is yet to open and reveal its intricate nectar laden bounty.

Hooker’s Banksia 2AM-110782
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This Hooker’s Banksia flower has commenced its “great reveal.”

Hooker’s Banksia 2AM-110783
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Woolly Orange Banksia 2AM-110785.
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Each of these “toes” will present a beautiful flower soon after this stage of development.

Kangaroo Paw 2AM-110812
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Not a masterpiece, just found this to be interesting.

Karri Bark (Texture and Shadow) 2AM-29056.
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

There is “liquid gold” in there.

Mallee Eucalyptus 2AM-110900.
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Aptly named flower/plant I thought: “Prickly Toothbrushes.”

Prickly Toothbrushes 2AM-29205.
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This Red Wattlebird is among a Pouched Grevillea plant.

Red Wattlebird 2AM-29142.
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

There are no hummingbirds in Australia. Instead, along with copious insects there are numerous bird families/species which appear to occupy that niche – the Red Wattlebird is but one.

Red Wattlebird 2AM-29150.
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

“Silver Princess” flowers in development. I can “feel” why it is named so – hope you can too.

Silver Princess 2AM-29211.
(of the Eucalyptus genus)
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The flowers are very dense and shockingly vivid against the soft colors of the leaves.

Silver Princess 2AM-29213.
(of the Eucalyptus genus)
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Flowers spent – all that remains…

Silver Princess 2AM-110836.
(of the Eucalyptus genus)
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The bark of this tree species is stunning to me.

Silver Princess 2AM-110816.
(of the Eucalyptus genus)
Kings Park, Perth.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

“Photo’s from the road, or very close to it.” Western Australia.

Posted on August 8, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

I have returned from a brief but wonderful trip to Western Australia whereby my wife and I drove in excess of 5,000 km (>3,100 miles) over a 10 day period, covering but a portion of the state of Western Australia. Departing from Perth we drove south to around Mandura, east to Northam, then over to the coast through Geraldton to Shark Bay. From there we continued north, before travelling east through to Newman then back south to Northam then Perth. I am going to be posting several photo-blogs which will capture our trip.

This particular photo-blog presents photo’s taken from the roadside, or very close to it, and in no particular geographic or chronologic order other than to represent the condition of the landscape at our time of visiting (excepting the first image which was mid-way through our trip). Hope you enjoy the trip vicariously.

Arid Highway 2AM-111454.
Between Emu Creek Station and Tom Price.
Canon 7D and Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Preston Beach 2AM-110895.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Sheep and Rocks 2AM-110970.
Near Toodyay.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Rural 2AM-29245.
Between Bindoon and Gingin.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Indian Ocean 2AM-111088.
Near Leeman.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Rural 2AM-111091.
Between Geraldton and Billabong.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Rural 2AM-111101.
Between Geraldton and Billabong.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Wildflowers and Scrub 2AM-111107.
Near Hamlin/Shark Bay.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Wildflowers and Scrub 2AM-111111.
Near Hamlin/Shark Bay.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri 2AM-111209.
Murchison River and Indian Ocean, near Kalbarri.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Kalbarri 2AM-111211.
Murchison River and Indian Ocean, Kalbarri.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Termite Mounds 2AM-29423.
Nth. West Coastal Highway.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111328.
Between Carnarvon and Minilya.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111341.
Near Nanutarra.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111343.
Near Nanutarra.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111449.
Between Emu Creek Station and Tom Price.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111451.
Between Emu Creek Station and Tom Price.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111453.
Between Emu Creek Station and Tom Price.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111467.
Between Nanutarra and Wittenoom.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111468.
Between Nanutarra and Wittenoom.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111462.
Between Nanutarra and Wittenoom.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111469.
Between Nanutarra and Wittenoom.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Arid Highway 2AM-111466.
Between Nanutarra and Wittenoom.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Ashburton River 2AM-111460.
Nanutarra.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Karijini Drive 2AM-29565.
Moon rising, between Karijini NP and Tom Price.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Red Earth and Spinifex 2AM-111716.
Near Newman.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Red Earth and Spinifex 2AM-111720.
Near Newman.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Pilbara Scene 2AM-111723.
The Pilbara, between Karijini NP and Newman.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Pilbara Scene 2AM-111729.
The Pilbara, between Karijini NP and Newman.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Desert Wildflowers 2AM-111752.
Rain approaching the Little Sandy Desert, between Newman and Kumarina.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Desert Wildflowers 2AM-111756.
Fringe of the Little Sandy Desert, between Newman and Kumarina.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Desert Wildflowers 2AM-111758.
Fringe of the Little Sandy Desert, between Newman and Kumarina.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Desert Wildflowers 2AM-111762.
Fringe of the Little Sandy Desert, between Newman and Kumarina.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Desert Edge 2AM-111767.
Assorted plants established on the fringe of the Little Sandy Desert, between Newman and Kumarina.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Desert Wildflowers 2AM-111768.
Wildflowers surrounded by spinifex on the fringe of the Little Sandy Desert, between Newman and Kumarina.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Desert Wildflowers 2AM-111769.
Fringe of the Little Sandy Desert, between Newman and Kumarina.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Desert Rain 2AM-111744.
Rain at the fringe of the Little Sandy Desert, between Newman and Kumarina.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Desert Tree 2AM-111744.
Fringe of the Little Sandy Desert, between Newman and Kumarina.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Wheat Stubble 2AM-29644.
Northern Wheatbelt near Northam.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Wheat Fields 2AM-111790.
Rain in the Northern Wheatbelt near Northam.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Wheat Fields 2AM-111793.
Northern Wheatbelt near Northam.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Tree Trunks 2AM-29648.
Northern Wheatbelt near Northam.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

35 images over 35 hours – in the heart o’ Texas

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

Thirty five hours driving and photographing around Eden (and Brady, Pontontoc, Castell, and Menard), Texas with Ken Zoller.

