Tag: mountain views

The Great Ocean Road, Landscape Photography.

Hi Friends,

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, with stunning coastal landscapes and rock formations that attract tourists and photographers from all over the world. One such photographer who has been capturing the magic of this region for over two decades is none other than myself.

For more than 20 years, I have been photographing the Great Ocean Road and its many landmarks, including the iconic Twelve Apostles and Gibson Beach. These locations are popular tourist attractions and are among the most photographed spots in Australia.

The Twelve Apostles are a series of limestone stacks that rise out of the Southern Ocean and are a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Great Ocean Road. These towering pillars of rock were formed over millions of years through the relentless forces of wind and water erosion. As the years passed, the softer limestone rock eroded away, leaving only these impressive stacks standing tall and proud.

Photographing the Twelve Apostles can be a challenge due to their popularity and the sheer number of visitors that flock to this location each day. However, with the right equipment and a keen eye for composition, it is possible to capture stunning images that showcase the natural beauty of this area.

Gibson Beach is another location along the Great Ocean Road that has captured my attention over the years. It is a secluded and tranquil beach nestled between towering cliffs and is a favorite spot for photographers looking to capture the beauty of this rugged coastline.

One of the reasons I love photographing Gibson Beach is the dramatic interplay of light and shadow that occurs during sunrise and sunset. The cliffs cast long shadows across the beach, creating an otherworldly and surreal atmosphere that is truly awe-inspiring.

Over the years, I have seen the Great Ocean Road and its landmarks change in many ways. The ocean erodes the cliffs and shapes the rocks, while the weather conditions vary from season to season, making every visit a unique experience. Despite these changes, the beauty of this area remains constant and is something that continues to inspire me every time I visit.

In conclusion, photographing the Great Ocean Road, including the Twelve Apostles and Gibson Beach, has been a passion of mine for over 20 years. These landmarks are truly awe-inspiring and offer endless opportunities for creative expression through the lens of a camera. Whether you are an experienced photographer or a novice, I highly recommend visiting this remarkable region and capturing its beauty for yourself.

Darren J

 

Gibsons Beach, Great Ocean Road.

Misty Mornings Victoria.

I recently spent a few days over in the North East of Victoria. My aim was to capture some early morning mist in the landscape. With low wind and very still mornings there was plenty of mist in the valleys and mountainous regions of Yea and the surrounding areas. A pure delight to be out and about with a camera in hand.
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Darren J.
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Darren J.
Take some time to check out my latest YouTube video.

https://youtu.be/hPi4E0Y374w

Australian Landscape Photographer.

Hi all,

 

Feel free to head on over to my youtube channel, for all my latest videos and adventures.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKQwnHAJbb_uEHiMn0EHihw

 

 

 

Daren J.

Seascapes and Rainbows at Aireys Inlet.

Hi all,

Another extreme adventure on the Great Ocean Road last weekend. A couple of nights over at Aireys Inlet. This particular evening was very special indeed with rainbows, sun glows and dreamy reflections on the glistening sand.

3 days of rain and cloudy skies, things were looking fairly bleak as far as photography goes, fortunately one of the evenings produced a little magic for me to work with. Throughout the day we had rain with the occasional sunny break, rainbows were prevalent and the clouds had a little bit of substance about them.

Whilst scouting around the local beach area in Aireys Inlet l stumbled upon a small rocky outcrop, the tide had been out at that time, therefore l was able to have a good look around and decided that l would do my evening photo shoot there.

At 4pm the tide was forecast to be relatively high, which meant that l would have some water motion in and around the rocky outcrop I intended to photograph. The rocky outcrop was somewhat cluttered, therefore my objective was to isolate one or two larger rocks and use them as foreground interest with the receding water creating lovely patterns around them (when using slower shutter speeds, it helps to create lovely streaks in the water patterns).

Generally, l slow my camera shutter speed down to 2 seconds or less. The tide was now on its way in, l wacked on my waterproof shoes and started shooting. The water rushed in and around my tripod and legs, at times the water level reached above my knees, l grasped onto my tripod and stood my ground, waiting for the water to recede before moving from my current spot.

Its vitally important to wait for the incoming water to recede as it may be quite high and the visibility around your feet is blurred with water, making it nearly impossible to make out small rocks which may cause you to trip or lose your footing.

There was a lovely golden glow emanating from the clouds above, reflecting lovely golden hues back onto the wet sandy beach, the colours were rich and vibrant and the glow was superb. A few drops of rain threatened to ruin the light parade but soon dissipated and another rainbow set the skies aglow.

Evenings like these are few and far between, I’m so happy to have been there as a witness to the beautiful spectacle. Please enjoy the images.

Darren J.

Golden Glows and rainbows.

 

Mt Buffalo, Cathedral Rock.

Hi Friends,

 

Recently, l’ve had the pleasure of spending a few nights over in the Alpine Region of Victoria. Stayed at Mt Beauty for 5 nights with the family doing some camping, so l thought l would sneak in a little bit of photography, well actually a lot of photography!

Starting with a few sunrise shoots at Mt Buffalo, a couple of sessions over at Falls Creek and some local photography at Mt Beauty. The best conditions overall were at Mt Buffalo, the sunrise shoots were, to say the least, spectacular, with clear skies and great conditions, which made for really nice photography.

