Australian travel photography and writing 

49 creative works found

• Save the humpback whales
  by Darren Stones

  By Darren Stones Please note: Updated January 22, 2008 Note: *Please click on im…

  By Darren Stones Please note: Updated January 22, 2008 Note: Please click on images for more details. Each August, the whale watching season begins in earnest on Australia’s picturesque eastern seaboard. As a result of my journey to Hervey Bay during August 2006, I had the pleasure to record the magnificent humpbacks as they frolicked in the calm waters of Hervey Bay. I’d like to extend an invitation to you to view my whale watching slideshow. The slideshow is a culmination of work which was undertaken by me with the kind assistance of the staff and crew of Spirit of Hervey Bay. As most are aware, the humpbacks are still being slaughtered for what can be loosely claimed as research reasons. Bearing that in mind, please give your support the best way you can to help “Save the whales”. The link to my slideshow will take you to the Photodex web site. The slideshow has been produced using the ProShow Gold software package. Upon reaching the site, you may be required to download a tiny bit of software to view the show. Many photographers may already have this software installed on their system. I cordially invite you to experience one of our greatest animals in action from onboard the whale watching vessel ‘Spirit’ of Hervey Bay. Please copy and paste web link below into your browser Load Photodex software if required (a minor detail) Wait for show to load Click whale tail to commence show http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewshow.html?fl=2690585&alb=0 Humpback whale photographs for sale Humpback Whale Calendar 2008 – AUD $34.95 Subscribe to journals via RSS/Atom

• We're a bit different in Australia
  by Darren Stones

  Believe it or not, kangaroos and emus are exempt from paying the bridge toll as they dash across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. !http://fa…

  / Darren Stones Travel Photography Darren Stones Photography Sales © Darren Stones

• Pride of the Murray cruise on the Murray River at Echuca
  by Darren Stones

  A one-hour cruise on the Murray River in Australia.

  Cruise date was November 9, 2008. Slideshow of Echuca images can be viewed here © Darren Stones 2009 / All Rights Reserved

• Interested in Australian Travel Photography and Writing?
  by Australian Travel Photography and Writing

  Hi fellow RedBubbler’s and all people interested in Australian Travel Photography and Writing. If you believe you have photographs, jo…

  Hi fellow RedBubbler’s and all people interested in Australian Travel Photography and Writing. If you believe you have photographs, journals and writing which fit the criteria of the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group, you’re most welcome to participate. It’s FREE and Australian made. :) Some facts about the group and its members: Launch date was 28/12/2008 The group has more sheilas than blokes A member is obsessed with pelicans One member uses the word Chookas Shane Warne isn’t a group member – yet ...and so on. Come for a peek and see if it tickles your fancy. Australian Travel Photography and Writing

• Meet Michael Mitchell ... Featured in Australian Travel Photography!!
  by Marilyn Harris

  A very big Thank You to Australian_Travel_Photography_and_Writing...

  A very big Thank You to Australian_Travel_Photography_and_Writing / for featuring Meet_Michael_Mitchell I am so very grateful to be given the opportunity of gaining some exposure for Michael and for his wonderful cause! Marilyn :o) Whilst travelling around Cape York Peninsula (May 2008), I had the great honour to meet Michael Mitchell and camp with him and his Uncle Dave at Cockatoo Creek. Michael is walking Australia to raise $1M to support The Cancer Council’s lifesaving cancer research, education programs to help detect and prevent cancers, and support services for Australians in great need. Michael left the “Tip” of Cape York Peninsula, Far North Queensland on the 5th of May 2008 and is expected to arrive at South Point, Wilson’s Promontory, Victoria, on the 27th June 2009. Michael has been an enthusiastic bush walker for the past 15 years. His treks have included The Australian Alps Walking Track from Walhalla in Victoria to Canberra in the year 2000, raising money for St Vincent’s Hospital Cancer Services in Melbourne. 100% of proceeds received from Redbubble in respect to sales of “All my Cape York Photos and Calendars” will be donated to “thegreataustraliancancerbushwalk” for the Cancer Council. Please check out Michael’s website www.thegreatcancerwalk.com.au To See Where Michael is now, go to: / Find_Michael Please also check out my Art_4_Charity_Calendars For_Charity / Meet_Michael_Mitchell / The_Great_Australian_Cancer_Bush_Walk /

• The bare essentials of Australian travel photography according to Anne O’Connor
  by Darren Stones

  It was interesting to learn not just of her antics, but how she is prepared to bare all in pursuit of her photography.

  © Darren Stones 2009 / All Rights Reserved

• The bare essentials of Australian travel photography according to Anne O’Connor
  by Darren Stones

  By Darren Stones Tasmanian photographer Anne O’Connor...

