Improving Your Image Through Visual Communications



Journalist - Photographer - Writer

Sunday 26 February 2006

St. Kilda Kite Surfers



Kite Surfing has gained in popularity in recent times and the Melbourne bayside suburb of St.Kilda is a buzz with activity each weekend.

The kites cost around $1000-00 Australian Dollars and it's not unusual for a kite surfer to own more than one.

Watching these guys in action is a sight to behold as they go about their jumps and pursue speed across the water.

All these photos were taken with my Canon 20D and 70-200mm f/4L lens on Sunday 19th February 2006.




Darren Stones

Freelance Travel Writer and Photographer

Gibson Beach

Canon 20D 17-40mm f/4L

Who cares about what I write?

I'm hoping there will be many who are interested, as I enjoy relating my experiences and taking the reader for a journey.

Writing is a discipline that doesn't always come easy, however with some study and coaching it can become a reality. I've determined it's time take the plunge and make it happen.

Currently, I'm undertaking the Freelance Travel Writing and Photography course with Thomson Education Direct.

To date the course is going very well and my tutor, Robin Copeland, has offered some fantastic advice and given me a good grade for my first assignment. I've communicated with Robin and bounced a few ideas off him already and gladly they have been well received. His encouraging words and guidance are most appreciated.


Gibson Beach

Canon 20D 17-40mm f/4L

Where am I heading with this?

My intention is to become published in various magazines, journals, newspapers, periodicals etc. I'm even looking long term at writing a book.

I've always loved travelling and have made it a habit to take my camera with me on my journeys. Last year I visited places I'd never been to before and I'm looking to continue in the same vein for the rest of my days.

Like most, I still have to work to pay for the bills and my travel adventures, but with a passion of writing and photography always calling me, hopefully one day soon I'll be making some good money from my work.

The journey is rewarding.

Darren Stones

Torquay Lifesavers


Torquay Lifesavers
Canon 20D 70-200mm f/4L

Look at the strain on the faces of these young men as they go about their training as lifesavers.

The chap steering the boat is of a slightly more mature vintage, however I'm sure he's been in the situation of having done the hard yakka of rowing one of these boats in days gone by.

Lifesavers have a very responsible role in Australia and it's in holiday times that their expertise is called upon most, as many people flock to the beach. Beach goers can suddenly find themselves in difficulty due to the dangerous currents and rips that can make swimming hazardous.

For your own safety and to make the job of the lifesaver easier, it's best to swim between the flags.

http://www.slsa.asn.au/
http://www.torquayslsc.com.au/surfsafety.html

Wednesday 1 February 2006

Interviews conducted by Darren Stones

By Darren Stones

Links to various online interviews I've conducted:

Steve Parish: 50 Years Photographing Australia

Clients

Business clients who have received professional services.

Craig Lawson Consulting

Melbourne Museum

ENESS

CGK Publishing PTY LTD

Juggler Design

Dingo

Australian Traveller

Best Shot!

Business Spectator

Genesys Wealth Advisers

Hema Maps Australia

Viola Design

Turco Hunter Architects

Calorama Calendars

Don Cochrane

Bunyip Tours

Batemans Bay First National

Fraser Coast Regional Council

HealthSmart magazine

Freeman Productions Pty Ltd

Glenroy RSL

Ashiko Studio

Outback Theatre for Young People

Hardie Grant Magazines

Australian Growers Direct

Jane Loudon

Pearson Australia

The DM Group

Moreland City Council

Hire Car Companies In Australia

Hire Car Companies In Australia

Budget

Europcar

Hertz

Thrifty

Avis

Photographic Suppliers

B & H Photo Video
Brilliant Prints
Cameras Direct
Canon Australia
City Software
Digital Works
RedBubble
Vanbar

Stock Web/Print License Pricing & Photographic Print Sales

My library of stock photographs displayed at Flickr are available to purchase as prints, and for web and print licensing. Print refers to hard copy items - see definition below.

Darren Stones Stock Photography:
View the full library here: Darren Stones Stock Photography
Link opens in new window

Stock Web/Print License Pricing:

Your web and print licence photography needs can be discussed by email and phone. Images are supplied to you by email or CD.

$60.00 - Stock Web/Print 1 Year License - 1 photo
$120.00 - Stock Web/Print Unlimited Years License - 1 photo
$120.00 - Stock Web/Print Business Package 1 Year License - 3 photos
$240.00 - Stock Web/Print Business Package Unlimited Years License - 3 photos

Please note: Print refers to hard copy items: Magazines, newspapers, books, leaflets, brochures, journals, calendars, cards, posters, diaries, and the like.

