Morning light – views from a rural highway.

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Andrew McInnes Photography

When one is driving a rural highway at daybreak and the light does this, one must find a spot to pull over and take a snap

Mundubbera 2AM-006491 ©Andrew McInnes.

Mundubbera 2AM-006492 ©Andrew McInnes.

Cheers 🙂

Days 9-11: Makarora and Fox Glacier etc, New Zealand – December 2015.

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Andrew McInnes Photography

Day 9-11. Makarora and Fox Glacier etc, South Island – New Zealand.

Onwards…
More from Otago, plus some from West Coast. As is the case with all holidays, the end comes too soon.

This last post includes images from Blue Pools on the Makarora River, the Whataroa River, Fox Glacier, and Lake Hawea (near The Neck).

Dusk settles over the Southern Alps at Makarora.

Makarora 2AM-000934.
©Andrew McInnes

Makarora River 2AM-000931.
©Andrew McInnes

Makarora River 2AM-000930.
©Andrew McInnes

The stunning, and frigid, Blue Pools.

Blue Pools – Makarora River 2AM-000916.
©Andrew McInnes

Blue Pools – Makarora River 2AM-000914.
©Andrew McInnes

Happy hour 🙂
Cold beers and conversation in and alongside the Makarora River.

Makarora 2AM-000539.
©Andrew McInnes

A Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae), in the honeyeater family, foraging on New Zealand flax (Phormium sp.).

Tui 2AM-004945.
©Andrew McInnes

Dawn over the Southern Alps at Fox Glacier – includes Aoraki / Mount Cook.

Fox Glacier 2AM 1002-4 HDR.
©Andrew McInnes

Fox Glacier 2AM-000957. ©Andrew McInnes

Fox Glacier 2AM-000981.
©Andrew McInnes

Fox Glacier 2AM-000988.
©Andrew McInnes

Fox Glacier 2AM-000993.
©Andrew McInnes

Fox Glacier 2AM-000995.
©Andrew McInnes

The Neck 2AM-000537 iPhone panorama.
©Andrew McInnes

Whataroa River 2AM 1024-1029 panorama.
©Andrew McInnes

Whataroa River 2AM-001017.
©Andrew McInnes

I hope you enjoyed this and the previous posts of my images from a fantastic holiday in New Zealand.

Cheers 🙂

Days 2-4: Heading to Kaikoura, New Zealand – December 2015.

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Andrew McInnes Photography

This post covers three days (day 2, 3, and 4) of our holiday in New Zealand. It involved driving from Rotorua (see previous post here) to Wellington then departing on the ferry at 2:30 am to Picton, arriving around dawn, then driving to Kaikoura.

Day 2-4 – Heading to the South Island.

Unfortunately, as with all holidays, there is not enough time to see everything. There is a lot to see on the North Island but even though we had a loose schedule, there were some hard times/dates we needed to be at certain places – one such deadline was a ferry connection to take us to the South Island.

Leaving Rotorua we headed to Wellington via Lake Taupo and a few other smallish diversions. Whilst in the Rotorua area we visited Hamurana Springs for a peaceful and scenic break and saw this Waka (Māori watercraft).

Hamurana Springs - Rotarua 2AM-000456. ©Andrew McInnes

Waka – Hamurana Springs 2AM-000456. ©Andrew McInnes

Because I like birds…
A Paradise Shelduck on the shore of Lake Taupo.

Paradise Shelduck 2AM-004285. ©Andrew McInnes

South of the beautiful Lake Taupo area are some volcanic features many of you may recognise from the The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The “Desert Road” through Rangipo Desert is a spectacular drive, and we paused for lunch with this view of Mount Ruapehu (left) and Mount Ngauruhoe (right) – the fictional Mount Doom. iPhone 5C panorama.

Tongariro National Park 2AM-000471. ©Andrew McInnes

Further south, a fence that caught my eye. iPhone 5C photo.

Waituna West 2AM-000474. ©Andrew McInnes

Onto the South Island.
Kaikoura and surrounds – abundant marine mammals, beautiful scenes.
I reckon these folks have a fantastic campsite!

Half Moon Bay – Kaikoura 2AM-000343. ©Andrew McInnes

The seemingly ubiquitous New Zealand fur seal, basking, resting, and nursing the young at Ohau Point, Half Moon Bay (just north of Kaikoura).

New Zealand fur seal 2AM-004332. ©Andrew McInnes

New Zealand fur seal 2AM-004337. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura awaking with the dawn.

Kaikoura 2AM 0407-0409 Panorama. ©Andrew McInnes

Dusk settles over the Kaikoura Peninsula.

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM 0348-0351 Panorama. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM 0356-0358 HDR. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM 0365-0367 HDR. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM 0374-0377 Panorama. ©Andrew McInnes

Assorted images from the wondrous Kaikoura Peninsula:

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-000353. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-004506. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-004498. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-000484. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-000482. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-000355. ©Andrew McInnes

Wooden Fence 2AM-004690. ©Andrew McInnes

European Starling 2AM-004447. ©Andrew McInnes

In case any so-called birders or twitchers are wondering, this isn’t a new plumage for this species. Rather, it is pollen from the prolific pollen-producing plant, the New Zealand flax (Phormium).