  By Darren Stones Tasmanian photographer Anne O’Connor is highly regarded in Australian photographic circles for her photography skills and voluntary contributions to the Australian Photographic Society in which she’s been a member since 1996. At the society’s annual convention – APSCON – held in Launceston during September 2008, Anne was awarded the FAPS and AFIAP photographic honours. Anne is delighted to have achieved her honours, and particularly more so due to not having to travel overseas to achieve it – she did so by photographing Australia. Anne became a member of RedBubble in November 2008 and settled in seamlessly. Her contributions to the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group are high quality and have been well received by the RedBubble community. Anne’s shown a keenness to participate in the travel group’s activities, and it’s not surprising given that travel photography is one of her passions. Anne O’Connor, 61, resides in South Launceston, Tasmania and was a social worker by profession. As time and finances permit, she travels to distant locations in Australia with husband Bill. Recently, I had the pleasure to interview Anne, and it was interesting to learn not just of her antics, but how she is prepared to bare all in pursuit of her photography. D.S. – Welcome to the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group, Anne. Having browsed through your portfolio of work at RedBubble, I took particular note of your Camel train panorama photograph. What was your motivation for making it? And, was it a photograph you planned, or one that just happened as part of your travels? / Camel train panorama by Anne O’Connor A.O’C. – Camel train panorama is one of many photographs I took of the camels whilst visiting Broome in Western Australia. My husband Bill and I flew into Broome from Perth on our way to Darwin with the intention of capturing on Fuji Velvia film the camels at Cable Beach. We only had two nights there, but they were well spent. For the camel shots we needed a low tide, as well as a red sunset. There were a number of different camel trains, and for a time I observed what they did and how they travelled up and down the beach. The camels are led on their walks away from the main beach area before sunset, usually from the dunes, and then they return along the water’s edge. Initially, my photographs were taken with the water in front of me and the camels between me and the ocean. This created stunning silhouettes with the setting sun behind them. I remembered seeing photos of the camels silhouetted in the sand, so I changed direction and positioned myself between the water and them. I ran ahead of them and then waited until they moved back towards me along the wet sand. At one point, I was accosted by one of the camel train operators and he sternly told me that the camels were copyrighted, and that he owned the copyright. I ignored him as he wasn’t the only camel train operator on the beach. I wasn’t the only one taking photos, however I believe my keenness made me stand out from others. I then focused on other camel trains instead. D.S. – Which photograph currently submitted to the art section of the RedBubble Australian Travel Photography and Writing group do you wish you had taken? / Get in line! by Paul Grinzi A.O’C. – To me, Paul Grinzi’s image represents Australia, because our nation was built on the sheep’s back. The photograph has an ageless feel to it as an icon-type picture, and that’s important to me. I believe the image is priceless because it could have been taken in the 1800s or the present. It represents our country and our heritage that we should all be proud of. If I had a choice to take one photo that would represent Australia, this would be it. I wish Paul’s Get in line! photograph was mine. D.S. – From your RedBubble portfolio, which is your favourite Australian travel photograph? / Splash by Anne O’Connor A.O’C. – Splash is a photograph that brings back memories of a trip I did with Bill and my daughter. We drove along the coast from Exmouth to Perth and it was a combination trip – catching up with her and taking opportunities for photos. Splash was taken at Monkey Mia in Western Australia. I planned the trip to suit the photographs I wanted to take and Monkey Mia was on my list. I wanted to visit Monkey Mia to take dolphin photographs, but my better photographs were of pelicans. I was informed that I needed to arrive at Monkey Mia by the first feeding time at 7.30am because more dolphins come in then and they may or may not feed them at later times. That suited me photographically, so we were up at the crack of dawn and travelled from Denham to Monkey Mia. / / There were strict rules in getting close to the dolphins. Everyone had to stand in line and wait until the dolphins came in close. Some children were selected to feed them and they were allowed out in front. I managed one or two shots, but found it impossible to get anything worthwhile. / / I noticed some half-asleep pelicans on the sand earlier, so began creeping towards them. I took a photo, and then took a few steps. I continued to do this for some time. I also sat on the sand near them and one of the pelicans decided to make for the water, and of course I followed it into the water – slowly. I was up to the top of my legs in the water and just waiting, hoping the pelican would do something. Suddenly it did a big stretch and then a gigantic splash. The photos were on slide film at the time, so I had to wait to see what I had, but I was sure I had got the “photo of the day” amongst them. I was right. The movement and splashes were recorded perfectly and I got an image that I had not ever imagined. D.S. – When undertaking a photographic journey in Australia, what is your preferred type of accommodation? And when travelling, do you like travelling alone, with someone, within a group? A.O’C. – I prefer to travel with someone into strange places away from civilisation, but that person has to live with my photography. Bill is great, as he loves to drive, and he understands my idiosyncrasies with needing to be somewhere at the right time. He’s happy to drive and sit in the car with a newspaper and wait the hours it takes. Ruth Timperon and I go away a lot together within Tasmania. We’re like-minded and we never get in each others way. Interestingly, we may go to the same place, but our photos are never identical. We have a different eye and that makes for a good photographic companionship. We generally stay in units near the places we want to photograph. Two nights at one place is good as it allows time to look, and two opportunities to get the right light. Having another person with you can also be safer in some instances, and it’s enjoyable to share the photographic experience. I also go away on my own around Tasmania. I’m happy with my own company and during these times I stay in rented units. In an ideal photographic world, I need a driver with patience, somewhere comfortable to sleep, and a toilet. The right light, plenty of tucker, water to drink, and a