Professional Photographic Print Sales:

Photographic prints are printed with a Durst Theta50 (400dpi) printing machine and supplied on silver halide 200-year Archive Quality Kodak Professional Supra Endura Photographic Papers in Matte, Gloss and Metallic.

Photographic Print Papers Available:
Matte, Gloss and Metallic

Photographic Print Sizes. Prices Per Print In Australian Dollars:

8" x 12" (20cm x 30cm)
$44.00 Matte
$44.75 Gloss
$48.25 Metallic

12" x 18" (30cm x 45cm)
$69.50 Matte
$70.25 Gloss
$74.25 Metallic

16" x 24" (40cm x 60cm)
$97.31 Matte
$98.06 Gloss
$105.96 Metallic

Payment Options Available:
Bank Deposit, Cheque, Money Order, PayPal

Information:
Bulk pricing can be arranged - please inquire.
Postage, packaging and handling is calculated when placing an order.
All payments to be made in Australian Dollars.
All prices quoted are Australian Dollars.

Contact details:
Darren Stones Visual Communications
Journalist - Photographer - Writer
42 Melbourne Avenue
Glenroy, Victoria, Australia 3046
Email: darrengstones@gmail.com
Phone: + 61 03 9306 0100
Mobile: + 61 0419 200 469

Product ideas:

Images can be used for various products as part of your business requirements:

  • advertising campaigns
  • advertorials
  • annual reports
  • audio-visuals
  • books
  • brochures
  • business cards
  • business promotion
  • calendars
  • cards
  • catalogues
  • CD & DVD covers
  • company journals
  • company promotion
  • diaries
  • education kits
  • flyers
  • greeting cards
  • industry promotion
  • journals
  • labels
  • magazines
  • magnetised calendars
  • multi-media presentations
  • newspapers
  • product packaging
  • postcards
  • posters
  • sales campaigns
  • signs
  • slide shows
  • t-shirts
  • trade shows
  • websites

Contact Details

Darren Stones Visual Communications
Journalist - Photographer - Writer
42 Melbourne Avenue
Glenroy, Victoria, Australia 3046
Mobile: +61 0419 200 469
AH: +61 03 9306 0100
E-Mail: darrengstones@gmail.com
http://dgstonesphotography.blogspot.com/
ABN: 55 060 289 635

Professional Qualifications

Darren Stones' Professional Qualifications:


Professional Freelance Journalism – Cengage Education. Simon Townsend, Tutor.
Freelance Photography – Cengage Education. David Karonidis, Tutor.
Freelance Travel Writing & Photography – Cengage Education. Robin Copeland, Tutor.
Certificate IV Small Business Management - Kangan Institute BEC.
Psychology 1 (short course) - Kangan Institute.
Diploma of Editing (Publishing) - Australian College QED (soon).

Photographers

Darren Stones - Freelance Photojournalist
Darren Stones - Print sales site

Accommodation In Australia

Darren has stayed at these accommodation establishments.

Victoria
Aireys Inlet - Lightkeepers Inn Motel
Apollo Bay - Best Western Motel
Ararat - Colonial Lodge Motel
Beechworth - Beechworth Motor Inn
Bright - High Country Motor Inn
Corryong - Corryong Country Inn
Echuca - Pevensey Motor Lodge
Lakes Entrance - Bamboo Motor Inn
Lakes Entrance - Sand Bar Motel
Lorne - Sandridge Motel
Mildura - Mildura Motor Inn
Omeo - Omeo Motel
Port Campbell - Loch Ard Motor Inn
Port Campbell - Southern Ocean Motor Inn
Stawell - HiWay 8 Motor Inn Motel

New South Wales

Albury - Best Western Meramie Motor Inn
Batemans Bay - Bayside Motel
Batemans Bay - Clyde River Motor Inn
Bega - Princes Motel
Bermagui - Harbourview Motel
Bermagui - Bermagui Beach Hotel
Bourke - Major Mitchell Motel
Cobar - Town and Country Motor Inn
Cobar - Cobar Motor Inn
Cobram - Sportsmans Motor Inn
Coffs Harbour - Parkside Motor Inn
Cooma - Sovereign Inn
Corowa - Arcadia Motor Inn
Deniliquin - Centrepoint Motel
Dubbo - Palms Motor Inn
Glen Innes - The Rest Point Motor Inn
Grafton - Comfort Inn Fitzroy
Grenfell - Grenfell Motel
Hay - Nicholas Royal Motel
Lightning Ridge - Black Opal Motel
Jindabyne - Alpine Gables
Merimbula - Albacore Resort
Merimbula - Anchor Bell Apartments
Merimbula - Comfort Inn Merimbula
Merimbula - Pelican Motor Inn
Merimbula - Sapphire Waters Motor Inn
Narrandera - Midtown Motor Inn
Narooma - Holiday Lodge Motor Inn
Parkes - Country Comfort
Port Macquarie - HW Boutique Motel
South West Rocks - Rockpool Motor Inn
Tathra - Tathra Hotel/Motel
The Entrance - Ocean Front Motel
Wagga Wagga - Garden City Motor Inn

