Azure Globe

Final Approach II | Coolangatta

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:21 +1000

Taken from very near the spot of the previous post, here again another commercial jet makes its final approach to Coolangatta Airport. The time is a little earlier so there is stronger light on the scene. People are strolling along the beach and enjoying the afternoon ambiance of the seaside location. Tyre marks are visible in the sand here, as in the previous photo, where the lifeguard vehicle performs its u-turn at the end of its patrol.

I used Photoshop fill light, selective use of dodge, burn and sharpening as well as vignette. I also added some fog, I was aiming for a dream-like mood in this photo.

Final Approach | Coolangatta

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:17 +1000

As the twilight has its brief interlude, the street lights of Currumbin begin to flicker into life. The swimmers have left the beach and there are just a few remaining people playing ball games on the sand as a domestic airliner passes overhead on its final approach into Coolangatta Airport.

I added some fog and grain in the processing of this image.

The tyre marks on the sand were produced by a four wheel drive lifeguard vehicle.

The Silky Sea | Currumbin

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:50 +1000

This is a time exposure or slow shutter shot taken around dusk, giving a silky effect to the sea as it ebbs and flows around the rocks adjacent to the Currumbin Surf Club.

I used a couple of ND8 filters on the lens to achieve a 25 second exposure. I utilized numerous Photoshop tools: levels adjust, color replacer (to tone down some distracting hues in the sky), selective application of dodge, burn and unsharp mask.

Southern Gold Coast | Sweep of Beaches

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 19:43 +1000

This scene is a wider view of the Southern Gold Coast seen from the summit of Burleigh Head, showing the sweep of beaches along the coastline from Palm Beach to Coolangatta. Less processing was done on this image, there being no 'glow' or 'vignette'. It is a more natural rendition. I believe I shot this one a little later than the previous shot when there was more light. I experimented with levels to see what a higher contrast would produce but I preferred for this softer version. I'll try to post a color shot from this photo shoot in the near future.

Dawn Glow | Elephant Rock | Currumbin

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 12:06 +1000

Photographed from the top of Burleigh Head around dawn, this scene is a section of the beautiful coastline along the southern part of Australia's Gold Coast. I count myself fortunate to live not far away.

Elephant Rock can be seen on the reef running out into the sea from Currumbin.

I added grain, glow and vignette in processing this shot.

Three Flowers

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:58 +1000

I love living near the sea. Sand dunes are such clean landscape forms and offer the photographer great photo opportunities. The fence is there to deter passers by from trampling the coastal grasses and dune vegetation. Whilst strolling past here I found this lovely little group of three flowers sheltering from the strong sea breeze on the leeward side of the hill.

... I just had to frame up and click. :)

Old Dog

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:30 +1000

The thing about old dogs is that they are blissfully unaware that they are old. They think they are still puppies and attempt to throw themselves into all sorts antics. This old character shows his intrepid spirit here as he fearlessly charges into the sea to retrieve a ball.

Human cognizance is a formidable attribute to deal with as we are sometimes sadly aware that the sands are forever running through the hourglass. In my own mind, I am as young as any memory from my youth. However, an encounter with a mirror rudely tells me otherwise.

This scene is on Australia's Gold Coast. The large building is known as the Q1 and is the tallest residential apartment tower in the southern hemisphere.

The photo was taken late in the afternoon and there was much sea spray in the atmosphere.

A Touch of Color

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 21:06 +1000

It's been a while since I posted anything with color in it so I thought it was high time I did. I found this lovely specimen gracing a seaside tree whilst I was strolling by the beach one rainy day. I don't know what type of flower it is but who cares, it's beautiful!

Tweed River Estuary I

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00 +1000

The crescent of the pathway adorned by the grasses and creepers, the solidarity of the rock works, the soft feel of sand underfoot, the curve of the river, the distant pier, all in harmony transport me to the edge of that brooding pacific sea.

An umbrella was required this day as it was frequently drizzling rain. I didn't mind as the background atmosphere was softened for my photographs. Not wanting to get my SLR wet, I used my little compact Fujifilm F30 on this excursion.

This is my first post since March 2010 after a long period of 'time out' from photoblogging. Lack of time is still a hindrance but I would like to try to post a few photos this year. Let's see how things go huh!

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful new year for 2011! May your photography adventures bring you much fulfillment and satisfaction :)

I have renovated my website for a fresh start to the new year.

Posts and photos from the years 2006 - 2010 can still be viewed are found in Azure Globe Archives