stream or beach nearby. No mozzies or flies, people far enough away that you have trouble seeing them, no generators or noise, other than the bush and birds. I can live without the shower, but I first need my comfort stop. After that, peeing in the bush is fine. I have got past being able to balance for more than a pee! / Pipers river with storm clouds by Anne O’Connor D.S. – Which location are you considering for your next Australian photographic trip? A.O’C. – There are lots of places I want to experience with my photographic eye before I die. I want to travel on the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide, because I’ll have achieved crossing Australia by train from East to West and from North to South. The Ghan is more special because of the history of the train and the many years we lived in Darwin; however it’s something that will happen one day when the opportunity comes along. In Tasmania there are many places that I have not been to. Corinna and the Pieman River are first on the list to visit on my next few days of exploring. D.S. – When travelling on longer photographic trips how do your store and care for your digital images? A.O’C. – Storage is something I have investigated for a while. The information I sourced was through various online photographic forums or through reading various reviews online or in magazines. I did my homework prior to outlaying any money for equipment. When I found a name of something, I’d Google it, and then look at the specifications, etc. before making choices and spending money. My decisions were based on the ease of use, capacity to do what I wanted the devices to do, technical data, size and weight, and the input or reviews from other photographers. My philosophy has always been if you take things, you need to be able to carry them yourself – so light and small is best. Initially I took my laptop computer everywhere – especially in the Ford Bronco on long trips. I used to backup my images onto the laptop as we travelled. I eyed off the Epson portable storage devices when they came onto the market, and have purchased an Epson P-5000 with an 80 gigabyte hard drive. I’ve found the Epson to be everything I wanted, and I recommend it to any person considering one. It has the ability to provide a slide show of images and a screen that is large enough to show people what photographs have been taken on the spot. It has software within it to transfer files to a computer, and the battery lasts quite a long time. It charges fairly quickly and is a great external drive. I have a variety of memory cards and find that more often than not, what I have is enough for a day or more of photographing. I always take RAW images and I never revert back to JPEG – even for happy snaps. In the past, I have forgotten to switch back to RAW after the happy snaps and have been very cross with myself for forgetting. / Bridestowe lavender by Anne O’Connor D.S. – What’s the funniest or most interesting moment you can recall whilst taking photographs on an Australian photographic journey? A.O’C. – Some time ago, Bill and I drove from Cairns to Cooktown to visit Gisella, a friend of mine, who I’d met at an APSCON in Queensland. She and I went on a pre-convention tour to Fraser Island, and we got to know each other well. When we were in Cairns, Bill and I made the decision to drive up to Cooktown to see Gisella and stay for a few days. Whilst there, Gisella took us on a fairly long hike up into an area with a waterfall at the end of it. I cannot remember exactly where the place was, but it was quite a strenuous climb with lots of rocks to scramble over. At one point, Bill took the tripod and camera bag so I could clamber over things to get to the end point. Once there, I took back the tripod and camera and began looking for the right angle with my concentration purely on what was in front of me. It was not an easy place to get the image I wanted and there were lots of rocks and things to move around. Eventually I got myself into some weird position against a rock and half way up a small tree. My eye was stuck to the viewfinder and I was looking at the waterfall as I was trying to fit it within the frame. Suddenly, I experienced a very sharp bite that was excruciatingly painful. I grabbed at the sore spot on my torso to try and get rid of whatever was causing my pain. Before I could blink, I was being bitten all over my body and in some places that I can’t say here. By now I was yelping and slapping myself. My camera and tripod were soon forgotten as I searched for what was causing my agony. My clothes were flying in all directions, and Bill and Gisella came over to see why I was stripping my clothes off. / / In manoeuvring for the perfect shot, I managed to back up against a green ants nest and I became covered in the little darlings. Of course they were only trying to defend their home from a human invader, but I didn’t see it that way. I sure did some weird and wonderful manoeuvres, with Bill helping to pick the ants off me in spots only he could reach, whilst I stood almost naked as a jay bird. Gisella was trying hard not to laugh, and Bill was probably holding it in, too. Before I got dressed again, I had to check my clothes and pick off the ants. I never did get the shot I wanted. I only saw green ants that day and I still had a long hike back home. Gisella and Bill later said they wished they had had a movie camera. It’s something that I remember and have a chuckle over now and again – especially when I see a green ant. I would have liked someone to have had a movie camera to document me doing contortions in the nude and to prove that it really did happen. I have since seen a close-up photo of a green ant in battle formation at the Mindil Street Markets in Darwin. I had to buy a copy so as to remind me of my experience. Green ants make wonderful subjects photographically, but I don’t recommend becoming their enemy. D.S. – Anne, what two pieces of advice can you offer photographers who are about to undertake a travel photography trip in Australia? A.O’C. – I suggest researching before leaving home. Find out about the area before going and use the internet as a place to start. Check the tides, and the sun path – a compass is good to have. Check sunrise and sunset times, and the moon phase. I generally ask questions within a photographic forum, because there are photographers who have visited these places and know what to look for. If you go with a tour group, try and get a photographic one. Otherwise, you will be sitting down to dinner in a hotel, just when you want to go out and shoot photos, or you will be having breakfast and loading up in the mornings when you don’t want to. Think of photography first, food second and sleep third. Make sure you have food available in case everything is shut when you come back to your accommodation. This can happen in small towns and even in larger ones. D.S. – Anne, it’s been a pleasure to interview you. A.O’C. – Thank you for wanting to know more about me as a photographer. © Darren Stones 2009 / Published 11/1/2008

