sunset – Sandy's Views

Back Home

January 6, 2018Posted in New Zealand, photography, TravelTagged abstract photography, art, beach, beachlife, canon, cityscape, cityscene, New Zealand, photography, portrait, Roadtrip, sport, sunset, travel, travelphotography4 Comments

By back home, I mean I traded the Olympus Mirrorless camera back in for a Canon. I missed having what I feel is a proper camera. A big Digital Single Reflex Camera. I like Canons so I bought the Canon 6D MkII. Actually it’s not quite as simple as that. The 6D MkII is the camera almost made for me. It’s more clever as one of Canons best ever camera’s, the 5D mkIII. I’ve also had one of those, a second hand one which I traded in for the Olympus Camera as I thought I would enjoy the drop in camera weight. It wasn’t worth the change sadly, still, you live and learn.

I wanted my own new Canon DSLR camera though and the 6D MkII came along at the perfect time. It’s got great image quality, plenty of pixels, it does a bunch of stuff I don’t care about or understand and it has built in wifi which is awesome in so many ways. It does what it says on the tin and has delivered a number of quite fetching images already. My only issue with it is that the shutter isn’t as quiet as I’d like. I know right? That’s literally the only issue. I love this camera and I’m looking forward to getting to know it better. Herewith some imagery from my 6D MkII. It’s not all about the camera though. For those who are interested, I mostly, currently only, have a Canon 24-105 L series walking round lens on the front of my camera.

Ariana and Millie — People standing in my shot, I may have asked them to.

Shepherds Delight, Himatangi Beach. This is home.

St Andrews Side — St Andrews Church, Turakina.

Turakina Cottage — I like this building.

Wake boarding one handed — KIte surfer, practicing at the new place in Foxton. It’s called ‘Off The Loop’ Cable wake boarding among other awesome adventure activities.

Weds 03-01-18 part 2 — Home, of an evening.

Muapoko Street — That’s my street at night. Awesome sunset.

Eclectic mix. See you soon.

Temporary Change Of Gear

October 21, 2017Posted in New Zealand, photography, TravelTagged landscapephotography, landscapes, mountains, nature, New Zealand, photography, reflection, road trip, sunset, travel, travelphotography, wilderness7 Comments

I decided to go light, I decided I was carrying around too much heavy expensive gear for someone who isn’t a professional Photographer. I wanted to try Digital Mirrorless Technology. I’m currently enjoying the light weight, little bit hipster, retro’ish Olympus OM-D E-M5 MkII which is a hell of a mouthful for a camera name. I only have one multi purpose lens on the front which is an Olympus 14-150mm. I have to admit I’m not totally in love with this camera. I’m not as happy with the image quality as I had hoped I would be and I find it a bit small in my hands. It’s pretty much lacking in every department for what I want to achieve photographically. But it is light. I’ll be going back to a bigger DSLR set up when I can afford it. That said, here is a selection of images I’ve taken in the last couple of months with the little Olympus.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Waikato somewhere, early.

I don’t think it’s just a case of a poor workman blaming his tools, maybe it is though. I still want to go back to a full size DSLR, or mirrorless. This nice little camera is just too little for me.

On The Road

May 5, 2017May 5, 2017Posted in New Zealand, photography, TravelTagged Driving, landscapephotography, landscapes, natural beauty, nature, New Zealand, photography, Roadtrip, sunrise, sunset, travel, travelphotography, wilderness3 Comments

I’m not even going to pad this out with words, well not many words. If you come here a bit you’ll know I spend a lot of time on the road. I’m lucky that I live in New Zealand which is the worlds greatest road trip. People travel from all over the world to see this stuff and I just have to leave the house. These images are some that I have captured since my previous Dolphins post, which was just over a month ago. As far as a travel experience goes, it’s truly epic out there in New Zealand. I almost couldn’t believe I’d covered this much territory in under a month. I should get out more…

Bush Rays — Near Pipiriki, Whanganui Region.

Ratana Side — Ratana Church, Raetihi, Central Plateau

Ruapehu Reflection — Waitonga Falls Walkway, Mt Ruapehu, Central Plateau.

