Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Thirty-Six

As you can probably tell and imagine I'm pretty enamored with my new lens. But instead of just taking ultra wide images for a while (which I'm sure you'd get heartily sick of) I decided to take a picture of it. I'm trying to make sure that I evenly space my macro and wide angle images. I'd hate to become boring. So here's my latest bit of kit:

Image taken 26 October 2011

I'm not sure that this image fully demonstrates how bulbous the front element is. It sticks out a fair way - thank goodness for the built-in lens hood. Without it I'd be terrified of ruining my new lens and I take care of my equipment.

Well that's enough updates for one day. If you've read them all thanks for sticking with me! I'll hopefully be back tomorrow to finish off the rest and get this blog back on track. In the meantime have a lovely day/evening.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Thirty-Five

So when I ordered my new ultra wide angle lens I started researching how to use it effectively and looking at some cool photos you can taken. The photo below takes a suggestion from Bryan Peterson (click the link and it will take you to the youTube video) about shooting up through stalks of wheat implementing creative exposure. Now I didn't have access to a field of wheat so I figured grass was the next best thing. If nothing else I am at least putting my own twist on the original idea.

Image taken 25 October 2011

The grass wasn't all that high. Roughly knee high I would say and I'm not the tallest person in the world. Yet taking the photo with my wide angle lens makes it look terribly high. This photo reminds me of spring with the brilliant blues, the crisp greens and the sun lighting it all so beautifully. It was defiantly worth the itchy legs I had afterwards.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Thirty-Four

On day three hundred and thirty-four I received a package I had been dying to get my hands on. It felt like I checked the tracking every five minutes. I had ordered a ultra wide angle lens a few days before and it felt like it took forever to get here (in reality it took less than 5 days!). Of course the minute I got it I snapped it on to my camera and took it out for a little test drive.

Image taken 24 October 2011

This lens (the Sigma 8-16) truly is ULTRA wide!!! This is a small round-a-bout near my house and I was standing on the curb right next to the road. The Sigma fit everything in and it made the round-a-bout look huge. It's such a fun lens to use and opens up even more photo opportunities.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Thirty-Three

Day 333. Oh wow! The project it almost over. Well version one anyway. At this point I can't imagine not taking a photo everyday so we'll just have to see if I decided to start version two once this one is done.

Image taken 23 October 2011

Once again I indulge in my love for day lilies and macro. The pollen looks so furry in this photo. It's kind of amazing. I can't help it they are just such beautiful flowers and they last so long and are relatively inexpensive. What's a girl to do? Take copious amounts of photos of course!

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Thirty-Two

Woohoo my followers are back!! That was easy. Technology is fantastic... when it works. But when it all goes haywire it's a bit of a pain, isn't it? Speaking of, what do you think of the new blog design? Like it or hate it? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Anyway on day three hundred and thirty-two I decided to have some fun with smoke.

Image taken 22 October 2011

I had read and watched a few tutorials on how to get some stunning images of smoke and I had been wanting to try it for myself for quite some time. It turned out better than I expected. I applied some slight post-processing just to give the smoke a bit more of a richer color but this is basically what it looked like in camera. It was loads of fun trying to make different patterns with the smoke but this is defiantly one of my favorites. Do you like it?

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Thirty-One

I am finally back online!! Woohoo!! In actual fact I got my new modem a few days ago but it kept on dropping the signal every few minutes (not the optimal conditions for blogging and posting photos). But it's finally working!! Needless to say over the past couple of days I have become quite the expert at re-configuring my modem and router. Here's hoping that's the last time I have to do that in a while... Now if I could just figure out why my followers aren't appearing on my blog...

Image taken 21 October 2011

I saw this fire hydrant somewhere or another (honestly the 21st of October was such a long time ago). The rusted red stole my heart and I absolutely had to snap a photo. Thankfully I am well in the habit of taking my camera with me everywhere I go!

It Died...

Just a quick note to say I'm still here. However I won't be blogging for a little while. You see my modem just died. Meaning all I have for internet access is my phone. But don't worry I'll be back blogging just as soon as my new modem arrives. I've got lots of great pictures to share.

Until next time I hope your week is wonderful!

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Thirty

I ventured out this afternoon with the goal of capturing a lovely sunset. But when I got in my car I looked at the stormy, heavily overcast sky and knew my idea wouldn't work out too well. That will teach me to look at the weather forecast before I go out to take photos. Fortunately I managed to capture the sun peaking out through the clouds.

Image taken 20 October 2011

This picture reminds me of some of the spectacular scenes I saw when I visited England last year. The blue mountain ridge is so stunning and the smallest touch of sunlight balances the image quite nicely. What do you think?

