Experimenting with steel-wool in photography – plus a Jeep Wrangler.

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

Last weekend I went with a mate to San Luis Pass, Galveston, Texas to experiment with molten steel as an element/feature in photo’s, and ended up combining formed steel in the image too 🙂

We had a blast experimenting with this – thanks to Jeremy Caton for his self-sacrificing work “spinning the fire” (his hands are all torn up from the rotating cable – there will be gloves next time). NOTE: The use of this steel-wool technique requires locations that will not be conducive to ignition and subsequent fire!

As this was the first time either of us had tried this technique I have included the initial “practice” images – practice for Jeremy with the steel-wool, and practice for me as I figured the required metering for this molten steel. The final image is the result of the shoot.

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116079
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 5 seconds at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116083
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 13 seconds at ISO 100.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Steel-wool experiments 2AM-116091
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 30 seconds at ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Jeep-Wrangler-and-Steel-wool-2AM-116085-1106087_stacked

Jeep-Wrangler-and-Steel-wool-2AM-116085-1106087
Three image stack.
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. ISO 400.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Same scene, different interpretation – Garner State Park, TX.

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

I recently traveled to the beautiful Garner State Park, Texas to photograph night shots which were to include light-painting.

This blog contains two images; though they were the exact same composition, and both taken after twilight, these are two very different images.

The first image is your “standard” light-painting and was taken after humanly visible light had vanished:

Garner State Park 2AM-115918
A single capture with light-painting.
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 40 seconds at ISO 1600.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The second image also includes light-painting, and the process of capturing this image was started about 10 minutes after the photo above. However, this second image is a “stacked” image – I took 61 photographs, the first of which was the light-painting on the trees and “Old Baldy” then a further 60 images were taken without any light-painting (the last image is a “blank” which helps reduce the digital noise). Total exposure time equates to a little over 40 minutes. Each image had the exact settings of the first photo posted (above) and I compiled them using software that is dedicated to stacking images.

Garner-State-Park-2AM-115920-115980_stackedImage2
61 image stack for a total exposure time of ~40 minutes.
Each frame/picture had the following settings:
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 40 seconds at ISO 1600.
Copyright © Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

I could have (and should have) taken a single, 40 minute long-exposure image as this would also have a slightly different interpretation of the scene. That longer exposure would have had more digital noise but smoother star-trails.

So from the same scene and the same composition we can get multiple interpretations/photographs by using different photographic techniques.

Hope you enjoyed these images 🙂

I have previously posted blogs showing this location (Garner State Park, Texas) in Fall color:

https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/a-wet-and-colorful-weekend-near-utopia-tx/

https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/fall-rotation-thanksgiving-2011-garner-state-park-tx/

A very brief trip to the Texas panhandle – Palo Duro Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, and Wind Turbines.

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Andrew McInnes Photography

The Texas panhandle is a fascinating region and I spend too little time there unfortunately. Recently I fit in a very quick trip to recharge. Here are a few images from that trip.

Prints of my images are available if you click on the Licensing/Purchasing images tab on this blog or click this link: https://2amphotography.wordpress.com/licensingpurchasing-images/

All images Copyright Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography.

Wind Turbine 2AM-114791
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.6 for 1/5 second at ISO 1600.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Cadillac Ranch 2AM-114850
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 1/2 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Hoodoo at Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114814_7D_blog

Hoodoo at Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114814
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/800 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114896_7D_blog

Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114896
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114897_7D_blog

Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114897
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Golden-fronted Woodpecker 2AM-30656_30D_blog

Golden-fronted Woodpecker 2AM-30656
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens and Tamron 1.4x teleconverter. f5.6 for 1/320 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

White-winged Dove 2AM-30604
Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens and Tamron 1.4x teleconverter. f5.6 for 1/160 second at ISO 1000.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The Lighthouse - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114886_7D_blog

The Lighthouse – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114886
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 1/250 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Hoodoo at Capital Peak - Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114844_7D_blog

Hoodoo at Capital Peak – Palo Duro Canyon 2AM-114844
A light-painting.
Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 30 seconds at ISO 1600.
© Andrew McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

That is the end of this little adventure. Thanks for visiting!

Margaret River Region – Australia’s South West

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

A region of diversity famous for its premium wines and stunning wineries, picturesque rural vistas, stunning forests, spectacular coast with both tranquil beaches and world-class surfing, plus fantastic views and proximity to the southward migration of humpback and other whales. Welcome to the Margaret River Region of Australia’s South West.

This is Canal Rocks under heavy swell.

Canal Rocks 2AM-113306
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 1/2 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Canal Rocks 2AM-113270
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 0.3 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A lovely “chute” with abundant epiphytes – an offshoot of the “canal”.

Canal Rocks 2AM-113689
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f20 for 1/40 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The view as you descend to Canal Rocks.

Canal Rocks 2AM-113217
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/160 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A lovely drive through a karri forest.

Karri Forest 2AM-113017
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/15 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Boranup Karri Forest.

