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.

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Glenn Guy, Travel Photography Guru

Nature's Power, Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland

Canon 5D Camera and Canon 24-105mm f4 IS lens

Gullfoss is a spectacular waterfall in southern Iceland. Split into two tiers, each at right angles from the other, and dropping a total of 32 meters into the ravine below. Hvita River. Mist greets the visitor located on the Golden Circle Tour and only around 125 km from the capital Reykjavik.

This photo was taken near the end of our first night circumnavigating Iceland via highway one. I guess it was around 3am yet, despite the hour, it was exhilarating to witness nature's grandeur and to be revived by the mist that greets all visitors at this most inspiring location.

The overcast weather prevented the stunning sunrise I'd hoped for. Nonetheless, it remains a highlight from a fantastic photography tour.

Iceland I hear your haunting call. I look forward to my next visit, which I hope will be an extended one.

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Glenn Guy, Travel Photography Guru

Photographing the Nude in the Landscape

Canon 5D Mark II camera and Canon 24-105mm f4 IS lens @ 105mm. Exposure Details: 1/250 second @ f4.

I visited Bali during early March 2011. It was basically a last minute decision after becoming very ill in southern India. I just didn't want to end what had been a series of great journeys to Thailand, China and India on a bad note. So, once I was fit enough to travel, I headed to Bali for a week or so of relaxation. And it worked. I recovered quite quickly and was ready to finish the trip with a few days of photography.

Bali is a lovely place with a tropical climate. Many Australians head there for the party/nightclub/beach scene. I wanted to be as far from that scene as possible. I'd first heard about the cultural centre of Ubud years ago and had long wanted to visit. This was my chance and, not long after my plane had touched down, I was in a taxi on my way up to the highlands.

The Balinese are a lovely, gentle people and the island is full of great photography opportunities. Add to that the freedom of a relatively uncomplicated life for those living a traditional village life and you have the elements that came together in the above photograph.

The people of Bali are known for their gentle and shy demeanor. That is not to say they are unwilling to be photographed. In fact I found the reverse to be true. Of course the way you approach and interact with potential subjects is all important. As is the motivation underpinning your photography. And that's particularly true when your subjects are children.

Fortunately adults, situated out of frame, were present during the making of the above photo. All were aware I was nearby photographing the kids. I'd wavered my camera in the air and pointed towards the kids as a way of asking permission from the adults to photograph the kids swimming. The kids were also aware of my presence and were really hamming it up for the camera with all manner of aerial acrobatics.

I could have moved closer, but I wanted the kids to be just elements within the larger landscape. The photo is as much about an idealized bath time and the innocence of childhood as it is about anything else. That was my motivation for making the image. But, I'm no dummy and I understood that, to retain the purity of my intention in the final image, I'd need to keep my distance.

There is a definite difference between the nude and being naked. One is a study of the body or of innocence (before the fall, if you like), while the other shows vulnerability and may suggest abuse or sleaze. Please don't confuse the two. They really are poles apart in the intention of the artist. Let's not allow political correctness and fear of undesirables to take away our right to celebrate the beauty of the human form and the innocence of childhood. As always I welcome your comments on this issue.

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Glenn Guy, Travel Photography Guru