I’ve just got back from 6 weeks away in the expansive Aussie Outback. What a place!
I love the vastness, the simplicty of subject, the harshness of the weather upon the landscape, and the unique character of the towns and people that live out there. Naturally it was a little warmer than down here in Victoria too!
This shot was taken on the drive from Winton to Hughendon in Queensland. It’s very much a “less is more” type image that I love capturing. Stay tuned for more updates as I get the chance.
Less is More
Wow I’m bad at keeping myself updated on here. I’ll make up for it now with a more extensive blog on last weekends Guided Photography trip. I took the Williamtown Camera Club out for a few days to see the best of the Grampians National Park… my backyard.
Before I get into what we got up to I’ll quickly put it out there for clubs, groups and individuals alike that are interested in personalised photography guided tours to contact me for a some locations, options and prices.
Well we kicked things off on Saturday afternoon by walking to the Pinnacle. The walk is diverse, adventurous and the view ever-changing and spectacular.
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| The Pinnacle |
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| Dead tree standing over the landscape |
From there we went up to Reeds lookout in time for the sunset. With near on 360 degree views at the top, we needed to be scanning all round for the best light and photographic opportunities as they arose. Light changes quickly during the “magic hour” around sunset.
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| The jagged peaks of the Serra Range as we arrived |
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| More photographers arriving to soak up the wonderful light |
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| With the sun nearly dipping, capturing every angle becomes a challange |
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| The last sun rays softly lighting the distant ranges |
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| Last light. Lake Wartook lies beneath the peaks of the Mt Difficult Range |
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| Long after the sun has set the light is often at its best. |
After a senational dinner in Halls Gap and a good sleep we awoke early to ensure we arrived at Boroka Lookout before sunrise. Well was it ever worth it, we managed to witness a Grampians sunrise at its best with everyone in the group taking home some ‘keepers’.
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| Soft hazey morning and incredible colour with Lake Fyans in the foreground |
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| Lake Lonsdale dwarfed but an incredible sunrise sky |
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| Camera club members capturing their photographs |
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| The first sunrays softly bathe Mt William |
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| My tele lens allows me to capture Mt Rosea warming up nicely |
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| With the sun now up the colour spectrum is still changing. What a morning! |
After our sunrise treat we moved along to MacKenzie Falls. It’s the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Grampians and the photographic experience for the group didn’t disappoint.
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| Mackenzie Falls. 30sec @f8 |
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| Camera club members in the process of capturing their photographs. 30sec @f8 |
If you’re keen to capture the best photograhic spots in the Grampians and witness them at the right time of day contact me for a guided tour. If requested I can also provide tips and techiniques to improve your photography. Contact me, Marty on info@martyschoo.com.au or phone 0427790783.
Canola fields always remind me of the start of spring. Bright vibrant colours, blue sky, spring rains and fresh air (if you’re up wind for anyone that’s smelled canola). In my recent travels for a commercial assignment in NSW they featured everywhere and I thought they might brighten up you day as well 🙂
Wow! An exciting few months for Marty Schoo Photography was this week capped off by being named a finalist (final 5) in the Momonto Book of the Year Awards in the Landscape Category with my project book “I s o l a t i o n”.
The Landcsape Book winner chosen from many entries deservedly went to outstanding landscape photographers Dylan Toh and Marianne Lim with their “Iceland” Book.
Overall Book of the Year honour went to the brilliant well-known Australian photographer Stephen Dupont with his “Stoned in Kabul” Book which is an account of his times in Afghanistan over the last few years.
For me there is always next year again of course, hehe!
To see all the finalist books and find out a little more visit the Momento Awards Website right here…
Well I’m a happy chappy. “Yellow Bus” from my award winning ISOLATION series has won entry to the Pure Genius 2012 Exhibition. The exhibition will be held at Brunswick Street Gallery from the 13th -26th April 2012. Very nice publicity!
Win!
You can win “Yellow Bus” on stretched canvas for yourself and support me just by voting for “Yellow Bus” as your favourite. After you’ve found it at the link at the bottom and voted be sure to check out some of the other quality entries. It should be a great exhibition and if your in Melbourne in April, go and check it out.
Now to vote for “Yellow Bus” just find it in the gallery which is randomly generated and vote with your mouses people.
http://www.geniusprinting.com.au/puregenius/puregenius-exhibition-winners.php?year=2012
Capture is Australia’s Top Selling Pro Photography Magazine. In the latest bi-monthly edition (March/April) I’ve been selected as the winner of the exposed challenge. Woot woot!
“It’s a competition that Capture run to help pro photographers in their early careers to get published and rewarded for their creativity and professionalism.“
They chose the following images from my ongoing project on outback Australia I s o l a t i o n.
Well a day without taking photos is a day gone missing in my books.
The weather looks like its taking a turn for the worst for most. But for a landscape photographer bad weather usually means powerful, dramatic image results. I love it!
These images are all from the Halls Gap, Lake Fyans area of the Grampian region, in Western Victoria.
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| Storm clouds forming near Lake Fyan | Grampians |
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| Dark storm clouds brewing over Lake Fyans | Grampians |
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| Storm clouds forming over Halls Gap | Grampians National Park |
Recently I revisted one of my favourite outback tracks, the Oodnadatta Track. I find it a fasinating location on so many levels. From a photography perspective there is something new and interesting around every corner. The history of the track and the old ghan railway that follows it is well documented on interpretive signs along the way. If you only do one ‘outback track’ then make this it! Here are a small selection of Oodnadatta Track photographs from my visits highlighting the diverse nature of this wonderful place.