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty-Nine

This photo was a bit of a miss. It would have been much better if I had of taken the shot with the aid of my macro lens and tripod. But I went for a walk with my camera and a 35mm lens - no other equipment. Not the smarts idea in the world. So I snapped and moved on. Unfortunately this approach didn't work out very well for me this time.

Image taken 19 October 2011

If I would have just taken a little bit more time and some more equipment I think this could have been a striking image. Instead I'm left with something decidedly average. Oh well if nothing else this serves as a lesson and encourages me to do much better next time.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty-Eight

I'm finally up-to-date with my project 365 posts (well not including today - but that's because I haven't taken it yet!) So on day three hundred and twenty-eight I went deviling into my craft room to gain a little inspiration. Thank goodness I still have my bag of fathers.

Image taken 18 October 2011

I know I've taken a photo like this before but I wanted to see if I could get closer to the tiny drops of water. This photo fills the frame with the water drops more than thee previous photo. I think I like this one better.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty-Seven

On day three hundred and twenty-seven I got the awesome opportunity to catch up with one of my fabulous Aunties and one of my amazing cousins (plus her two gorgeous girls) at a lovely little cafe. It was blissful! The cafe is one of my favorite places in Brisbane. It's beautifully decorated and the food and drinks are delightful. If you're in Brisbane I completely recommend a visit to Dandelion & Driftwood.

Image taken 17 October 2011

See what I mean about the lovely decorations? Every time I visit I always want to redecorate my home! But the best part was meeting up with some of my lovely relatives. My cousin lives interstate so it's always such a treat to see her! She shares my love of all things photography and is an amazing mum, crafter and person to boot... Take a look at her blogs and you'll see what I mean (click here & here). All in all it was a lovely way to spend a few hours!

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty-Six

I ventured to the local lake on day three hundred and twenty-six intent on capturing the sunset. But when I turned on my camera I discovered I had forgotten to put the battery back into my d7000 after recharging it (such a silly mistake!). Fortunately I had my d5000 stowed in my car so I could still get the photo that I was looking for. So it was d5000 to the rescue.

Image taken 16 October 2011

I love the man in the kayak. It adds a bit of interest into what otherwise may have been a flat scene. As soon as I got home I ordered another battery for my d7000 in the hope I never get caught out like that again.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty-Five

So on day three hundred and twenty-five I had the pleasure and privilege of photographing a birthday party. It was awesome! The party's theme was casino royal and it was so well done. There were even real casino tables!

Image taken 15 October 2011

It was so much fun being the official photographer. I was constantly on the lookout for an interesting photograph and a new way to tell the complete story. Now I'm busy looking through all my photos and seeing which ones need a little more tweaking. It's so much fun! It is amazing to be able to do something you love.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty-Four

Day three hundred and twenty-four was a relating at home sort of day. I knew that the following day would be exhilarating and exhausting so a rest day was completely necessary. So I snapped on my macro lens and went adventuring into my garden armed with my tripod and remote control.

Image taken 14 October 2011

Instead of ensuring the entire flower was in focus I decided to focus exclusively on the stigma (or at least that's what the internet tells me that part of the flower is called). I also darkened the background slightly in post-processing to make the purple stigma stand out even more. What do you think of this photo?

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty-Three

Queensland is heading into its storm season and I couldn't be more excited. It means beautiful rolling, boiling clouds and (if I can get my act together) maybe, just maybe a lovely photo of lightning. Day three hundred and twenty-three provided the perfect chance to try and capture the storm clouds.

Image taken 13 October 2011

I love the dark gray clouds with the sun struggling to shine through. It's almost black and white with just a touch of blue. Blissful. Are you a fan of storms?

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty-Two

Okay things have gotten a bit out of hand... I have over a week's worth of photos to upload. My apologies - things got away from me a little but. Time to remedy the situation. On day three hundred and twenty-two I was taken by the moss growing on the stones outside my garage.

Image taken 12 October 2011

The moss looks so soft and squishy - like a perfect little pillow. I wish I would have taken this photo with my macro lens instead of my 50mm but I didn't want to do two macro shots in a row... Next time perhaps.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty-One

On day three hundred and twenty-one I wandered into my yard armed with my tripod and macro lens eager to see what tiny delights I could find. A dandelion was gently swaying in the wind almost begging to be photographed. I was more than happy to oblige.

Image taken 11 October 2011

Aahhh... There's something special about macro photography. The image was a little flat when I looked at it on my computer screen so I decided to add a few presets in Lightroom to try and lift the image. It gives the image a more artistic look. What do you think of it?

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twenty

After a relaxing time in the country it was time to pack up the car and head home. The drive home took me through the picturesque countryside and I couldn't resist pulling over a couple of times to snap a few photos.