Boranup Karri Forest 2AM-111945
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f9 for 1/30 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The now ruined Hamelin Bay Jetty was built in 1882 to service the local timber mills.

Hamelin Bay 2AM-113078
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5.5 for 1/1000 seconds at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Proximal to the jetty ruins is a small public boat ramp.

Hamelin Bay 2AM-113093
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/200 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This is the other portion of Hamelin Bay.

Hamelin Bay 2AM-113080
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/320 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

If you are lucky (and perhaps brave), you might be fortunate enough to have the local stingrays pay you a visit – as they did here to my lovely wife. Although massive, these are “gentle” creatures – the worst you may experience is them nom-nomming (chewing) on your toes 🙂

Smooth Stingray - Hamelin Bay 2AM-113560_7D

Smooth Stingray – Hamelin Bay 2AM-113560
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/200 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The “business end” of a massive ray (and another coming in from the back).

Smooth Stingray - Hamelin Bay 2AM-113530_7D_Facebook

Smooth Stingray – Hamelin Bay 2AM-113530
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/320 second at ISO 500.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste.

Sugarloaf Rock 2AM-113201
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 1/100 second at ISO 800.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Injidup Point, not far from the mouth of the Margaret River.

Injidup Point 2AM-113094
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/125 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Injidup Point.

Injidup Point 2AM-113109
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/400 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Dune and clouds at Moses Rocks.

Moses Rocks Beach 2AM-113336
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/100 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Yallingup, a world famous surf-break which was quite that day, at dusk just before we nestled among the boulders to enjoy a quite beverage and hors d’oeuvres – magical.

Yallingup 2AM-111960
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A little color and softness among the colorful rocks at Yallingup.

Yallingup 2AM-111964
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/5 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Meelup Beach, a glorious place to take a dip.

Meelup Beach 2AM-113746
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/30 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Picnic table with a view – Meelup Beach.

Meelup Beach 2AM-113737
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Castle Rock, just around the point from Meelup Beach. Climbing the point nearby allows for unfettered views of Geographe Bay and the Indian Ocean.

Castle Rock 2AM-113118
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/200 seconds at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Same feature, different view/feel.

Castle Rock 2AM-113120
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/200 seconds at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A ketch at anchor in the tranquility afforded by Geographe Bay – viewed from “whale lookout” at Castle Rock.

Castle Rock 2AM-113351
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f16 for 1/80 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This lovely tranquil beach with its clear and clean water also has portions dotted with boulders, some of which are partially submerged.

Castle Rock 2AM-113126
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/100 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

More rocks, first by daylight, then after dusk – with light added by flashlight.

Castle Rock 2AM-113366
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Hues of blue – a light-painting.

Castle Rock 2AM-113415
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f8 for 20 seconds at ISO 100 – a light-painting.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Dusk at Castle Rock.

Castle Rock 2AM-113172
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f22 for 13 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Ah, the primary image I originally went to Castle Rock for: A light painting with stars and meteorite.
I had to rock-hop in a mad dash once I set the self timer for the exposure in order to position myself such that the shadows/light source were creating the feel I wanted. Thankfully no falls or broken ankles!

Castle Rock 2AM-113197
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f4.5 for 30 seconds at ISO 3200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Fremantle, Western Australia – an assortment.

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

Ah Fremantle, what a place you are! The following images are an eclectic assortment including fireworks, beach, doorways, plants, a square-rigged ship, an abandoned power-generation station, and graffiti.

Hope you enjoy a non-encompassing glimpse of “Freo.”

Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour – the fishing boat fleet are out of frame to the left.

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112459_7D

Blessing of the Fleet – Fremantle 2AM-112459
Canon 7D Canon with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f8 for 8 seconds at ISO 3200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

The ferris wheel in Fremantle’s Esplanade Park (also in the photo above).

Fremantle Ferris Wheel 2AM-111913
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens. f5 for 2.5 seconds at ISO 100.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Bathers Beach, proximal to Esplanade Park and the Fishing Boat Harbour.

Bathers Beach 2AM-111888
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

A beach immediately south of Fremantle – the Indian Ocean was very tranquil that day.

Cockburn Beach Dunes 2AM-112161
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/160 second at ISO 250.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

This fine ship is the STS Leeuwin II (sail training ship) whose home-berth is Fremantle.

I had the great privilege and pleasure to sail onboard her as an officer in my early 20’s – I was thrilled she was at dock for a portion of my recent visit to Freo. She is a a three-masted barquentine of 55 meters (~ 180 feet) displacing 344 tonnes with a mast height of 33 meters (~ 108 feet). Having been atop the mast underway I can assure you it is quite spectacular and ‘whippy’ up there!

STS Leeuwin II 2AM-112486
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/60 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Transportation of a different variety – a Morris Minor as I recall – which is not indicative of the majority of automobiles in the area 😉
We call this one “Not CUBA” because that is precisely how it “felt” when we saw this scene.