• Featured in Australian Travel Photography and Writing group
  by Samantha Goode

  Thank you ever so much to the hosts of Australian Travel Photography and Writing...

  Thank you ever so much to the hosts of Australian Travel Photography and Writing for featuring my image Up in the Air I am truly honoured.

• Something Nice to Wake up to....
  by Wendy Slee

  not what you might think!!! lol A Home Page Feature! / !http://images-2.redbubble.net/img/art/size:ularge/view:main/2660888-2-homepage…

  not what you might think!!! lol A Home Page Feature! / for my image What Are You Looking At! I just want to say a big thank you for the feature, in particular to Darren Stones and the Australian Travel Photography and Writing Group as home page featured this Group and it was the Group’s feature of my work that got me there…. So whatever you are looking at, I’m smiling….

• FFF-Featured (Mk LXXIII)
  by Dennis Gay

  11-4-09 Ironman09 – I forgot to shave this morning...

  11-4-09 Ironman09 – I forgot to shave this morning / / has been featured in the Australian Travel Photography and Writing Group. My warmest thanks to the Hosts and to all who have supported this pondering cyclist. GB / Dennis

• FFF-Featured (Mk LXXXIV)
  by Dennis Gay

  UPDATE: 1-5-09 Powder Blue (Orthetrum caledonicum – Blue Skimmer Dragonfly)...

  UPDATE: 1-5-09 Powder Blue (Orthetrum caledonicum – Blue Skimmer Dragonfly) / / has been featured in the Australian Travel Photography and Writing Group. My warmest thanks to the Hosts and to all who have supported my handsome Dragon. GB / Dennis

• Special Announcement - Our Patron is Greg Barton, Editor, Australian Traveller magazine
  by Australian Travel Photography and Writing

  The Australian Travel Photography and Writing group is pleased to announce Greg Barton, Editor of Australian Traveller magazine as our gr…

  The Australian Travel Photography and Writing group is pleased to announce Greg Barton, Editor of Australian Traveller magazine as our group patron. This is an exciting development for our group, and one which will most likely lead to group members being published in Australian Traveller magazine. Greg has kindly offered to provide magazine subscriptions to prize winners of our feature group challenges. Members of our group have been published in Australian Traveller, so it seems a natural progression for this group to endorse Australian Traveller magazine as the recommended Australian travel magazine. Greg told me he is “a big fan of RedBubble” and is looking forward to being associated with our group. So folks, there you have it. Your opportunity to become a published photographer and travel writer is on the cards. Greg and I still have a few things to discuss, but Greg being on a deadline for the upcoming edition of Australian Traveller magazine, he and I will put the finishing touches on what will hopefully lead to members being published in Australia’s best travel magazine. / Greg Barton / Editor – Australian Traveller magazine / www.australiantraveller.com Darren Stones / Group Host / Australian Travel Photography and Writing group

• Features and Top 10 Placements
  by Marilyn Harris

  Thank You to all the wonderful groups for the features and to those who voted for my work in the challenges. “*Historic Richmond Bri…

  Thank You to all the wonderful groups for the features and to those who voted for my work in the challenges. Historic Richmond Bridge placed in Top 10 of Tasmania Challenge Bridge of Tasmania Rusty Wheels placed in the Top 10 of Shapes and Patterns Challenge Patterns on Gates Fences Railings Snowgum Dove Lake Circuit placed in the Top 10 of Australian Native Plants Challenge Plants that are shaped by the elements Carpet Before the Kings featured in Australian Travel Photography and Writing Coiled featured in 3 Groups: / Forests / The Woman Photographer and / The Sisterhood Walk to the Horizon featured in The Woman Photographer Fairytale Fungi featured in Extreme Close-ups Big Red featured in 2 Groups: / I Love Birds and / Country Bumpkin Feathers featured in Abstracts from Nature So very Happy – Marilyn :o)

• Travel writing tips - editing your work
  by Australian Travel Photography and Writing

  Here’s a few tips which may assist when editing your travel writing articles. Almost any article can be improved the second time aro…

  Here’s a few tips which may assist when editing your travel writing articles. Almost any article can be improved the second time around. Often the third time. If time permits, put an article away for a week or so, look at it again, and you’ll be surprised how much you can improve it. Best-selling writers say the secret to success is in the re-write. Look at your article objectively with the impartial eye of an editor. Delete words that won’t be missed. Don’t edit as you write. Editing slows your writing flow. Darren Stones / Group Host / Australian Travel Photography and Writing