Rhyolitic flows (I think so, at least) at Kaikoura.

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM 0458-0460 Panorama. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-000455. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-000456. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-000461. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-000462. ©Andrew McInnes

Kaikoura Peninsula 2AM-000463. ©Andrew McInnes

To wrap up this post, here are some more images of New Zealand fur seals 🙂
This time from the Kaikoura Peninsula.

New Zealand fur seal 2AM-004384. ©Andrew McInnes

New Zealand fur seal 2AM-004403. ©Andrew McInnes

New Zealand fur seal 2AM-004426. ©Andrew McInnes

I hope you enjoyed these.

Cheers 🙂

Horrific drought in most of Queensland – this is near Longreach.

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Andrew McInnes Photography

Oh my, this 2015 drought in Queensland is horrific! This is at Ilfracombe, near Longreach QLD.

So much heartache for our rural folks, doing it very tough! I have full admiration for the stewards of Australia’s agricultural and pastoral land.

Drought 2AM-008272 © Andrew McInnes

Cheers to the bushies!

Hotham Ridge Organic Winery – Wandering, Western Australia

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Andrew McInnes Photography

I recently had the pleasure of 36 hours at the lovely Hotham Ridge Winery at Wandering, Western Australia as I conducted a photo-shoot for the owners. At only a little beyond 1.5 hours from downtown Perth, this organic/biodynamic winery is a wonderful and proximal location to spend time relaxing with fine wine, delicious food, and gorgeous rammed-earth cottages that are refreshingly clean and quiet. The bistro utilizes a wood-fired oven to produce meals, from which I enjoyed what may well be the most delicious pizza I can recall – the “Classico.”

The following images are all taken at the winery – I hope you enjoy them, and if you are planning a visit to the Perth area I suggest you may want to consider spending time at Hotham Ridge Winery, even if only for a bite to eat and a sampling of their award winning wines.

Overlooking the Chardonnay, with a beautiful crop for this vintage.

1_Hotham Ridge Winery 2AM-003359-003361 panorama

Three-image stitch.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Looking back at the cottages, homestead, bistro, and winery.

The Dutch influenced homestead, and the two cottages – “Billie” and “Nina” – as seen from the bistro.

Here is “Billie’s” porch.

These old oak barrels, settled among a garden of ponds, flowing water, and birds-a-plenty, greet visitors on pathway to the cellar door and bistro.

The Magpie tapestry – illustrating the basis of the Hotham Ridge label.

5_Hotham-Ridge-Winery-2AM-003498 - 5D Mark III

The vintner’s vintages.

Vines, very soon to be relieved of their sweet bounty.

Dawn breaks over the Chardonnay. HDR image.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

A red bicycle appearance among the vines.

This red bicycle makes an appearance in several of these images as the owners of the winery wanted the bicycle included in some of the scenes – I like it.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

As this is an organic winery (certified), there is no herbicide or pesticide usage thus these young vines are competing with the remnants of the spring’s grass.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Mmmm, I see another award winning red in the making…

Table grapes drape and shade an outside table at the bistro.

The bountiful flora surrounding the Bistro entrance from the parking lot.

This short board-walk to the bistro is edged by a luscious pond and wetlands.

“The Wide World” as seen from the bistro garden area.

Ever closer, some of the outdoor bistro dining tables are revealed.

You have arrived at the bistro entrance

Times of yore; traps, sickles, and shears adorn the bistro wall.

Some of the available seating in the bistro – bench and table section.

Delightfully fresh wholemeal spelt sour-dough bread, fresh out of the wood-fired oven.

27_Hotham Ridge Winery 2AM-003550 - 5D Mark III

Awaiting oven’s readiness for my soon to be savoured “Classico” pizza!

28_Hotham-Ridge-Winery-2AM-003476-5D-Mark-III

To wrap up this express tour, I present a variety of visual vagaries 🙂

30_Hotham Ridge Winery 2AM-003591 - 5D Mark-III

Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata) in full bloom.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

A eucalyptus gumnut – species yet to be confirmed.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis).
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Highly aromatic flower of the caper plant.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Motorbike Frog (Litoria moorei).
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Bulrush; Cattails; Cumbungi; Wonga; Reed-mace; raupo; (Typha)
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Wild oats ablaze in dusk’s amazing light.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Curling bark.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Lichen on granite (primarily).
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Wine vines swishing in silhouette before a highlight of wild oats.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes. All rights reserved.

Thanks for taking a look at my images.
Ciao for now.

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

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

Boyanup Ruin 2AM-112258
Canon 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

Boyanup Ruin Lightpainting 2AM-29856
Canon 30D Canon with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Rural Scene 2AM-113052
Canon 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-30032
Canon 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-29905
Canon 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 Tree Lightpainting 2AM-112328
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Grass Tree Lightpainting 2AM-112325
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 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.

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.

“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

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.