Although my total trip time was 35 hours, the images in this blog essentially follow the progression of actual shooting time from 11 pm on June 1st through 1 am on June 3rd, though the order of images may not necessarily be strictly as shot.

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110394
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens.f5.6 for 46 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110400
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 46 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110391
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f4 for 30 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110390
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 30 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Rural Dawn 2AM-110403
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1.6 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Hay Bales 2AM-110412
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 0.8 seconds at ISO 200.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Wild Oats 2AM-110425
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/125 seconds at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Wild Oats 2AM-110432
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/200 seconds at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Locust and Thistle 2AM-110423
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/40 second at ISO 500, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Coreopsis 2AM-110452
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Ranch Wildflowers and Trees panorama
Two-image stitch. Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/30 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Pontotoc Ruins 2AM-110605
Light direction by Andrew McInnes (exterior light painting by Andrew McInnes, interior light painting by Ken Zoller).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 20 seconds at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Presidio de San Saba 2AM-110607
Illuminated entirely by waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 30 seconds at ISO 200.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Presidio de San Saba 2AM-110622
Light direction by Andrew McInnes – interior light painting by Andrew McInnes, exterior walls light painting by Ken Zoller.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 8 seconds at ISO 640.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Presidio de San Saba 2AM-110624
Light by Andrew McInnes and waxing gibbous moon (2 days before full moon).
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 8 seconds at ISO 640.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Thanks for taking this photo journey with me!

My images are available through my website:
http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/

Two days, two nights, and 942 miles in Central Texas.

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

‘Tis wildflower season in Texas! I was fortunate to have a few days and nights to spend traipsing around the Llano area. Truly beautiful, especially after the brutal drought of 2011. Thanks to Ken Zoller for his scouting and company during parts of this shoot.
Enjoy.

“Spiderwort”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens. f8 for 1/20 second and Kinko extension tubes, Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

“Claret-cup cactus”
Canon 30D and Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens and Kenko extension tubes. f11 for 1/4 seconds, Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

“White Poppy”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4-5.6 lens and Kenko extension tubes. f11 for 1/200 second, Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 200.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

“Hay Baby, nice rack!”
Texas Longhorn cattle.
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4-5.6 lens. f7.1 for 1/100 second, Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 500.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

“Stockyards” – a light-painting.
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 lens. f4.5 for 51 seconds and Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

Hope you liked the journey. My images are available through my website:
http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/

Some images from March, 2012

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

I haven’t been able to get out and about as much as I would like to lately. However, here is a (rather eclectic) assortment of images taken during March, 2012.

Texas Bluebonnets heralding Spring.
Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. f18 at 1/25 second - hand-held. ISO 400.

Ranch-road bridge after the storm, near Chappell Hill, Texas.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f11 at 1/25 second. ISO 400.

Two Curves - near Chappell Hill, Texas.
Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. f11 at 1/40 second. ISO 250.

Bradford Pear trees and barn. Great Smoky Mountains foothills - Tennessee.
Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. f11 at 1/320 second. ISO 200.

More Bradford Pear trees. Great Smoky Mountains foothills - Tennessee.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f11 at 1/100 second. ISO 640.

Barn signage. Great Smoky Mountains foothills - Tennessee.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f11 at 1/160 second. ISO 640.

Barn. Great Smoky Mountains foothills - Tennessee.
Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. f11 at 1/200 second. ISO 200.

Back in Texas - between Anahuac and High Island.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f14 at 1/500 second - hand-held. ISO 250.

Red-winged Blackbird on papyrus plant in our yard (I am a bird lover after all).
Canon 7D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f5.6 at 1/250 second. ISO 400.

Red-winged Blackbird on golden dewdrop plant in our yard.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f5.6 at 1/80 second. ISO 500.

Let’s finish with a series of “baby” images:

What's not to like about babies and their little feet and toes?
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f6.3 at 1/4000 second - don't ask me why ( I had just gone from indoors to outdoors and hadn't adjusted camera settings yet). ISO 800, hand-held. This image has had the background cloned to black for effect - extremely rare that I would alter an image other than standard image processing.

Daddy's big toe = baby's foot.
Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f8 at 1/320 second - handheld, ISO 1000 .

Mother's hand and baby's foot.
Canon 7D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens. f5 at 1/320 second - handheld. ISO 1600.

A reminder that my images are available for sale through my website:

http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/

Bush Fire – Photo Essay

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

I recently observed, from afar unfortunately, a light-crude oil tank fire (and explosion) on Galveston Island which got me to reflecting on a rural fire on and around a ranch we were visiting in King County, Texas in March 2008, and also to ponder the horrific Texas fires of 2011.

Here is my photo-essay of this ranchland fire.