DoubleConvex Photography, Media & Design

The Great Hall

Debashis Talukdar — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:00:48 +0000

The Great Hall

The Great Hall in Canberra’s Parliament House is home to one of the world’s largest tapestries – this one, at the end of the hall, measures over 180 square metres. It forms the centrepiece for this room that serves as space for state functions, and other matters of importance. In true Australian spirit, the Great Hall is open to the public for functions such as weddings, and the like. The University of Canberra holds its graduation ceremonies here.

Canberra’s Parliament House is one of the most amazing modern buildings that I have visited. If I had to describe it, it would be using the words “gently understated”… which is every bit Australian!

Black Mountain

Debashis Talukdar — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:00:41 +0000

Black Mountain - Telstra Tower

For a mostly quiet city, Canberra does have its share of attractions. One of them is the Telstra Tower (formerly known as the Black Mountain Tower) which sits atop Black Mountain, and overlooks the Capital City complex, and Lake Burley Griffin. Its offers a somewhat space-age design of the 70s – futuristic, yet retro.

The tower houses several floors of technical and sales operations, and provides vital communication coverage for Canberra. It also houses Café Alto – a revolving restaurant (which I really do recommend), and 4 floors of observation decks that give one an amazing 360 panoramic view of Canberra. It is a must visit place, should you ever find your way in the Australian Capital.

The Canberra War Memorial

Debashis Talukdar — Wed, 16 May 2012 01:00:31 +0000

The Ceiling of the Australian War Memorial

The Austrailian War Memorial in Canberra is a site that commemorates the members of all our armed forces and supporting organisations who have died or participated in the wars of the Commonwealth of Australia. Its centrepiece is Hall of Memory which stands at the end of the reflecting pool of the courtyard. Its dome is elaborately decorated with murals adorning the walls all around. This shrine is a must see for all those who visit Canberra, and is open every day except Christmas Day.

Inclement

Debashis Talukdar — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:00:22 +0000

Passing Shower

The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are in direct opposition to those in the Northern Hemisphere. As spring blossoms into summer in the northern hemisphere, we go into autumn, and then further into winter. This weekend was particularly wet, with passing showers rolling past, one wave after another. The rough waters of the ocean do make for particularly good viewing through a camera, especially as they recede – as seen in this shot of the St. Kilda shorefront. This particular spot is not for the faint hearted on a bad dad. Somewhat deserted, and tucked away in a cul-de-sac from the main road and the pier, it can be a place where one runs into the odd vagrant who is out looking for trouble.

An Afternoon at the Rocks

Debashis Talukdar — Sat, 12 May 2012 02:46:24 +0000

The Rocks and the Harbour Bridge

Something of an iconic location for Sydney, the Rocks is the birthplace of Australia’s biggest city. Beyond the myriad of places to go an eat at, there lies a public area where tourists and Sydneysiders alike choose to take some quality time in to relax, and watch the world go by, while seated in the shade of the Habour Bridge, with the Sydney Opera House on the other side of the Quay. The Rocks are a must visit part of Sydney, best visited in the early morning if you’re looking for a quiet walk, and to be able to take in the atmosphere. But to truly experience the buzz of Sydney’s habour, one must visit in the late afternoons and stay through the evenings to partake of the many attractions that are part of this iconic Australian destination.

Good Morning from Melbourne

Debashis Talukdar — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:00:09 +0000

Good Morning from Melbourne

City skylines are commonly seen from the ground, but are truly appreciated when seen from the air. Planes are good, helicopters are even better – but there is nothing quite like a balloon ride over Melbourne on a crisp autumn morning. Pictured above is the skyline of Melbourne, with the streets of Parkville, North Melbourne and Carlton in the foreground, as the sun comes up over the East. If one ever had any doubts about the liveability of this great city, a balloon ride is a good way to

The perfect view

Debashis Talukdar — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:12:35 +0000

Port Philip Bay from Above

Melbourne is the #1 city in the world. Today, I have to express a huge thank you for the opportunity to savour it from a vantage point that I have always wanted to – from a hot air balloon while floating over the Melbourne suburbs. Melbourne is one of the few cities in the world that offer sunrise balloon tours. Two companies operate here – I had the pleasure of travelling with Picture This Balloon Tours who transported 8 of us in a very large balloon from Footscray Park to Burnley. Its safe to say that this was the high-point of my day today! (Bad pun… I know!)

Melbourne from St, Kilda

Debashis Talukdar — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:00:34 +0000

St. Kilda Pier and Marina

Something from a little closer home for a change – the St. Kilda marina has several attractions, and is one of the best maintained piers along Beaconsfield Parade. The pier has a breakwater at its end, which forms a shelter for fairy penguins which come in at sunset. If you choose to turn right before the breakwater, you would find yourself walking towards the St. Kilda marina, with the Melbourne skyline further in the distance. This spot is a favourite for anglers who are regulars to try their hands at catching a fish or two.

Adobe Photoshop CS6 begins shipping today

Debashis Talukdar — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:47:37 +0000

Adobe Photoshop CS6

Shipping for the new CS6 box products for English, Americas, and European versions begin today!

Upgrade versions will only be available on adobe.com for US, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia!
Design Premium and Web Premium is becoming a single product for CS6 “Design and Web Premium”
CS6 Ship Date (English, Americas, and European versions): May 7, 2012
CS6 Ship Date (Rest of the world): May 10, 2012

No coupon required; use the links below:

Adobe Creative Suite 6 | Upgrade to CS6 | Adobe Creative Suite 6 Design and Web Premium | Adobe Creative Suite 6 Student and Teacher Editions – Save up to 80%

The Antipodean Capital

Debashis Talukdar — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:00:48 +0000

Canberra and Lake Burleigh Griffin

Understated, yet classy – Canberra is perhaps one of the most underrated places in Australia to visit. It sets itself apart from any other capital in the world as it is far smaller than the two commercial centres of the nation – Melbourne and Sydney – and lies somewhere between the two. Laid out to an intricate pattern that is somewhat reminiscent of Washington DC, it is a must-see for every visitor to Australia – if not for anything more, just to complete your appreciation for what Australia is, and how diverse a land it truly is – all in a town that is fairly homogenous.

This vista is available for a small fee – from one of the many viewing decks atop the Black Mountain tower (which happens to be a Telstra building). You may fancy staying for lunch (not cheap, but definitely worth it at their revolving restaurant). On a clear day, one can comfortably look into New South Wales along the Hume highway.