Today I had the good fortune of witnessing the union of two good friends in Spain. Under an unusually brutally hot European sun, vows were recited, rings exchanged and a life together began it's next phase.
Then the party began!
Finally in Terrassa
The Masia Freixa of Terrassa, sea of parabolic arches
Yesterday I made the short trip from Guildford to Terrassa...well, you'd think it was short but it took the whole day and incorporated just about every mode of transport besides a boat!
Terrassa is a Spanish city in the east central region of Catalonia in the province of Barcelona.
This morning I woke early by Spanish standards and made my way around the little streets in the city centre. As the town awoke I was greeted by children's laughter, the gorgeous Catalan women and the enticing smells of coffee and churros. There is so much still to see and learn in this small little town.
Fresh food market in Terrassa
The Masia Freixa
London swelters in the summer heat.
I spent today visiting a few familiar spots along Southbank. It's been a while since I've been to London and I've never known it this warm. What a great day exploring old haunts and trying to come up with a few different angles.
I packed heavy on the camera gear this trip. I think it's done the images good but not so much my back. I took far less shots today than I normally would but having to slow down a little, choose my locations more carefully and think harder has made me appreciate the results more.
London Eye
Eve of departure...
I promised myself that I would get to bed early tonight as it's been an exhausting week. I've only been back from the US for a few days and tomorrow I have another flight to Europe...I've almost finished packing and it's after midnight. I've failed hopelessly in getting to bed early. The train for Sydney leaves at 5:30 so there won't be much sleep tonight.
It's hard to get too excited about 22hrs in economy class but I am so looking forward to seeing my old school friends, watching new friends get married and finally travelling with friends that I have missed out on spending time with in recent times.
This promises to be an amazing month! If my cameras only know what was in store for them!
Spectacular Newcastle Ocean Baths
Sunset over Newcastle Ocean Baths
I arrived home today after a few weeks overseas. As I was unpacking I was watching the sun set from my balcony. I was reluctant to get out as I have been shooting a lot over the past few weeks and there was a lot to be done. Anyway, at the last minute I grabbed some gear and headed off to the baths. I left in such a rush that I forgot both my wallet and phone...this meant no drivers licence! I realised this too late. Anyway, I fired off a few shots before the colour disappeared (It was so worth the effort) and then headed home...straight into a police roadblock. As they pulled off the two cars in front of me my heart was pounding in my throat. The last thing I wanted was fine for not having my licence with me! Then, as luck would have it, they waived me past. So happy!!!
Pumphouse at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Hot in Cleveland!
Cleveland Skyline
As I peered out of the window today in Beechwood, Ohio, the only thing that separated us from Lake Erie was the Cleveland skyline. My mind wandered to new places...
Niagara!
Another amazing day exploring. It's been 20 years since my last visit here and so much has changed. The last time all I could see was ice, the tourist trade has totally transformed the area and everything about me as a person is different. I so wish I could go back and speak to the young man that walked these same streets 20 years ago...he probably wouldn't have listened though.
Niagara
A drive across Ontario
1000 Islands off Kingston Ontario
Today was amazing! I had planned to leave Kingston early in the morning but when I woke I was greated by something wonderful. I arrived late last night out of Brownsburg, Quebec and went straight to bed so I had no idea what was here. I woke this morning to a fresh little town with a bustling market and a roaring tourist trade. So, I decided to stay a while. I had breakfast at a little coffee shop, walked around the streets lined with limestone buildings and then took a cruise out on the St Lawrence river to 1000 Islands. At about 3 I realised I'd been there too long and headed out towards Niagara. As I passed Toronto I was watching the sun set over Lake Ontario. I had to get this so I pulled off the highway and, as luck would have it, ended up at the best spot. The sun was just hitting the CN tower in the distance and the colours were amazing. Added to that I met a cool older couple sitting on deck chairs, drinking wine and just enjoying themselves as the sun dropped behind the city.
Sunset over Lake Ontario
Wolf Lake
Magnificent Peyto!
This was sunrise today at Peyto Lake. I had been shooting all day yesterday and painfully forced myself up again before the sun rose. There really isn't much night time here at the moment but this was so worth it...it always is! I was massively rewarded with solitude at this normally jam packed platform. It was amazing! Peyto Lake all to myself. Even the wind wasn't there allowing an unusual perfect reflection off the water. The photos from this trip will follow soon.