Queensland
Hervey Bay - Delfinos Resort
Hervey Bay - Great Sandy Straits Marina Resort
Mooloolaba - Seaview Resort

Tasmania

Bridport - Barnbougle Dunes
Hobart - Cascade Hotel
Hobart - Macquarie Manor
Launceston - City Park Grand
Port Arthur - Comfort Inn Port Arthur

South Australia
Victor Harbor - Victor City Motel

Australian Capital Territory
Canberra - Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Darren Stones Stock Photography

Photographs displayed in my library at Flickr are available for license. Images can be supplied on CD, DVD or via Email. License packages are tailored to suit your needs.

Please click on the following link, or the Darren Stones Stock Photography icon to view the entire range of images available for licensing:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photojour/collections/72157604093973523/


License types and prices:
$60.00 - 1 year web license
$120.00 - Unlimited web license
$90.00 - 1 year print license
$180.00 - Unlimited period print license

Contact details:
Darren Stones
Freelance Journalist & Photographer
42 Melbourne Avenue
Glenroy, Victoria, Australia 3046
Mobile: +61 (0)419 200 469
AH: +61 (3) 9306 0100
E-Mail: Click here dgstonesphotojour [at] yahoo.com.au
http://dgstonesphotography.blogspot.com/


  • advertising campaigns
  • advertorials
  • annual reports
  • audio-visuals
  • books
  • brochures
  • business cards
  • business promotion
  • calendars
  • cards
  • catalogues
  • CD & DVD covers
  • company journals
  • company promotion
  • diaries
  • education kits
  • flyers
  • greeting cards
  • industry promotion
  • journals
  • labels
  • magazines
  • magnetised calendars
  • multi-media presentations
  • newspapers
  • product packaging
  • postcards
  • posters
  • sales campaigns
  • slideshows
  • t-shirts
  • trade shows
  • websites

Darren Stones's Australian Travel Videos

By Darren Stones

These videos have been produced by me to show what Australia has to offer. Many of these images are available to purchase as products in my gallery at RedBubble.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/dgstones





Great Ocean Road


The Great Ocean Road is located on the south-west coast of Victoria, Australia. Famous for the Twelve Apostles.


Sapphire Coast

The Sapphire Coast is located on the far south coast of New South Wales, Australia. Towns include: Eden, Pambula, Merimbula, Tathra, Bega, and Bermagui. Famous for Bega Cheese and the home of Australian entertainer and actor, Frankie J Holden.




Bermagui Seaside Fair

The Bermagui Seaside Fair is an annual event held in the far south coast village of Bermagui, New South Wales, Australia. Provides a great opportunity to chuck a tuna.




Healesville Sanctuary

The Healesville Sanctuary is located in Healesville, about one hour from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. A place where dingoes howl and boomerangs are thrown.



Cobar

Cobar is a mining town located in the outback of New South Wales, Australia. Cobar’s Grand Hotel is the home of the Worlds Largest Beer Can. Officially recognised by the ‘Guinness Book of Records’.

Darren Stones's Photography & Writing Achievements

2009 Picture Australia 'Outstanding Contributor' award winner for April 2009

Chosen by Peter Cobcroft, Picture Australia, as the 'Outstanding Contributor' for April 2009. Second time winner of this award.

Picture Australia News:
http://www.pictureaustralia.org/news/index.html

Picture Australia April Flickr Report 2009:
http://www.pictureaustralia.org/documents/FlickrMay09.pdf

2009 Australian Traveller magazine April/May issue

Beechworth photograph published in Australian Traveller magazine by Editor, Greg Barton, for the 100 Best Towns In Australia feature story.




2009 RedBubble Daily Wrap Edition 194

RedBubble Daily Wrap Edition 194
Published article:
Inspiration – what is it?

2009 RedBubble Community Ambassador

15/1/2009 – Appointed as a RedBubble Community Ambassador in recognition for community service and contributions to RedBubble.

The road to my RedBubble Red Dot

2009 RedBubble Daily Wrap Edition 187

RedBubble Daily Wrap Edition 187
Published article:
The bare essentials of Australian travel photography according to Anne O’Connor


2009 Picture Australia ‘Outstanding Contributor’ award winner for December 2008

Chosen by Ian Smith, Picture Australia Administrator, National Library of Australia, as the Picture Australia ‘Outstanding Contributor’ award winner for December 2008.

