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Tuesday

Feb262013

The Day's Hike Begins

Canon 5D Mark II camera and Canon 24-105mm f4 L series lens @ 24mm. Exposure Details: 1/20 second @ f5.6 ISO 100

Huangshan, the mountain not the town, is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. The scenery is simply sublime and its reputation as one of China's most spectacular landscapes is well earned.

Huangshan, which translates as Yellow Mountain, is really a series of mountains linked together by a trail from one mountain top to the next. While it's possible for the extremely fit to hike the entire length of the trail in a single day, as a photographer, I very much appreciated the 3 days I'd set aside for the journey.

Into the Landscape

The above photo was made very early in the morning. I was up early for a sunrise, prior to heading back to the hotel for a shower and some breakfast. It was then a matter of packing up and hiking to the next hotel, stoping regularly to make photos or catch my breath. I have the capability to walk, on a gentle trail, for many hours without too much trouble. But I hate hills and the mountain trails, often steps cut into stone stairways, across Yellow Mountain are quite steep. I remember one morning stripping down to a T-shirt during the hike, despite the fact that it was around -10C. But I was carrying my camera kit, including a tripod, laptop, winter clothing and personal effects.

The fact that it was only a few hours hike to the next hotel, where a hot lunch and a nice shower awaited, kept me going. That and the spectacular scenery. After lunch I'd head out again for more exploration and photography. As the days are relatively short at this time of year I'd stay out for sunset returning, just in time, for a nice hot dinner. Dinner and a sunset! Really, it doesn't get much better than that for a landscape photographer.

So, while not a spectacular scene, the ice covered trees, mist and enveloping stillness indicated that the hike onto the next hotel was going to be fun indeed. And it was.

When to Visit

I visited Huangshan during late January 2011 and enjoyed 3 fabulous days on the mountain. One potential problem for the enthusiast photographer, seeking serenity and landscapes bereft of people, is the literally millions of tourists who visit Yellow Mountain each year. To avoid the crowds I decided to schedule my trip in the middle of winter.

While some of the mountain trails are closed during that time of year and the deep set mist, which closed around me like a veiled curtain, no doubt hid many spectacular views I believe the timing of the trip was appropriate. I doubt that I saw more than 100 people over the 3 days, most of whom I spotted in hotel restaurants. So, for me, the loss of potentially striking scenery was a reasonable compromise given the deep sense of tranquility, punctuated with moments of exhilaration, I experienced along the way. Huangshan is very much a place to experience serendipity.

You simply have to be there, get out into the landscape and be prepared for a little hardship. Bliss, like all good things, comes to those who are open to possibilities and are prepared to take risks.

While the mountain is susceptible to mist throughout the year it would be great to experience Huangshan in spring and autumn. And I'd love to return, for an extended visit, during winter. Perhaps we'll visit together.

Where Has Summer Gone?

Well friends, I'm back.

It's been around 8 weeks since I posted on any kind of social media, including this site. Rather than traveling, photographing or holidaying (something I don't really do) I've been absolutely flat chat. And it's been a real hoot.

The reality is that, while the popularity of this site continues to grow, I receive less visitations on my site during December and January. I posted frequently up till a week before Christmas but decided that it was time to focus my attention, for at time, elsewhere. It's important to break the mould, and move away from your usual daily rythmn every now and again. After all, how else would you know whether you're using your time well and making the most of your opportunities.

Am I Right?

Change is constant and it can also be good, particularly when you're the one implementing that change. The trick is to make changes that are in line with your core beliefs, values and desired outcomes. That can only help you stay true to yourself and your greater purpose in life. Am I right!

It Feels Good!

So from the middle of December up until 7th of February I've been flat chat on a project. And, depending on final approval, it's finished!!!!

I'd say I worked on the project, often 12 + hours per day, for all a days during that time. And that included Christmas, New Year, my birthday and a visit to a sick friend. Anyway it was a fantastic experience to be almost completely immersed in a creative project. Hard work to be sure, but a wonderful learning experience and a great outcome. It feels good!!!

Nothing Fires the Spirit like Success

I should be able to share the full details of the project with you all when it becomes public. In the meantime I've already commenced work on a new project.

What's more I'm now back to blogging, albeit on a less frequent basis than I have in the past. Over the last 5 years I've probably managed to blog 2 out of every 3 days. Yes that have been times when, during extended photography expeditions, that was not possible. But the facts are there. It's just a matter of dividing the number of posts on this and my previous site by the number of days to point to the amount of content posted during that timeframe. And it averages out at around 2 posts every 3 days.

I'm unsure as to whether I can or even should continue posing at that rate into the future. My current thinking is that it might be better to post say 3 times a week and divide the rest of my free time between larger projects and other social media endeavors that I plan to announce over the next month or so.

The fact is that there are many ways that folk can connect and abosrb information over the web. Blogs are great, but it's time to branch out into other areas and the reality is some folks prefer to connect outside of the blogesphere. I think it's time Travel Photography Guru began to transition from a blog/website into more of a brand. The trick is to be fluid and remain responsive. That's bound to keep it fresh and fun. What do you think?

Portrait of a Young Woman, Post Office, Melbourne

Portrait of a young woman, post office, Melbourne

Where's home for you? Is it the house you own or the flat you rent? Whether you're born and bred, a naturalized citizen, resident or visitor to town I really believe in the saying that home is where the heart is.

You Can Take the Boy Out of the Country

I've lived in Melbourne since 1986, albeit with as much travel as possible along the way. But I was born in Hamilton, a small town of around 8,000 people in Western Victoria and, to me, home is where my parents are. While my dad passed 7 years ago, aged 78, my mum is still rocking on at 85 years of age. Thankfully mum is still in the family home and, though I don't get back has often as I'd like, it will remain my home until my dear old mum moves on.

Wherever you are and whether you see yourself as a local, resident or visitor it's important to have a photographic record of yourself in that environment. While a great record that will grow in importance over the years, it's also important for those that have moved away from home.

Where and When?

Personally I'd recommend that you avoid stuffy studio portraits. Keep it real and have yourself photographed in the same environments where you spend your time. If you're an outdoor person then consider having your portrait made in a favorite park or beach. If you're a creature of the night then a favorite restaurant, pub or nightclub could produce the kind of atmospheric likeness you'd like to be remembered for.

For those of us who live away from family a phone call is a great way to keep in touch. And, of course, there's social media. But Facebook without photos just doesn't cut it. And there's just no substitute for a large photographic print, be it paper, canvas or acrylic based.

Action Leads to Happiness

Please don't make the mistake I have. I'm usually the bunny with the camera. I never seem to get caught in anyone's lights.

Whether we realize it or not, we are loved and fondly remembered by family and friends. But, where distance separates us, it's important to make the effort and have some beautiful photographs made that tell the story of some of the more positive aspects of our current lives.

After all they just want you to be happy and a lovely portrait is a great way to affirm that desire.

What's more these photos can help us to understand that our lives are actually pretty good and that, compared to many other folk, we're lucky to be living the life we are. Are we not?