Not CUBA 2AM-112488
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5.6 for 1/6 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Whilst wandering around the amazing residential side-streets I came upon this doorway which had a particularly Indian (sub-continent) look to it – or at least that is how it struck me. I think this might well be my next book-mark for my paper books.

Door and Arch 2AM-112346
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 3/10 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

More doorways…

Blue Door 2AM-112079
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f20 for 1/4 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Blue Door and Lattice 2AM-112348_7D - Copy

Blue Door and Lattice 2AM-112348
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f11 for 1/20 second at ISO 200.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Still on the side-streets…

For this image I wanted to convey a soft and ethereal feel using the asparagus fern so I chose a wide-open aperture, elevated the camera and shot downwards so that only the top (nearest) frond would be in focus – I think it worked, but do you too?

Asparagus Fern 2AM-112103
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f4.5 for 1/5 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

These next four images, three of which are plant-centric, were captured as part of a self-assignment to capture patterns and texture.

Vine on Tree Trunk 2AM-112108
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f5 for 1/20 second at ISO 400.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

I chose a large aperture (small opening) to ensure maximum depth-of-field as I needed the three-dimensional aspect to really capture what I saw. This image suggests Asia for me (the terraced gardens). How about you?

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

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

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

A driveway gate post.

Rust and Wood 2AM-112116
Canon 7D with Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens. f20 for 3/10 second at ISO 400. I also added a little light with a flashlight from the right hand side to add depth to the image.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

Street Kiss # 1

This street art/graffiti is by “REBOOT” – think about it…

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

Street Kiss # 2

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

A mate of mine, Paul Waite (http://www.paulwaitephotography.com/#) – a phenomenal photographer based in Fremantle – took me to the abandoned (and VERY eerie) Fremantle Power Station for a light-painting shoot. Unfortunately access is prohibited so we couldn’t get inside and shoot the amazing ruined interior and all its rust, glass, and graffiti. However, it became an exercise in capturing the forbidden access to this huge old building and surrounds.

For this light-painting the building was already illuminated by some street lights over a rise to the right of frame, hence the two-toned building (I thought it was not only fortuitous how it matched the building’s horizontal lines, but also added an extra dimension to the “wierdness” that eminated from this place). I used a LED light to bring attention to the fence (the blue or ‘cool temperature’ of the LED lights adds to the cold metallic physical structure of the fence and razor-wire and the mental picture of its purpose)!

South Fremantle Power Station 2AM-113429_7D

South Fremantle Power Station 2AM-113429
Canon 7D Canon with Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5.6 for 30 seconds at ISO 100. Light-painting by Andrew McInnes.
© Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.

To close this particular photo-blog I have included three fireworks images from the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony conducted in The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. Two of these images are 1 second exposures, the other is a 4 second exposure – based on effect I was seeking plus the bahavior/pattern of each particular firework.

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112469_7D

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

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112477_7D

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

Blessing of the Fleet - Fremantle 2AM-112472_7D

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

Bye for now.

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 😉

Calcium Carbonate structures from Western Australia.

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pinnacles 2AM-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.

Recent shots from surrounding area.

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

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).

A bloody cold shoot in the mountains!

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Andrew McInnes Photography

It having snowed the evening beforehand, I travelled into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, for my first shoot of the new year, and my first ever snow-shoot. The thermometer read 18 F (-7.8 C); relative temperature (or “feels like”) was 6 F (-14 C). It definitely was brisk but a good learning experience shooting snow.

"Three shapes of water." Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f8 for 1/13 second at ISO 100.

"Shape morphing." Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f32 for 1.3 second at ISO 100.

"Ice balls and tites." Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f8 for 1/30 second at ISO 100.

"Balls of Moss." Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f20 for 1/3 second at ISO 100.

"Roaring Fork bridge." Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f13 for 1/6 second at ISO 100.

"Feel it." Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f22 for 1/2 second at ISO 100.

"Resilience." Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 0.8 second at ISO 100.

"Globular." Canon 30D with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f18 for 1/4 second at ISO 100.

"Slick bridge." Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f11 for 1/80 second at ISO 640 (handheld).

Texas City Dusk – beauty in unusual places

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Andrew McInnes Photography

My photography mentor, Wyman Meinzer, has encouraged me to see the beauty where I am. Here are some images from a quick evening shoot on the Texas City Dike.

"Trawler Tranquility". Canon EOS 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f22 for 30 seconds at ISO 100.

"Painted Trawler" - light painting. Canon 7D with Canon EF-S10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. f5 for 30 seconds at ISO 400.

"Shiny Refinery #1". Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f13 for 15 seconds at ISO 100.

"Shiny Refinery #2". Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f13 for 15 seconds at ISO 100.

"Shiny Refinery #3". Canon 30D with Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L lens. f8 for 2 seconds at ISO 250.

"Texas City Twilight." Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 lens. f14 for 1.3 seconds at ISO 200.

"Shadow Paining." Canon 7D with Canon 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 lens. f6.3 for 30 seconds at ISO 200. This image is a light painting of the pilings and the refinery lights created these appealing shadows/patterns.

Andrew McInnes Photography

Imagery © Andrew McInnes

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