Ruapehu Sunrise — Sunrise near Raetihi, Mt Ruapehu, Central Plateau

Eglington Valley-3 — Eglignton Valley, Fiordland National Park

Portobello Sunset — Portobello, Otago Peninsula

Lake Benmore Blue — Lake Benmore, Mackenzie Country. Canterbury

Lake Benmore Road trip — Mackenzie Country, Canterbury

Pukaki shore road — Lake Pukaki and the Southern Alps, Mackenzie Country.

Te Anau Autumn Dawn — Te Anau, Southland

Nelson Marina-3 — Nelson Marina, Nelson.

Pelorus Sound light show — Pelorus Sound from Queen Charlotte Drive, Marlborough Sounds.

Mt Taranaki Print — Mount Taranaki from Lake Mangamahoe, New Plymouth, Taranaki.

Island Bay Brew'd front on — The Pub in my local village. End of the trip. That’s not my car though.

So, where too next?

Tourist

September 17, 2016February 14, 2017Posted in New Zealand, photography, TravelTagged birds, clouds, landscape, landscapes, mountains, New Zealand, photography, Roadtrip, scenery, sunset, travel, Vacation, wilderness2 Comments

I spent a couple of days in Queenstown, for work. Lucky me. Much of the trip was inside but I was able to get out for a wander about. Fortunately you don’t have to walk far in Queenstown and surrounds to see the awesomeness. Herewith, a couple of snaps while I had a moment to take them. This can be a travel blog thing. For people who like to travel and read about travelling. I think it qualifies as a travel blog because I took photos of a tourist destination.

The obligatory wing shot on the way into Queenstown.

remarkables — The mountain range is called ‘The Remarkables’. Can’t imagine why.

remarkable-lenticulars — Same mountains, different day. Those awesome clouds go by the name of ‘Lenticular’.

queenstown-sunset-tuesday — Sunset over Lake Wakatipu. Looking South if you are interested in that sort of thing

lake-whakatipu-1 — Same view, slightly different spot, different time of day.

forest-colours — On the hills above Arrowtown. I thought the colours and textures of the trees were cool enough to Photograph. It’s my camera, I get to choose that sort of thing.

falcon-one — That’s a New Zealand Falcon, not the Swamp Harrier. The Falcon is pretty rare and even harder to photograph. This was a good day.

chinese-workers-cottage-2 — Chinese Gold Miners huts in Arrowtown. Small.

I liked the juxtaposition of Spring blossoms and snowy peaks. Arty and all that.

queenstown-tree — There’s a famous tree in Lake Wanaka which everyone with a camera feels compelled to photograph. This isn’t it. This is a small Willow tree beside Lake Wakatipu which I’ve decided can be ‘That Queenstown Tree’. It looks striking early in the morning with the sun on it. Which is superfluous explanation really.

Queenstown, probably New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination. It’s nice there.

Summer Sunsets, At The Beach

February 6, 2016February 14, 2017Posted in New Zealand, photography, Travel, UncategorizedTagged nature, ocean, photography, reflection, seascape, seaside, sunset, travel8 Comments

Luckily for me, I live 200 metres from the sea front on the Western Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. I can wander down to watch the sunset any day of the week. These are a selection from just three nights. Three nights from the last week. It’s mid summer here. So these were taken between 8:30 and 9pm. That short window when the sky really kicks off. Often the best light is after the sun has set. As you can see.

Himi Inlet sunset — Heading down to the beach, this is a little rivulet which empties into the sea a few metres to the left of this shot.

Beach driftwood stack — People make piles and structures out of driftwood, it helps me take a photo straight at the sun.

Himi beach people — I don’t usually have people in my photographs, but since I referenced people in the last photo, there are some. They’ll be making a driftwood sculpture later no doubt.

Evolution of a cloud bank 1 — That’s a cloud bank developing, about to block out the sun.

Himi Beach post sunset — Gone, now the good stuff really kicks off…

Long Beach one — See? Lavender? Lilac? Pink? You choose. looking down the beach to the South. That’s Kapiti Island way off in the distance. You can also see the South Island from here, just not in this shot.