For the morning photography shoots at Mt Buffalo, l set the alarm clock for 4am in the morning, that way, l had enough time to drive from Mt Beauty (where we were camping) the 1.5 hours to Cathedral Rock at Mt Buffalo.

Cathedral Rock is a large Granite Tor (pile of huge boulders)which is located in the middle of the Mt Buffalo Plateau. Standing out amongst the smaller granite rock stacks in the area. It’s a very popular location for hikers, rock climbers and photographers alike. The drive up to Cathedral Rock from the entry point of Mt Buffalo takes around 40 minutes or so, due to the never ending tight winding road (all up hill).

Once you reach the car park, it’s a 750m hike up to Cathedral Rock, the path is fairly well laid out and manageable in low light conditions. Upon reaching the top, the views are spectacular with 360degree views, if the air is clear you will see most of the high peaks, such as The Pinnacle, Cresta Valley and the Horn. If you’re feeling fit, you could traverse another 300m up and along the same path for the views at The Horn.

l spent most of my morning photography shoots at The Cathedral. My first visit there, l was lucky enough to have mist rolling in and out for most of the morning, creating a sense of moody and atmospheric conditions. The following morning shoots were full of colour and beautiful high level cloud with barely a breadth of wind.

A truly spectacular place to visit for sunrise or sunset as the surrounding landscape lights up in glorious golden light as the sun kisses the landscape. If the skies are clear for sunrise, the Cathedral Rock lights up and the boulders are emblazened in a beautiful amber glow.

Darren J.

Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock
Mt Buffalo.

Lake Wanaka.

Lake Wanaka and the famous WanakaTree.

The lonesome Tree is situated in the Beautiful town of Wanaka, on the South Island of New Zealand. l have always said to my wife that if we had the opportunity to live in New Zealand than Wanaka would be the place that l would love to settle in.

 

The surroundings are just perfect, with mountainous views surrounding the lake and poplar trees that litter the shores and landscape with the most vibrant coloured autumn leaves, snow capped mountains to compliment the scenery, on the very clear and still mornings the lake has the most amazing reflections of colour and light.

 

The Town of Wanaka has great bars and restaurants to visit, including bakeries and lots of gift shops.

A must see when you visit New Zealand and the South Island.

 

Darren J.

lady in red, lake wanaka, south island, new zealand,

Lady In Red : Prints Available

wanaka, tree, lake, south island, new zealand, dream weaver,

The Dream Weaver. : Prints Available

12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Photography.

Hi Friends and followers.

 

Please enjoy this short collection of seascape images from the Great Ocean Road.

 

Darren J.

https://youtu.be/z9s5McjUw6o

Milford Destiny.

This lovely image of Milford Sound has been added to my website Gallery.

Milford Sound is an amazing place to visit any time of year, l have been lucky enough to have visited this lovely destination on a couple of occasions and was completely overwhelmed with the landscape and majestic atmosphere that it holds.

On this particular visit l had been greeted with such a moody and dramatic scene, which almost took my breath away. the depth of the scene was enough to leave a lasting impression that will live in my memories for years to come.

The cloudscape was ever-changing and evolving around me with such brilliance, photographing the scene as it was a pure delight.

I look forward to my next visit.

Please visit my website if you would like to purchase this lovely image.

Darren J.

Milford Destiny.

The Grampians, Halls Gap.

Hi Friends,

 

A couple more pics from my week camping in The Grampians National Park, Halls Gap, Victoria.

These particular images were captured over at Reids Lookout and the Balconies. The Balconies are only a short stroll from the carpark, 10-15 minutes each way, its an easy trek on a gravel sand path and some lovely views along the way.

The views are really spectacular, all year round.

Darren J.

The Grampians.

The Grampians, Victoria.

A few weeks ago l decided to head out to the Grampians and drag myself away from the Great Ocean Road, give myself a break from shooting seascapes. l must say it was great to have a change of scenery as the landscape at the Grampians is just spectacular. The views are amazingly beautiful (and scary) if, like me, you don’t like heights. 7 nights camping at Halls Gap was just what the doctor ordered, time out after being in lockdown for well over 6months during to covid.

Hiking up and around the mountains and beautiful look-outs made me feel great both physically and mentally as the hikes really lifted my spirits and fitness levels. It’s amazing how great you can feel being out and about in nature.

Visiting places such as Mount William which happens to be the highest point with 360 degree views. A steep walk to reach the peak but well worth it.

Boroka Lookout, which is to said to be one of the best look-outs and only 200 metres from the car park. with views over Halls Gap and 180 degree views of Western Victoria.

Reeds Lookout and The Balconies, which l visited 4 days straight hoping for the right conditions to grab a few good photos.

Below are a couple of lovely images l managed to capture one misty morning at Boroka Lookout. Conditions were perfect for atmospheric looking images as the mist covered the landscape and the sun made its way over the horizon casting wonderful morning light through the mist.

Darren J.

brook lookout, the grampians, angel, Vitoria, Touched by an Angel. :Boroka Lookout, The Grampians, Victoria.

tree, mist, brook lookout, grampians, Victoria, Rising Up. :Tree in Mist, Boroka Lookout, The Grampians, Victoria.