• Australian travel photography critique
  by Australian Travel Photography and Writing

  The Australian Travel Photography and Writing group cordial…

  The Australian Travel Photography and Writing group cordially invites RedBubble members who have an interest in Australian travel photography to actively participate in seeking and providing critique to fellow members. RedBubble is an evolving website which encourages its members to submit their best works, and in saying that, our group wishes to encourage members to actively engage in critiquing one another’s works. The Australian Travel Photography and Writing group has an extensive forum structure in place, and also a dedicated area where group members can seek and give critique. http://www.redbubble.com/groups/australian-travel-photography-and-writing/forums Lo-resolution images can be embedded into forum posts and a brief description outlining the intent of the image can be supplied by its maker. Providing a clear description of intent can assist those who wish to provide a critique. From that point, group members can give advice to the member by posting comments in a specific forum topic where others can view the commentary and learn. Of course, life is a two-way street, and regardless of experience and knowledge, any photographer can have an opinion to share, whether it be relating to composition, lighting, processing technique, etc. Photographers of all standards are constantly wishing to improve their craft, and share tips and advice with their peers. As a group consisting of members with a broad range of experience, I believe everyone has the innate ability to give some form of advice, an opinion, and encouragement. In essence, this approach is designed to inspire Australian Travel Photography and Writing group members to improve their photographic and critiquing skills, and to engage within the group. Are you keen to actively engage with RedBubble members who have a similar interest, share information which can be of benefit to group members, and nurture others to a point where they could deem you to be a mentor? Information relating to critiquing which may assist: How to critique a photo – eHow http://www.ehow.com/how_2030593_critique-a-photograph.html The Art of Image Critique – Travel Photographers Network / / http://www.travelphotographers.net/articles1003/je1003-2.html Darren Stones / Group host / Australian Travel Photography and Writing

• It’s been quite a week!
  by Marilyn Harris

  As well as changing from Blossom to my real name, I have had the honour of being invited by / Kathie Nichols...

  As well as changing from Blossom to my real name, I have had the honour of being invited by / Kathie Nichols to join with Shelley Heath in Co-hosting Nature’s Macro Canvas Group / As many would already know, I have a love of creating abstracts from nature, so I’m really looking forward to seeing more of the amazing work that comes through the Nature’s Macro Canvas Group. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thank You to all the Hosts for the following Features: Writing of my Cape York Adventure – 2008 was featured in / Australian Travel Photography and Writing ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Male Eclectus Parrot featured in Parrots Only (Birds) Banksia Delight featured in Protaceae Family Have a Seat at the Honey Farm Shop featured in Statues and Such Happy as!!! / Marilyn :o)

• Australian Travel Writing & Photography Redbubble Group
  by LeanneNelson

  I’ve always loved reading about and looking at beautiful photographs of Australia. I love seeing it for myself even more. Earlier this …

  I’ve always loved reading about and looking at beautiful photographs of Australia. I love seeing it for myself even more. Earlier this year I decided to combine these loves and try my hand at photographing and writing about it myself. Being a bit of a research nut, I looked to my good friend Google for some more specific information. One of the first sites that Google suggested was the Australian Travel Writing & Photography group on Redbubble. I hadn’t heard of Redbubble before, so I had no idea what to expect. After an initial look through, I couldn’t believe my luck. This group seemed to be exactly what I was searching for. Not one to leave a stone unturned, I checked out the other Google suggestions, but kept going back to Australian Travel Writing & Photography. Although not as large as some of the other resources, the images were just beautiful and the members seemed to share a common passion. So I joined. As a virtual newbie to both photography and writing for anyone other than myself I was initially pretty nervous about participating. However, the members soon made me feel very comfortable, with their supportive comments and helpful advice. Many of the members are published and are quite willing to share their expertise – invaluable assistance for someone like me. They’ve answered my (possibly) silly questions and guided me along in the few short months I’ve been a member. I’ve even had a buzz out of seeing my work featured a couple of times. I’ve been writing a personal blog for about a year and have come across a number of good writing and photography resources already. However, none of them focused specifically on travel writing and photography, and certainly none had the community behind them that Australian Travel Writing & Photography has. I particularly enjoy learning from other’s comments and work. Added to that, my list of places to visit keeps growing and growing as they introduce me to more and more of Australia. Within a few weeks of joining, I came to realise just how hard the group host, Darren Stones, works to foster this wonderful community and to develop opportunities for its members. His encouragement, liaison and expertise have played a very large part in the success of the group. A major coup by Darren has been securing a number of sponsors for the group, including Greg Barton, editor of Australian Traveller magazine. Buoyed by the support of the group, I decided to have a good crack at the inaugural Australian Traveller Travel Writing & Photography challenge held recently. The opportunity to be published in a major magazine isn’t one that comes along often to new writers so early on. I picked my topic, researched, wrote and rewrote. I scoured my photo library for suitable shots. Then I edited everything again. And probably again – I’m not sure, I lost count! Finally I was happy with what I had. I shut my eyes and pressed the submit button. Yesterday, I received the most exciting news I’ve had in a very long time. I’d won the challenge! My story and photos will be published in Australian Traveller magazine. I haven’t stopped smiling. I’m sure their distribution will spike from me buying copies for all my friends and family. I can’t thank Greg enough for giving me this opportunity (and for the wonderful feedback), Darren for organising it all and the group members for sharing their knowledge. I’d also like to congratulate the other participants. I know it can be a nerve-wracking experience putting your writing out there for everyone to see, but it was a pleasure to read all your work. Well done especially to Sonia and John. With the work that Darren’s doing and the continued passion of the Australian Travel Writing & Photography members, I can see this group flourishing. I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

