Calcium Carbonate structures from Western Australia.

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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.

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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.

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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.

All images are Copyright © Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

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.

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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.

All images are Copyright © Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

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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.

 

Sunflower and Ladybird Beetle 2AM-110488
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/640 second at ISO 500, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Sunflower and Ladybird Beetle 2AM-110490.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/800 second at ISO 500, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Thistle and Coreopsis 2AM-110455
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/15 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Thistle and Sunflower 2AM-110468
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/25 second at ISO 500, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch and Wildflowers and Old Implement 2AM-110546
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch and Wildflowers and Old Implement 2AM-110547
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch and Wildflowers and Old Implement 2AM-110556
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Wire 2AM-110495
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Lake 2AM-110499
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 1/15 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Sky 2AM-110541
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/200 second at ISO 200, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Fence 2AM-110506
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Fence 2AM-110507
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/50 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Fence 2AM-110508
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/50 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Yucca 2AM-110503
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 1/40 second at ISO 400, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Wildflowers and Yucca 2AM-110505
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch Wildflowers and Trees 2AM-110522
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/40 second at ISO 100, handheld.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Ranch Wildflowers and Fence 2AM-110532
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/25 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 Shed 2AM-110573
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

 

Pontotoc Shed 2AM-110588
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.
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.

 

Presidio de San Saba 2AM-110625
Waxing gibbous 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.

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‘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.

“Good Morning”
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 1/100 second, hand-held. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“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.

 

“Bluebonnet Highway”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens. f8 for 1/400 second on Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. ISO 200.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Rural Road”
Canon 7D with Canon 17-40mm f4 lens. f13 for 1/125 seconds, hand-held. ISO 200.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Rusty Barn”
Canon 7D with Canon 17-40mm f/4 lens. f16 for 1/50 second, hand-held. ISO 100.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Cactus and Bluebonnets”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens and Manfrotto tripod and ball-head. f11 for 1/8 second. ISO 200.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Stone fence and Poppies”
Canon 7D and Canon 17-40mm f4 lens. f13 for 1/125 seconds, hand held. ISO 200.
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.

 

“Unexpected Interaction”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens. f11 for 1/320 second, hand-held. ISO 400.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Poppies and Fence”
Canon 7D with Canon 17-40mm f4 lens. f14 for 1/160 second, hand-held. ISO 100.
Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography – all rights reserved.

 

“Sandy Creek”
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens. f7.1 for 1/40 second, hand-held. ISO 800.
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

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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

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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.

The source of the fire ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Black and gray aluminum and steel is all that remains ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Still early in the progression ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Closing the road ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

An emergency responder watches as fire strengthens ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Intensifying ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

First attempt to inhibit the fire and restrict it to the short side-of-the-highway grass ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Fire "jumped" the breaks beyond the grass and is now fueled by abundant juniper ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Loud and hot - and spreading rapidly ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

What was a calm day is now locally very windy as the fire continues to rampage ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Super hot and travelling quickly as the juniper bushes whistle then explode ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Tumultuous - it soon became very dark and very orange ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Visibility satisfactory for now ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Soon there would be numerous vehicle crashes due to limited visibility ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Fire-fighting helicopter heading to nearby earthen water tank to refill before returning to the fray ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Reinforcements - this plane flew in from Oklahoma to combat the fire ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Fire retardent being deployed ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Orange glow from the fire below as the plane circles for another retardent-drop run ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

View from the homestead as night descends ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

Serenity - night has fallen and the homestead is spared (long exposure) ©Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

Recent shots from surrounding area.

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Per a previous “encouragement” by my photography mentor – Wyman Meinzer – to see the beauty where I am, I have been trying to shoot several times each week, regardless of the weather, wind, and anthropomorphic elements cluttering the scene. I figure I better just run with what there is to capture. Here is an assortment which I hope you enjoy.

I reckon you weren't expecting this though! Perhaps Deere & Company would like this one for their advertising? Wishful thinking.

 

More tractors heading out from the Port of Galveston.

 

Wetlands proximal to our neighborhood (same area in previous blog: "blessed-rain...").

 

Same area as above but this time I was going for the "African Serengeti" feel (ignore the modern looking "huts").

 

Serengeti 'ish. (Smith Point, Galveston Bay).

 

The view from our back deck/porch - it seems it hasn't been calm for months. The glow on the clouds is a result of Texas City petrochemical plants - thankfully we are located upwind of this.

 

These lovely White Pelicans are only in the area while they overwinter.

 

White Pelican preening.

 

Nearby Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge (BNWR). This area was, until very recently, dry enough to run a tractor and plow through. However, the Houston area has received in excess of 11 inches of rain for the first 8 weeks or so of 2012.

 

BNWR again.

 

Endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle in rehabilitation at Texas A&M University at Galveston's Sea Life Facility.

 

Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (same individual as above).

 

Cold and foggy morning at Texas A&M University at Galveston campus.

 

Definitely NOT the Serengeti. This is the same shrimp boat featured in a previous blog ("Texas City Dusk..."). I was limited on time and the clouds were starting to look wonderful so chose to re-shoot the trawler.

 

Simple but interesting to me.

 

Sunrise and an offshore rig in Galveston Ship Channel.

 

Atmospheric clouds - as opposed to the cloud of swarming mosquitos as the missus' and I tried to enjoy a cold beverage watching these clouds and the dusk.

 

I took this picture on Valentine's Day of two red-eared slider's "smooching" (please indulge my foray into anthropomorphism) - must be a real "toe-curler" of a kiss (check out the right-rear foot of the big one on the right).

 

 

 

Two poems remembering… encouraged by photographs.

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I was backing up my images recently and came across images of a Bald Eagle and the American Flag. These images inspired me to share two poems I wrote several years ago in response to the horrific, hate-driven attacks on Americans by radical islamic assholes on 9-11.

I find sharing my written words much more… exposing… than sharing my photographic images. These two poems come from different “persons” – the first one is a hypothetical first-person take, supposedly in real-time as the drama occurred. The second poem is partly autobiographical and as such is partly self-judgemental (I was a sailmaker at that time). It is mostly a personal “spew” whereby I vent…

Bald Eagle 2AM-15572

 Big Smoke in the Big Apple

Riding the controls
forcing the plane
to bank left
toward my office
window framing the unknown.

I see it coming and am unsure –
surely not. It can’t be. What the hell.
Stupid pilot. Can’t he see he’s too low?
He’s going to crash
into this building, killing
the passengers, killing himself, killing me.
This can’t be a mistake.
It must be terror.

What to do.
How can I think
during the unthinkable.
Do I log off? Do I warn everyone?
Did I tell her I love her?

No time now.
There was
then.
Time wasted.

 Big smoke in the Big Apple,
Eden’s fruit now bitten.
Fire and smoke
extremism misinformed – smoke and mirrors
the view as I make the jump.

33 floors
sufficiently long
to
ponder…

Bald Eagle 2AM-15645


9-11

Big smoke in the Big Apple.
Vengeance has spewed itself
and you return to your sewing
ignorant of the stench while others are praying
and saying “let’s roll”.

Ignorance has struck again.
Fire and smoke
extremism misinformed –
smoke and mirrors.
Radical Islam full of hate,
Imam’s non-reflective mirrors leading the blind
pups into peril.

To call them pups is too kind.
They are dogs. They are parasites
blemishing the human complexion.
Merciless in their ignorance,
the promise of future virgins
too much to handle.

Strange really,
they hate women.