Hard to believe that’s the same evening as the previous shot, but it is. That’s Kapiti Island.

Beach fort — More cool stuff assembled from driftwood. Helping me take photos.

Sea, see — You could stand and look at this all day, except you can’t as it’s nearly night time.

Thursday Night Himatangi — Saving the best till last? Quite possibly. I do like this. Low tide, post sunset. Awesome New Zealand.

So there you go. Hope you enjoyed my evenings.

At The End Of The Day

August 24, 2015February 14, 2017Posted in New Zealand, photographyTagged dusk, landscapes, New Zealand, photography, seascape, sunset, travelLeave a comment

I don’t like the phrase ‘at the end of the day’ when used to finalise an observation made, if that makes sense. It annoys me. So I’m going to reclaim the end of the day, show some images of the day’s end. So when I hear, ‘at the end of the day’ I’ll think of exactly that. Dusk, that wonderful light before sunset. Having said that, the odd photo of the Sun actually setting might sneak in among the dusk photos here.

That barn isn't there anymore, shame, it was a nice barn — That barn isn’t there anymore, shame, it was a nice barn

Blue Mountains, pink hues, cool dusk tones

Walking up to dusk, 200 metres from my front door

Looks like Summer, it isn't. This is Winter — Looks like Summer, it isn’t. This is Winter

On the horizon, in the distance is Mt Taranaki, 210 Kilometres distant

Kite Surfer walking in, had enough for the evening

Photos from my place

August 13, 2015February 14, 2017Posted in New Zealand, photography, TravelTagged landscapes, nature, New Zealand, ocean, photography, seascape, sunset, travel12 Comments

I’ve moved, moved to the beach. My new place is a small rented cottage on the Western Coast of the North Island of New Zealand. North of Welington, South of Whanganui. I love going to sleep with the sound of the sea outside. I can walk up to the dunes from my front door in a few moments. I decided to take a few photos. All these taken round my immediate vicinity. It’s currently winter time here in New Zealand.

This is the road to my place, ok, it's not the only road, but it is a road. — This is the road to my place, ok, it’s not the only road, but it is a road.

Who doesn’t love a patchwork of sun shadows, late afternoon on an old woolshed? I know I do.

Wonky shed — Do-er upper, this is on the way home, or on the way out, depending on if I’m coming or going. I like a wonky shed in the evening.

Sunday evening, that's a bit of weather out in the West. — Sunday evening, that’s a bit of weather out in the West.

Sunday evening, my place. It's awesome — Sunday evening, my place. It’s awesome

Cool, no other description required really

See those photos of the sea? I just simply turned around and photographed this. Those are the Tararua Ranges, they are the backdrop to my place. The wild Tasman Sea in front and the Epic mountains behind me. I like that.

Walking up to the sunset after work, on a Tuesday

While looking out to sea, I can look right, up the coast, that's the way North — While looking out to sea, I can look right, up the coast, that’s the way North

Moments after the sun sank beneath the horizon, Tuesday evening at my place.

This was a Sunday, any other Sunday, every Sunset is different of course. The clouds look a bit angry

It's the last hurrah of a Sunday. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to look directly at the Sun? — It’s the last hurrah of a Sunday. Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to look directly at the Sun?

If you don't look directly at the last light of a Sunday, you can look at the sea shore instead, which has it's own merits — If you don’t look directly at the last light of a Sunday, you can look at the sea shore instead, which has it’s own merits

After the day has gone, just after, the light changes again, and some sea birds happen by.

Finish with a bang. I spent ages trying to decide what to call this, I decided to call it WOW! Frosty morning, a few minutes up the road on the way to the day job.

It’s nice here.

Cloudy coolness

June 27, 2015February 14, 2017Posted in New Zealand, photography, TravelTagged beach, clouds, landscape, nature, New Zealand, photography, seascape, sunset, travel2 Comments

Because who doesn’t like to look at some epic cloud formations? Don’t ask me to go all scientific on you. I’m not a cloud geek, I don’t know what the clouds are called. I just like looking at and photographing some cloud action that’s worthy of capturing. I’ve already put a few photos throughout the blog which feature cool clouds, but they were incidental to the view. These ones are the reason I took the photo. It’s the subtle differences. If you know the names of the clouds, please comment and enlighten us all.

