Sun Gate

Machu Picchu, Peru. Sunrise, after an incredible trek to the Sun Gate to capture this exact moment as the sun greeted the ancient site for another day. Not really a lot to photoblog on about here. This place is amazing... and this photo is nothing to do with my photography skill, but more down to right place, right time. There are a hundred, thousand photos out there exactly like this one no doubt. Only difference is, this one is mine, and I thought it was about time I shared it. Enjoy.

1/200|f4.8|ISO100|

Jam Line

Roller Derby bouting action from Sheffield. Took this while on a course, learning how to photograph this smashy bashy sport. I kinda got lucky with my surroundings as the black backdrop set the scene really well, making it look pretty dramatic. Also the pointy offical with her whistle and everyone looking poised and ready to roller attack made this my favourite shot of the day. Black and white... again adds a little more epicness. This one goes out to my good friends Cookie Cutlass and Caesar Maniac, who although not photographed, have opened up a whole new world of sporting fun to me- thanks you guys! I doubt I will make it to the track to skate alongside them (they are rather good and I can't skate, plus I think I'd just end up broken) however, I hope one day I'll get the chance to capture some cool shots of them, doing the sport they love! Just need to upgrade my kit- poor light and speedy action...Derby is tough to photograph!!  

 1/80|f4.5|ISO1600|

Delicate Whites

The arrival of Spring, my friend's garden, Yorkshire. This was taken while spending an afternoon helping out my friend in her garden restoration community project. We actually tackled, grappled, forked and dug a giant Mint monster into submission that afternoon, which had sprawled uncontrollably through a flower bed. This photo however was taken during a 'guided tour' of the developing garden and the surrounds with my Mum. She loves gardens and over the years I have somewhat taken for granted her extensive knowledge of all things leafy, green and growing. I was proud to hear her identifying plants and shrubs at a glance... She would modestly say she doesn't know much, but she knows a lot more than the average garden stroller! This photo is of some spring Blossom. I'm pretty sure on that. I might even go so far as to say it is Cherry Blossom, but I need to consult with my plant encyclopedia (Ma?!). Taken using the Macro setting, allowing a wide aperture to take in the smaller details and blurring out the unecessary background.

1/500|f5.6|ISO125|

Boulder Field

I took a trip to the USA a couple of years ago to experience the awesome landscape and outdoor playground of National Parks in Arizona, Utah and Nevada. I was not disappointed. This challenging, tumbling boulderfield was in Arches National Park, Utah. We hiked most of the day, and then headed back later to catch sundown at the famous Delicate Arch, with beerloaded Camelbaks. Craving an outdoor adventure right now...
In terms of how I took the picture, I wasn't really paying attention- I was having far too much fun! I now look at the camera settings and I'm not quite sure how it still came out with a reasonable shot! 

1/2000|f8|ISO400|

Beyond Beauty

Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie County, New Zealand. Not really much more to be said here...

1/1500|f2.8|ISO80|