• Victoria's Alpine Region (Winter) - Australian Travel Photography & Writing
  by Jared Revell

  Australian Travel Photography and Writing Victoria’s Alpine Region (winter)

  Australian Travel Photography and Writing / Victoria’s Alpine Region (winter) See also my Summer in the Alpine Region Australian Travel Photography & Writing post

• Victoria's Alpine Region (Summer) - Australian Travel Photography & Writing
  by Jared Revell

  Australian Travel Photography and Writing Victoria’s Alpine Region (summer)

  Australian Travel Photography and Writing / Victoria’s Alpine Region (summer) See also my Winter in the Region Australian Travel Photography & Writing post

• Echuca 4 was featured in "Australian Travel Photography and Writing"
  by John Vandeven

  Wow….I did’t think this shot was very good, but I have had some great comments and now a feature in “Australian Travel Photography and …

  Wow….I did’t think this shot was very good, but I have had some great comments and now a feature in Australian Travel Photography and Writing / Thanks so much to the hosts.

• Features and Top 10 Placements
  by Marilyn Harris

  Sorry I have’nt been around for a while. Appreciate the following features and placements: Inch Worm...

  Sorry I have’nt been around for a while. Appreciate the following features and placements: Inch Worm featured in the Top 10 of The Woman Photographer Challenge / Itty Bitty Teeny Tiny ie Very Small Pink Fuzzy Fungi featured in the Top 10 of Fungilicious Challenge / The Colour Pink Coral Fungi featured in the Top 10 of Fungilicious Challenge / Enter Your Best Clavaria or Ramaria Species Moss Covered Myrtle Beech Featured and in the Top 10 of The Scavenger Hunt Challenge / Lets Hunt for Trees Rivenhall Historic Church featured in History Jardine Ferry Crossing featured in Stream Crossings and Featured Member of the Group Twin Beach Lookout featured in Out of the Blue Dog Biscuit featured in Nature’s Macro Canvas Mining Family Statue featured in Goldrush and Ghost Towns Banksia – Australian Native featured in Protaceae Family View to the Torres Strait Islands featured in Far North Queensland The Penitentiary – Port Arthur featured in Prisons Gaols Jails Asylums Iron Bars & Court Houses Dust Dust and More Dust featured in Commercial Vehicles Three Blue Berries featured in the Top 10 of Alphabet Soup Challenge / Best of B Walls of Jerusalem National Park featured in Lakes and Inland Waterways A Days Walk to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park featured in / Australian Travel Photography and Writing View HERE Thank you for all your encouraging comments and support. Marilyn :o)

• A real Buzz!!! Features and Sale
  by Marilyn Harris

  Such a lovely surprise!! Sold a Laminated print of She Sells Sea Shells by the Sea Shore...

  Such a lovely surprise!! Sold a Laminated print of She Sells Sea Shells by the Sea Shore I feel honoured that Pink Tulips was featured on the Home Page View to Cradle Mountain featured in the new Group Cradle Mountain Tasmania Australia An Alternative Route from Bodalla to Cooma featured in Australian Travel Photography and Writing To read click HERE Romancing the Icicle featured in The Compact Group Which Way to Fall featured in Rural NSW Saw Leaf Banksia featured in Protaceae Family Train Mailbox featured in Snail Mail Redback Spider Mailbox featured in Snail Mail For some more quirky letterboxes – check out my Mailboxes with Character Calendar Thank You to all for all your encouragement and wonderful comments. I’m feeling much better lately and now that I have my camera back, I hope to start snapping away again real soon! :o)

• Focus On Oz - Summer 2010
  by Australian Travel Photography and Writing

  Focus On Oz – Summer 2010 Welcome to the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group’s quarterly journal, _*Focus On Oz – Sum…