Image taken 10 October 2011

I like how the bridge leads you into the image and the reflections balance the image nicely. It was the perfect spot to have a break and enjoy the scenery.


I love the silhouette of the cows and the tree. It just seems to scream country to me. I think the preset I used in Lightroom really enhances the photo and makes the image pop. It's a simple image to be sure but sometimes simplicity is all you need. What do you think?

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Nineteen

There is a lovely patch of lavender growing near the mailbox at my mum's place. I think lavender is so beautiful and has such a wonderful smell. On day three hundred and nineteen I wasn't the only one enjoying these pretty purple flowers. A bunch of busy bees were buzzing around the bushes.

Image taken 09 October 2011

Of course I couldn't resist twisting on my macro lens and snapping a few pictures. I love the colors in this photo! It reminds me of spring and summertime. Simply beautiful!

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Eighteen

On day three hundred and eighteen I went (amongst other things) for a wander in my mum's yard just as the sun was setting. I discovered these beautiful purple and white flowers growing in a pot near the door. Such a lovely little find.

Image taken 08 October 2011

Instead of taking a photo of the entire flower I decided to get as close as I could possibly get (thanks to my macro lens) and see if I could come up with a more interesting photo. I don't know if you can see it that well in the above photo but the flower has a fine, hair-like coating (?). It's kind of amazing to look at the photo at 100%. Ahhh... I do so love macro!

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Seventeen

And... I'm back! I went for little trip up to my mum's house for a few days. It was lovely to have a nice relaxing time away. Kind of restorative. While I was there I took the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful night sky (no light pollution out in the country!) and I finally got to take a lovely star trail shot.

Image taken 07 October 2011

I have been wanting to take some star trail photos for ages. But city living isn't exactly the best place for long exposure photography. It was so thrilling to put into practice some of the techniques I've been reading about for so long. I still need to perfect my technique a bit. It didn't turn out exactly as I wanted but I didn't want to be out all night long so short star trails were the best I could do. But unfortunately it was cloudy for the rest of my time up at mum's so there wasn't any other opportunities for fantastic star trail shots. Oh well. I feel another road-trip in the works.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Sixteen

So after a completely sleepless night I finally drifted off to sleep at around 7 am only to wake up about every 15 minutes until I finally decided to give up on the entire enterprise at around 9am. I was/am so tired yet I just couldn't seem to drift off. So instead I spent most of the day editing photos and watching 'The West Wing' on DVD. Needless to say I was stuck for an idea for project 365.

Image taken 06 October 2011

It's at times like this that I need to take my meds, lie in a dark room, and simply hope for the best. So that's exactly what I'm going to do. Here's hoping I manage to get a decent sleep tonight - I've got a bit of a drive ahead of me tomorrow. Don't you hate it when something is messing up your sleep? I hope you have an amazing weekend!

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Fifteen

So I have finally gotten of the Lightroom band wagon. (It's about time!). And man, oh man, it has changed my life! Okay maybe not that drastic but it's still pretty amazing. It makes editing a photo so much easier and I am able to make the changes I want in a few simple clicks of the mouse. Seriously one of the most valuable pieces of software I own. And don't even get me started on the presets...

Image taken 05 October 2011

Okay so I'll admit I went a little presets crazy with this photo and overdid it a little. But I was having so much fun! Besides I like the vintage, desaturated 'tint' of the photo. Lightroom has totally changed my photo editing set up that's for sure. Are you a Lightroom lover?

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Fourteen

Oh dear! Two sunset shots in a row. Sorry for the double up. But I just couldn't pass up the wonderful pastel layers. There is a wonderful softness and the promise of a wonderful night in a sunset like this... Or at least that's what I think!

Image taken 03 October 2011

Orange, yellow, white, fading to the softest blue. Kind of glorious, no? I need to go back to this spot with a wonderful wide angle lens and hopefully blur the water a little... Ah, I can see it now...

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Thirteen

There was a simply amazing sky scene when the sun was setting on day three hundred and thirteen. Unfortunately this photo doesn't capture its true magnificence. But I adore the rays of sunlight breaking through the thick, stormy cloud cover just before it slips below the horizon.

Image taken 03 October 2011

A simple picture to be sure. A picture where I cared little about exposure etc. I just simply needed to capture the scene exactly as I saw it. The rays of sun were absolutely stunning! The beauty of that moment simply breath-taking.

Project 365 - Day Three Hundred And Twelve

I seem to have started a tradition whenever I attend weddings - I tend to keep the order of service and any other bits and pieces to try and round out my picture set if you will. It's a nice way to make sure I capture as many of the details of the day as possible.

Image taken 02 October 2011

If nothing else at least it reminds me of the names (as if I could forget!) and the general color scheme of the day. In any event I love the focus on the order of service with pretty petals scattered around it. What do you think of the photo?