Southern Central Hawkes Bay, the day before the 'great flood' turned up in other parts of the country. Waipukurau, the nearest town to here was unaffected. The clouds were weird throughout Hawkes Bay that day — Southern Central Hawkes Bay, the day before the ‘great flood’ turned up in other parts of the country. Waipukurau, the nearest town to here was unaffected. The clouds were weird throughout Hawkes Bay that day

Looking North-East across Waipukurau in Southern Central Hawkes Bay. Storm brewing, but not here.

I call these 'God rays', they are actually called 'Crepuscular Rays'. Which sounds meteorological rather than awesome. These are over the small Rangitikei town of Hunterville, which few would describe as awesome. — I call these ‘God rays’, they are actually called ‘Crepuscular Rays’. Which sounds meteorological rather than awesome. These are over the small Rangitikei town of Hunterville, which few would describe as awesome.

Rangitikei river valley, full of fog, love this stuff. There's a river down there, I expect it has something to do with the valley hugging foggy clouds. — Rangitikei river valley, full of fog, love this stuff. There’s a river down there, I expect it has something to do with the valley hugging foggy clouds.

I put a lot of care and thought into naming my images. I call this 'Yard Rays'. I know. — I put a lot of care and thought into naming my images. I call this ‘Yard Rays’. I know.

South of Napier, Hawkes Bay. Storm front brewing but the storm wasn't here. Still, as you can see, the beach is not one for sunbathing so that's good to know if you'd ever considered such a thing and felt a special trip to Napier might be in order. Make the trip by all means. Don't swim or sunbathe, drink wine. — South of Napier, Hawkes Bay. Storm front brewing but the storm wasn’t here. Still, as you can see, the beach is not one for sunbathing so that’s good to know if you’d ever considered such a thing and felt a special trip to Napier might be in order. Make the trip by all means. Don’t swim or sunbathe, drink wine.

Looks like a Tornado brewing over Napier in Hawkes Bay. It isn't. — Looks like a Tornado brewing over Napier in Hawkes Bay. It isn’t.

Rays punching through the clouds above Lake Taupo.

This is an unremarkable place in the Manawatu. Made interesting only by the sun striking through the clouds. I'm sure there is also lots of local history the local people are very proud of though. — This is an unremarkable place in the Manawatu. Made interesting only by the sun striking through the clouds. I’m sure there is also lots of local history the local people are very proud of though.

Cumulonimbus. I know I said I wasn't going to name any clouds. But this is amazing. The entire top of the Whangaparoa Peninsula obliterated by a nuclear explosion, is what a Cumulonimbus looks like in this instance — Cumulonimbus. I know I said I wasn’t going to name any clouds. But this is amazing. The entire top of the Whangaparoa Peninsula obliterated by a nuclear explosion, is what a Cumulonimbus looks like in this instance

Over there at the bottom right is Rangitito Island to give some perspective to this epic cloud formation. Early morning in Arkles Bay. — Over there at the bottom right is Rangitoto Island to give some perspective to this epic cloud formation. Early morning in Arkles Bay.

Same place, different day, slightly different angle. Big skies up there.

Rangitito at Dusk, with a boat heading out to sea. This is the sort of thing you want to be looking at of an evening rather than the telly. Just saying.

So that’s it. When people say ‘it’s all cloudy’, that’s a good thing. See?

One hour, one evening

March 15, 2015February 14, 2017Posted in New Zealand, photography, TravelTagged animals, clouds, landscape, mountains, New Zealand, photography, scenery, sky., sunset, travel, Weather1 Comment

Apparently Pam arrives tomorrow, if she does. That’s Cyclone Pam of course. There were pretty amazing clouds developing in the North and East of where I live so I thought I’d pop out and take a few photos. These were taken in the space of an hour. Near my place.