  Focus On Oz – Summer 2010 Welcome to the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group’s quarterly journal, Focus On Oz – Summer 2010. There’s a new and exciting buzz within the group, and 2010 promises to see us enjoying new initiatives, challenges and competitions, promotion and marketing, and an increased level of participation by members. We’ve topped 584 members and envisage reaching 1200-1400 by the end of 2010. Contained in this edition is a wrap-up of the group’s activities during 2009, latest news, and what’s happening. Enjoy, and please leave your feedback. New hosting team With the group growing in membership and content, the need has arisen to appoint a team of hosts to administer the group and take it forward to the next level. Your new hosting team is: Darren Stones (originated group in Dec ‘08) Susan Adey Nerida Smith Leanne Nelson Joe Mortelliti Derek Byrne Darren Stones – “My Australian travel photography and writing is a culmination of various factors – some planned, some not so planned. At times, the critical photographic moment presents itself unexpectedly in front of my eyes. Years of professional photography and journalism studies, and actively undertaking and completing projects in the field, has delivered me to a point where I have a perception of knowing where to be and at what time.” Susan Adey – “I know no better way to showcase just why I love this country and its people than through images. To show it as I see it in all its glorious colours and beauty, its unique plants and wildlife, its ruggedness and its culture. I want to inspire people through my images and words to venture beyond their gate and explore this country and to fall in love with it like I have.” Nerida Smith – “I am never more at peace than when I am on the way to somewhere. Being a landscape addict I am drawn to the spectacular scenery of Australia’s National Parks and remote areas. It’s here that I can be found sleeping in the back of my car, trying to capture the light of the ‘golden hours’ and the essence of the place.” Leanne Nelson – “I think Australia is the best country in the world. I’m fortunate that I’m able to travel around it a bit with my family and see some of it first hand. Although fairly new to travel writing and photography, I see it as a fantastic avenue to share travel experiences; to inspire or be inspired to visit somewhere, to share a yarn or to capture a slice of Australia in a great photo.” Joe Mortelliti – “Photography coupled with 4wd travel is a passion and has taken Marion and I on the most wonderful adventures of discovering Australia. Camping on location, capturing natural features in magic light, the campfires, sharing a meal and chatting under a crisp sky of stars. This is my our idea of a “5 Star” facility, mind, Marion agrees so long as we fit in some traditional 5 Star nights.” Derek Byrne – “Living at one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations – the Gold Coast – travel photography seems to fit naturally. I’ve always had an interest in photography and have enjoyed exploring Australia’s landscapes in books. I’ve watched too much landscape go by, driving from one location to the other without stopping. Most places I have lived and worked are tourism driven: Uluru (Yulara), Cairns and the Gold Coast. The backpack still calls to me, tempting me to pack up and travel.” / Group highlights of 2009 We have seen many highlights in the group during 2009, with the appointment of a group patron, members achieving success in print, making contact with the nation’s tourism minister, and assisting people in need. We’d like to share these special highlights with you: Greg Barton, Editor, Australian Traveller magazine appointed Group Patron Sascha Unger and Leanne Nelson published in Australian Traveller magazine Letter sent to The Hon Martin Ferguson AM, MP Tourism Minister Group charity initiative in aid of Aussie Helpers Group interview highlights of 2009 Darren Stones conducted a series of interviews throughout the year and as a result we’ve learnt a little more about some group members. Darren discovered: why Anne O’Connor stripped her clothes off; that Bev Woodman was given a Kodak Box Brownie camera when she was 10; why doctors called Joe Mortelliti the “Miracle Man”. Enjoy the interviews. Back from the brink – Joe Mortelliti Proud fifth generation Australian, Bev Woodman The bare essentials of Australian travel photography according to Anne O’Connor Travel photography highlights of 2009 With over 5000 Australian travel photographs in our art catalogue, it’s been a difficult task to highlight a few. We’ve looked through the group’s challenges that were conducted during 2009 and selected successful entries. Travel photography by: Sascha Unger Renee Hubbard Louise Fahy Matt Williams Janette Rodgers Jim Filmer William Bullimore Steve Sass / Travel writing highlights of 2009 We’ve had terrific travel writing submitted to the group during the year, and we’re looking forward to an influx in 2010. We’re encouraging members to write travel articles with accompanying photos and submit them to the group. Hone your craft and reach for the stars. Here’s some entertaining travel writing and photography we believe deserves special mention: Family Fun in Port Fairy by Leanne Nelson Sun, Sand, Surf, Sarongs…this is the life! by Sonia Ellem Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk – Illawarra’s bird’s-eye view by Darren Stones Lamington National Park by John Vrieskolk Victoria’s Alpine Region by Jared Revell Kangaroo Island – South Australia’s best kept secret by Globalphotos A Day’s Walk to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park by Marilyn Harris The Hay River, Simpson Desert, Australia by Joe Mortelliti Experiencing the Wilds and Wildlife of East Gippsland by Cheryl Ridge The Money trail – Sailing Cairns to Gove by Lyn Higgs Post Cards of Newcastle – NSW Australia by Bev Woodman The Dirrinbandi Mail by Terry Everson Ross & Oatlands – two historic well preserved garrison towns of Tasmania by Anne O’Connor Will ye no come back again? by Rosalie Dale Journal highlights of 2009 The style of journals we’re accepting into the group are those which are