Memorial Cross

There is a memorial cross on Mt Macedon, north of Melbourne. I went there with some friends a couple of weeks ago for an impromptu picnic. It was lovely when the sun was out but a little cold in the shade.

One of the kids took his mum's camera and came up with a shot of the cross with the sun behind it, well done Sebastian. He is a pretty creative fella and I hope he keeps taking photos.

This is my version. I haven't changed the perspective at all from the original but I did try to bring out some detail in the clouds.

Dating at 40+...

Well, it's that time again... Time to get out there and find someone to share the next chapter with. So I've put up my profile on an internet dating site... Internet dating!?!?!?

Not that long ago internet dating was just a seedy sort of fringe area where you could go to meet some very interesting characters. Nowdays however it is becoming the norm. I certainly find that I have no interest going to a pub or nightclub and shouting a conversation with women in the hope that they don't actually have a huge, apelike, boyfriend buying them a drink...

The interesting characters are still there, and I guess they always will be, but there are some truly genuine people there as well (me, for example).

I have tried this site before and only met a couple of people from a few contacts... This time I have chosen a good photo (the one on my blog profile) and worked on thoughtful profile. Within the first week I had 37 contacts! OMG! What do I do with this avalanche of women who all seem to want to get to know little old me? So I hid my photo! A few coffees and a picnic later I have met some lovely ladies and even with my photo hidden I am still getting "kisses" (for those who have never considered how internet dating is done, you either send a kiss or receive one to make contact, this bit is for free. If you are interested that's when you send an email and make contact)...

I'm off for a coffee tonight! Wish me luck...

Walkies...

The park near home is a "lead free" zone for dogs. Owners can let the puppies off for a romp. There are often dogs of every shape and size running around and getting to know each other.

This morning I went over to see if I could see the cockatoos that I mentioned earlier and they were a no show yet again. I turned around and saw these guys running around and play fighting over a palm frond of all things. They were very funny and this is the only shot I got that worked...

The smaller dog eventually won and proudly carried the prize off into the distance.

Construction Zone 2...

I went back out this morning but cockatoos are smart birds and when it's windy and raining smart birds stay in their nest...

On the way I passed the construction zone from yesterday and one of the machinery items had been left behind. I took some product shots and this little truck is now sitting on my desk.

If you know anyone who had a BBQ at the park in Richmond last night, I have their truck...

Construction Zone...

I went down to the park this afternoon to see if I could get some images of the cockatoos that are nesting in one of the old gum trees. No luck but I will keep trying.

On the way back I passed a construction zone. The machinery was all lined up ready for the next shift...

Cinta...

Cinta agreed to a portrait session at the school studio yesterday. These are just a few of my favourites.

It was a bit of a learning curve for both of us and I think we came out of it with some good images.

Worlds Greatest Walk...

Some years ago my father had a heart transplant... You never plan for these things they just happen. The biggest problem with any sort of transplant is that someone has to donate their body, or parts of it, and the people around them have to know their wishes.

Unfortunately people die on the waiting list because people haven't talked about donating their organs with their family and friends.

My father was fortunate to have the help of a gifted surgeon and was able to survive for 40 days on an artificial heart. At the time 40 days was the record (the record was broken by the next person who needed it) and unbelievably his health actually improved while he was attached.

One of the people I now work with has had a transplant and his wife has also had a transplant. Please check out this website for an idea that may just save someones life...

http://www.worldsbiggestwalk.org/

Oh, and discuss organ donation with everyone you love, it may just be the most important thing you do today...

Panorama attempt...

I am going to do more of these to learn the intricacies of stitching panoramas.The program seems to have compressed the middle image and stretched the end ones...

Either way this is Melbourne at dawn today...

Still haven't got this the way I want it...

About 6:30am this morning I was set up and ready to take some shots of the city skyline. The sky lightened and the clouds became pink. This is close to what I saw but I need more practice with photoshop to get it 100%...

Around Melbourne...

I went out yesterday and took some photos around Melbourne. These are just a few of the architechtural shots...

I plan to go out today and take some images in the Dandenong ranges. Hopefully I'll find something interesting...