Picture Australia – News

My association with Picture Australia is via my Flickr photographic submissions to the Picture Australia: Ourtown group, and the Picture Australia: People, places and events group.


2009 RedBubble Daily Wrap Edition 186

RedBubble Daily Wrap Edition 186
Published article:
Digital camera sensor cleaning and those rascally rabbits

2008 Australian Travel Photography and Writing group

Founder of the Australian Travel Photography and Writing group at RedBubble. Group launch 28/12/08.

Australian Travel Photography and Writing

2008 RedBubble Daily Wrap Edition 185

RedBubble’s success in Grenfell Australia article published by RedBubble on December 27, 2008 for the RedBubble Daily Wrap. RedBubble administration requested a contribution for their 2008 Community Year Book.

RedBubble Daily Wrap Edition 185
RedBubble Daily Wrap Edition 185 – PDF
RedBubble’s success in Grenfell Australia
RedBubble’s success in Grenfell Australia – PDF

2008 Australian Photographers Alliance fund raising initiative for charity

Founder of the Australian Photographers Alliance - March 2008.

Photography contributor to the Australian Photographers Alliance 2009 Drought Relief Calendar.

Responsible for the Australian Photographers Alliance’s administration, co-ordination, funds management, promotional copywriting, publicity, marketing, video production, and raising funds for Australian charity Aussie Helpers.

Details can be found here.

2008 Brisbane Seniors, Sunshine Coast Seniors and Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors newspapers

Commissioned to photograph pensioner activist, Shirley Grant of Glenroy VIC, for the front page of the Brisbane Seniors, Sunshine Coast Seniors and Gold Coast/Tweed Seniors newspapers.
Link to photograph of Shirley Grant

2008 Sept/Oct issue Camera magazine

Photograph of the former Bank of Victoria at Beechworth, Victoria, Australia published in the Sept/Oct '08 issue of Australian Camera magazine.



Beechworth Pictures, Images and Photos


2008 Australian Photographic Society 33rd National Exhibition

Dog Rocks was awarded a Certificate of Merit in the Open Electronic section of the 33rd APS National Exhibition of Photography 2008.

2008 Australian Digital Photography Awards

Dog Rocks was awarded a Highly Commended in the Open Section of the 2008 Australian Digital Photography Awards. Link to certificate.
2008 Australian Digital Awards Catalogue – PDF

2008 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Bronze Statuette Winner

Awarded the bronze statuette for 'Best Photograph of the Exhibition' at the 2008 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts photography competition for Dog Rocks.

Winner of the Open Colour Section at the 2008 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts photography competition for Dog Rocks.

Photography statuette to Victoria – PDF

2008 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Photography Results – PDF




Darren Stones holding the Bronze Statuette

Dog Rocks



2008 Melbourne Museum - The Melbourne Story



Melbourne



The Melbourne Museum, in conjunction with ENESS, have sought and been granted a 10 year license to exhibit my 'Melbourne' photograph. The image will be displayed as part of the permanent interactive display The Melbourne Story in the Australia Gallery at the Melbourne Museum commencing March 20, 2008. The image may also appear in other associated forms such as website usage, education kits, marketing, publicity and catalogues.

2007 Australian Digital POTD - Members Choice

My photograph titled 'Dog Rocks' was voted by my peers as the Momento Members choice for October 2007. Winning announcement can be found here in the forum at Australian Digital POTD.

2007 RedBubble - Trees Group award

My photograph titled 'Dog Rocks' was voted by my RedBubble Trees group peers as the avatar to represent the group. There were approximately 270 images entered into the competition.

Photo Of the Day Awards

I have been awarded numerous Australian Digital Photo Of The Day awards. Those images can be viewed online at; Australian Digital Photo Of The Day.

2007 Australian Digital Photography Awards

The inaugural Australian Digital Photography Awards were conducted in 2007 by the Australian Photographic Society. I was successful in having three photographs accepted for exhibition.



Beaumaris - Open section

Twelve Apostles - Open section

Scrap - Altered Reality section


2007 June/July - Australian Traveller magazine

Breaching humpback whale photograph published in Australian Traveller magazine.
48 Hours In Hervey Bay - PDF

2006 July The Age

Published online in The Age - July 2006
Link > Protest against Southbank's no photography rule


2002 Kit Goninon Memorial Award

Australian Photographic Society Print Division
Award: Merit Certificate - Kerferd Road Pier

2001 Whittlesea Agricultural Show

Award: Reserve Champion – Kerferd Road Pier
Award: Highly Commended – Pier Lights

2000 Royal Melbourne Show

Award: Acceptance - The Message

Publication Achievements

Articles published in various media.