relevant to the group’s genre. Journals which provide travel photography and writing advice are highly encouraged. We’s like to see more photographic essay style works in 2010, and believe the journal facility is an excellent tool for members to use. Here are some journal highlights of 2009: 5 tips for taking better travel photographs by Darren Stones Reflections on my first ‘Photographic’ Road Trip by felinemind The friendly folk of Candelo, New South Wales, Australia by Darren Stones A weekend in the Otways by Paul Moore Surfer girls by Lisa Kenny Wild Falcon stay awhile by Cheryl Ridge Anzac Day in Geelong 2009 by Lisa Kenny Group promotion and marketing To increase awareness of our group, we have a Facebook page and Twitter account. These two instruments are providing an exciting promotion and marketing avenue which may lead to us gaining more sponsors and members, and publishing opportunities. We trust group members will support these accounts and assist us by sharing these pages with family and friends. Group sponsors With the generous support of our sponsors during 2009, we’ve been able to give away prizes for group challenges conducted throughout the year. We’re also looking to run member competitions in 2010 as prizes are donated. We’d like to thank our sponsors who kindly donated prizes to the group in 2009: Darren Stones Nada Pantle RedBubble John Conway Anne O’Connor Kathy Thompson Tania Rose Australian Traveller magazine Joe Mortelliti and LifeStyle Furniture Richard Everist and BestShot! publications / Sponsors of the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group Greg Barton and Australian Traveller magazine Being affiliated with a travel magazine has resulted in the group achieving its major goal during 2009 – to see group members published in print. During the year, group host Darren Stones formally approached Greg Barton, Editor, Australian Traveller magazine with a proposal to gain sponsorship. Greg kindly offered to publish the winners of the Australian Traveller challenge we conducted, and thus the affiliation was cemented. The avenue exists for us to conduct a major group challenge whereby Greg may publish winners in the magazine. Greg was appointed Group Patron, and during 2009 he provided the group with fantastic travel writing advice. We extend our gratitude to Greg and Australian Traveller magazine for their generous support, sponsorship and prizes, and look forward to a developing relationship in 2010. / Australian Traveller magazine Editor Greg Barton talks about travel writing / .......Greg Barton….....................www.australiantraveller.com.................. Charity initiative Our 2009 group charity initiative in aid of Australian-based charity Aussie Helpers has been a resounding success. With 13 calendars and 30 music CD’s donated, the retail value of our donation to Aussie Helpers is approximately $830.00. RedBubble, via General Manager, Peter Styles, has supported this initiative and provided free shipping for all calendars and the shipping fee of the donated goods to Aussie Helpers. We thank RedBubble for their generous contribution and continued support of our group. We thank all members who have generously donated to this worthy cause: Tania Rose (30 music CD’s) Darren Stones Terry Everson Kristina K Marilyn Harris Di Jenkins Susan Adey Michaela Perryman Paula McManus Georgiegirl Nerida Smith Kathy Thompson Beth Wilson Bryan Freeman / RedBubble members who donated their own 2010 calendar to Aussie Helpers / Letter to Brian and Nerida Egan of Aussie Helpers Group forum We encourage all group members to become active in our group’s forums. There’s a comprehensive forum structure in place where you’re invited to share your advice and knowledge, plus encourage fellow group members. There’s travel photography and writing resources available, and state by state sub-forums chock full of information. We invite your to provide travel and tourism information and personal travel experiences. Australian Travel Photography and Writing group forum Critique and collaboration forum The critique and collaboration forum is designed to assist members in improving their travel photography and writing, whilst also providing an area for members to work on small, medium and large projects. Members are highly encouraged to post works for critique, whilst be willing to assist others. We’d like to foster an area where people share their knowledge and provide encouragement. Group projects will also be conducted within the forum for the first time in 2010, with four photographic essays aligned to the seasons to be undertaken by members who wish to participate. The aim is to inspire group members and to eventually have one or more of these projects published in full or a shortened version. / Australian Travel Photography and Writing group critique and collaboration forum What’s ahead in 2010 Monthly photography challenges Group YouTube video for marketing and promotion Major travel photography and travel writing challenges Four major group photography essay projects aligned to the seasons Annual charity initiative Interviews Group t-shirt What’s happening Australian Traveller magazine competition (ends Mon 14 Dec ‘09) Australia – Summer 2010 group photographic essay Australia – Summer 2010 Chat topic. Group photography essay discussion December, January and February photography challenges Photographs, journals and writing being featured Group promotion and marketing Season’s greetings As 2010 draws to a close, we wish group members a Merry Christmas and a safe and properous New Year. We look forward to your continued participation and support in 2010. Enjoy your Australian travel photography and writing folks. Best regards, Darren Stones, Susan Adey, Nerida Smith, Leanne Nelson, Joe Mortelliti and Derek Byrne. / Group Hosts / Australian Travel Photography and Writing

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  Blue Day
  by drec

  A lot of cloud about at Sunset today on the Gold Coast with the result of a blue sky and a blue river. The river’s looking a little murky but the fish don’t seem to mind it so far. / Familiar spot over-looking the Nerang River towards Surfers Paradise.