Southern Forests Region – Australia’s South West

Posted on December 15, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beedelup Falls - Pemberton 2AM-113050_7D

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

Beedelup Falls - Pemberton 2AM-113039_7D

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

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

Tingle Tree - Walpole Wilderness Area 2AM-112769_7D

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

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

Tingle Tree - Walpole Wilderness Area 2AM-112772_7D

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

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

Tingle Tree - Walpole Wilderness Area 2AM-112739_7D

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

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

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

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

The Cascades - Lefroy Brook 2AM-112923_7D

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

Segue (of sorts)…

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

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

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

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

Warren River 2AM-112942
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Warren River 2AM-112983
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Warren River 2AM-113012
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Warren River 2AM-112955
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Warren River 2AM-112934
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Warren River 2AM-112995
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Nornalup Inlet Mouth 2AM-112671
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Nornalup Inlet Mouth 2AM-112675
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

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

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

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

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

Here is the ruin by day

Boyanup Ruin 2AM-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.

Great Southern Region – Australia’s South West

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

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

Aptly named “Elephant Rocks.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winter rain approaches the tranquil and very torquoise Greens Pool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wilson Inlet 2AM-112649
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

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

The Gap 2AM-112517
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

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

A lovely gentle swell enters Lowlands Beach.

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

Perth ‘ish – September-November, 2012

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

An assortment of images taken around Perth (and a few from nearby Yanchep) over the Austral spring, 2012.

Perth by night – a view from Kings Park.

Perth 2AM-113436
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Perth and the Swan River viewed from Matilda Bay.

Swan River 2AM-111873
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Perth, the Swan River, and a bevy of the river’s namesake (Black Swan) – viewed from Matilda Bay.

Swan River 2AM-111875
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A Galah chew and rub spot on sugar gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx). This particular tree is one of over 300 comprising a tree-lined avenue in Kings Park, planted to honour Australian service personnel who died in the two World Wars and other engagements.

Galah 2AM-29701
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Laughing Kookaburra perusing its surrounds for prey items in the rain.

Laughing Kookaburra 2AM-29733
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (female) pauses its grazing upon new shoots and flowers at the University of Western Australia.

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo 2AM-29748
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Another view of the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (male) that features the red tail feathers – at the University of Western Australia.

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo 2AM-29763
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The Red Wattlebird is a “honeyeater” – a group of birds which have highly developed brush-tipped tongues adapted for nectar feeding on numerous plants including this kangaroo paw flower (kangaroo paw plants are endemic to the south-west of Western Australia).

Red Wattlebird 2AM-29724
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Although primarily a “honeyeater”, the Red Wattle Bird also eats a variety of insects which are often caught mid-air, and also some fruit.

Red Wattlebird 2AM-29723
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Now that I have introduced some floral aspects in the two preceding images, here is a series of images of everlasting daisies (everlastings), plus Sturt’s Desert Pea, and Mallee Eucalyptus.

Everlasting Daisies 2AM-111821
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Everlasting Daisies 2AM-111832
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Everlasting Daisies 2AM-111836
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Everlasting Daisies 2AM-111840
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Everlasting Daisies 2AM-111844
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Sturt’s Desert Pea 2AM-111851
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Mallee Eucalyptus 2AM-111843
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Up the road a little is a beautiful “terrace” beach at Yanchep, parts of which are sheltered by a reef which is delightfully overwashed. The image below shows this reef and placid waters immediately shoreward – we commented immediately that this is a wonderful spot for children to explore, enjoy, and hopefully be moved to curiosity.

Yanchep 2AM-112389
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The numerous offshore reefs and the ragged limestone cliffs of this portion of the coast are steeped in maritime history.

Yanchep 2AM-112401
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Texture and movement as oceanic water reunites with former oceanic reefs.

Yanchep 2AM-112442
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Dusk painted the ocean with some wondrous hues, each exquisitely ephemeral .

Yanchep 2AM-112414
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Karijini National Park – August 2012

Posted on September 30, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

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

Dales Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-29633
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. f8 for 1/25 second, handheld at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Dales Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111666
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f14 for 1/10 second, handheld at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Dales Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-29633
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. f22 for 3.2 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Joffre Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111476
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1.6 seconds at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Joffre Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111490
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f8 for 1.6 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Oxer Lookout – Karijini NP 2AM-111556
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/40 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-29606
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f7.1 for 1/25 second, handheld, at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-29607
Canon 30D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f7.1 for 1/250 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111498
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/640 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111506
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/500 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111569
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/100 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111571
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/30 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111602
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/20 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111614
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/25 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111615
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/50 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111627
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/30 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111635
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/250 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111646
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111651
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111671
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f14 for 1.3 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111684
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f20 for 2 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111693
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/2 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111701
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 13 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Weano Gorge – Karijini NP 2AM-111702
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 20 seconds at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

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.

Sandstone in the gorge floor.

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.

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

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).

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)

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

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.

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

“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.

Resplendent, ripe, and rough.

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

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

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

Not a masterpiece, just found this to be interesting.

There is “liquid gold” in there.

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

This Red Wattlebird is among a Pouched Grevillea plant.

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.