Australian Traveller June/July 2007
48 Hours In Hervey Bay



RedBubble RBNews
Photographer beats leukaemia, now bubbling along


Darren Stones Guestbook

Guests are most welcome to ask questions, leave feedback and say g'day.

Thank you for stopping by to view my site.

Australian Tourism Sites

Australia

Australia.com

Victoria

Visit Victoria
Tourism Victoria
That's Melbourne
Great Ocean Road
Visit Mornington Peninsula
East Gippsland Visitor Information
Gippsland Tourism

New South Wales

Visit New South Wales
Tourism New South Wales
Sapphire Coast
Eurobodalla Nature Coast
South Coast
Shoalhaven
Illawarra Tourism
Coffs Coast

Queensland

Queensland Holidays
Tourism Queensland
Gold Coast Tourism
Sunshine Coast Tourism
Fraser Coast

Tasmania

Discover Tasmania

South Australia

Tourism South Australia

Australian Capital Territory

ACT Tourism Information
Visit Canberra

Photography Forums

Photography Forums

Australian Digital POTD
Fred Miranda
Canon Digital Photography
Digital Photography Review
PHOTOSIG
EOS Magazine Forums
Phototakers
Luminous Landscape
Digital Grin
Pro Photo Home
PopPhoto.com
DSLRUsers.com
Ausphotography

Darren's Indulgence

Madonna - Beautiful Stranger (Austin Powers)


Jimmy Barnes - Working Class Man


Jimmy Barnes - Driving Wheels


Diesel (Mark Lizotte) - Tip Of My Tongue


U2 - Beautiful Day


U2 - One


Green Day - Boulevarde of Broken Dreams

Photojournalism Sites

About.com - Photojournalism
Amazon.com - Photojournalism
The Digital Journalist
What is a Photojournalist by Mark Hancock
Wikipedia - Photojournalism
Darren Stones - Photojournalism
American Journalism Review

Australian Parks

Victoria

Parks Victoria

New South Wales

New South Wales National Parks

Tasmania

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Queensland

Queensland Parks and Forests

South Australia

South Australia Parks

Western Australia

Western Australia Nature Base

Northern Territory

Northern Territory Parks

Kakadu National Park

Uluru - Kata Tjuta

Airlines In Australia

Airlines In Australia

Jetstar

Qantas

Regional Express

Virgin

Equipment List

By Darren Stones

List of equipment owned and used by Darren Stones as at 26 September 2009

Canon 20D DSLR
Canon 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 lens
Canon 17-40mm f/4 L lens
Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens
Canon 70-200mm f/4 L lens
Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens
Canon 400mm f/5.6 L lens
Canon 1.4 extender
Canon BG-E2 Battery Grip
Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash
Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch
Canon DSLR Hand Strap
Manfrotto 190 PROB Tripod
Manfrotto 681B Monopod
Manfrotto 484RC2 Ball Head
Manfrotto 234RC Tilt Head
Lee ND Gradual Filters .3NDGS, .6NDGS, .9NDGS, .3NDGH, .6NDGH, .9NDGH
B+W 67mm Polariser Filter
B+W 77mm Polariser Filter
B+W 58mm UV Filter
B+W 67mm UV Filter
B+W 77mm UV Filter
B+W 77mm 4X Neutral Density Filter
B+W 77mm 64X Neutral Density Filter
Epson P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer
Canon Powershot A95 Digital Camera
Lowepro Mini Trekker Camera Backpack
Olympus DS-2200 Digital Voice Recorder
Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0
Adobe Acrobat 9 Professional

A stone's throw away

By Darren Stones

The A stone's throw away column is about my travels and features personal experience writings and my own photography. I cordially invite newspaper and magazine editors, and other interested parties to contact me if interested in seeking my professional services for this column.

Easter Sunday around the Macedon Ranges

Lakes Entrance - a foodies delight, but forget about the sex

Merimbula RSL bistro – budget meals and rich view

Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk - Illawarra’s bird’s-eye view

Tempting Torquay

Lorne is for lovers

Photography advice and tips

By Darren Stones

A series of articles dedicated to photography advice and tips. I cordially invite newspaper and magazine editors, and other interested parties to contact me if interested in seeking my professional services for this column.

Digital camera sensor cleaning and those rascally rabbits

What is a good travel photograph?

5 tips for taking better travel photographs

5 tips for photographing Anzac Day

Bad weather can make for good travel photography