The spirit of Jasper
Spirit Island, Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
Today was massive. I was up before sunrise and only went to bed after sunset...for those who realise that Alberta is only getting about 5hrs of night time at the moment, you'll know it's a big day. I drove up from Lake Louise, stopped at many landmarks enroute to Maligne Lake. I've dreamed of coming here for years and, most certainly, I will be back. Today was more of a reconnaissance trip. I took the boat out to Spirit Island and scoped out all the camp sites along the way where, soon, I too will pitch a tent!
Alone at Moraine Lake in Summer...really?!
Contemplating the weekend ahead
This is the start of a very big and exciting weekend for me in the Canadian Rockies. I came up to Moraine Lake for sunset tonight for a little peace and quiet. I knew nobody would be here...It's very late, it's cold and the mosquitoes are annoying but, in spite of all this, it is magnificent. All that was left from the hoards of people on the first weekend in Summer were their footprints and I could sit here alone, soak it all in and get some inspiration for the days to come.
Calgary Sparkles
Calgary at sunset
In the summer of 2014 I went for a run in Calgary with a friend. As we passed through the Stampede grounds and up onto a hill overlooking the city, I regretted not having my camera with me. "I'll return for this" I thought. A year later I did make it back and the scene was even more spectacular than I remember. The sun sets at around 10pm in June so I waited a while for this but it was worth coming back. Just sitting there watching it unfold was magical.
The Peace Bridge
A walk up San Cristobal
A view over Santiago
After a long flight, nothing helps jet lag like a good walk. This is what I decided to do this afternoon. The views from San Christobal over Santiago are just magnificent. It's better after rain when the smog clears and you can see the majestic Andes to the East. Still, it's worth the effort on any day. The skyline is defined these days by the Gran Torre Santiago. At 980ft and 63 floors it is still to be completed due to budget issues.
Spectacular Sydney!
Sydney looking South
I've taken off from Kingsford Smith Airport so many times over the years but today the stars aligned! The light was good, I had a window seat on the right and the window was clean for a change. When the pilot said we were heading over the North side of the harbour and then due East I could sense something special was about to happen. What a phenomenal place.
Sydney on fire!
Vivid Sydney!
Travelled down to last night to see what all the hype was about :). I've lived in Australia for almost a decade now and never been to Sydney during Vivid. If you like light and colour and haven't been...GO! The best part was that you could use a tripod anywhere. It's not always like that around the Rocks. Oh, and there is biltong on sale at the market!!
Looking South
Hanging my work in the Hunter Joint Surgery
Today was massively proud and humbling as I delivered my work to the Hunter Joint Surgery where my friend, Dave, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon. To have my work hanging in a commercial space made me just a little emotional. Thank you Dave for your investment! They look awesome!!
When does a house become a home?
I've been living where I am for 8 years now. Most of the time it's just felt like a place where I come to sleep. In recent times I've invested a little energy in decorating and slowly but surely it's beginning to feel more like a home. I never knew how much I underestimated the influence of light and colour. Someone asked me a while ago "Which is the favourite of all your photographs?". I'd never really thought about that. I've taken hundreds of thousands over the years and everyone knows that art's beauty is supremely subjective. This one, now in my home, comes very close to being my favourite.
Moonrise over Merewether Beach
Moon rising over Merewether
Today was an amazing day. I woke up early and caught the sunrise down at Newcastle Baths. Bought a coffee and drive to work. This evening I worked late but as I was driving home I noticed the moon hadn't risen so I passed home and drove to Merewether. Last night was full moon but it had risen too early. I sat there in the quiet, bothered only by other photographers who seemed to be constantly wondering aimlessly into my shot. Anyway, it was a good day...thanks mostly to conversation last night with a friend of almost 30 years and the opportunity to live in this amazing place! Peace has returned again to Merewether after recent raging storms.
Offshore lightning
Lightning illuminates the Merewether skies
Tonight was strange. I stood on my balcony at 16h45 and watched the sun set in the West thinking "Damn! I should have been at the lake shooting those awesome colours!". Then the storm rolled in and soon passed. I peeked out of my back door and saw the light show to the East. I grabbed a camera and tripod and rushed down to Nobby's to see if I could get something there. The lightning was great but it wasn't over the lighthouse and, much to my horror, my battery was about to die! Beginners error!! When it did die, I went back home but the lightning hadn't stopped so I got another battery and made my way down to Merewether...I'm so glad I did! I waited there in the water for a hour for this but it was so worth it.
Calm after the storm
As many people are still suffering the effects of recent storms, there are signs that the weather is improving. This was the sunrise this morning. The air is so clean today. Thoughts go out to the families of 8 dead in the Hunter and hoping that those still stranded will be safe soon. Worst storms in a decade apparently.