Improving Your Image Through Visual Communications



Journalist - Photographer - Writer

Monday 26 December 2011

Christmas Day flash flooding brings out hoons

By Darren Stones

Local family celebrations came to a sudden halt when a severe thunderstorm storm caused flash flooding in Mikado Street Glenroy on Christmas Day.

A male driving a four-wheel drive sped through the flood water and was heard yelling out to onlookers who were concerned that the wave action could cause water to enter their yards and cause damage.


Heavy rain caused Mikado Street to resemble a river and male drivers took their chances by driving through the water as local residents looked on.


A driver of a red hatchback sped up to enter the flood water and his car stalled in the water. He was able to re-start the car after a few minutes and reversed out of the water. Local residents looked on in amazement and commented on the stupidity of his actions.




Local resident Gordon Stones said it was the third time he has seen flash flooding in Mikado Street Glenroy since 1968.


The street drainage system could not cope with the deluge and the water covered the road, nature strips and footpaths.





Photos: Darren Stones

Thursday 15 December 2011

Cann River Church, Victoria, Australia

Travel Photography - Architecture

By Darren Stones

I have had the pleasure to travel the Princes Highway between Melbourne and Merimbula on numerous occasions since 1987 and have regularly stopped at Cann River for a coffee break. The St John Anglican and Uniting Church at Cann River, Victoria, Australia is an attractive sight during autumn, with a magnificent array of colours on full display. The church is located in the main shopping area and pretty much stands out in a photographic sense as a subject to photograph.

Autumn is probably my favourite season of the year for photography as it presents brilliant landscape photography opportunities no matter what the weather conditions. If it's sunny, wider shots of the landscape are suggested. If it's cloudy, I prefer to get under the canopy of trees and focus on the trunks, branches and leaves - particularly if it is wet.

I photographed the church as I was returning from a longish trip via Bright and Canberra where the full pallette of autumn colours was on display. A magnificent trip, and most fruitful in regards to making a large collection of autumn imagery.

This photograph of the Cann River Church is available for sale in a variety of quality print products. Purchasing is easy via the internet, and each product comes with a money back guarantee. If you are looking for a quality framed print to decorate a feature wall in a living area in your home, or a wall in your office, you will find framing, matting and size options to suit your budget.
Cann River Church by Darren Stones


Product range:
  • Postcard
  • Greeting Card
  • Photographic Print
  • Matted Print
  • Laminated Print
  • Mounted Print
  • Canvas Print
  • Framed Print
  • Poster

You are invited to view my portfolio of Australian images and writing at RedBubble.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/dgstones

Framed Print

Greeting Card

Sunday 11 December 2011

Who wants to go on a Holiday ... Holiday ... Holiday? Me, me, me, me

By Darren Stones

Every so often I get the opportunity to get away for a while to take care of my wellbeing and where photography is not the major reason for travelling.

Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia IMG_4939_Lakes_Entrance
Overlooking the North Arm and township of Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

Recently we visited Lakes Entrance for four nights as a result of having a winning bid on a short stay package through Travel Auctions. I bid on a package at the Glenara Motel, which provides basic accommodation for an affordable price right in the heart of town and directly across the road from the town's fishing fleet.

Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia IMG_4498_Lakes_Entrance
Fishing boats moored at the Cunninghame Arm, Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

I bid $165.00 for three nights, but an option of the package was that if we commenced our stay on a Monday we could receive a fourth night free. So, we did that and that meant we paid $41.25 per night - a bargain!

North Arm, Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia IMG_4940_Lakes_Entrance
Overlooking the North Arm and township at Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

We enjoyed some new sights and the highlight of our trip was a cruise on the Thunderbird, which took us out on the Gippsland lakes for 2.5 hours. The cruise left the jetty at Lakes Entrance and travelled as far as Paynesville via Metung. Lots of beautiful scenery, birdlife, plus cruising past yachts and those wetting a line.

Pelican at Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia IMG_4938_Lakes_Entrance
A pelican at the North Arm, Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

We dined at the Lakes Entrance RSL one night, the Lakes Entrance Bowling Club twice, and the Pinnochio Inn Italian restaurant once. The bowling club was the pick of the venues, however we enjoyed the Italian restaurant as it was a bit of a change for us as we usually dine at clubs and hotels.

Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia IMG_4483_Lakes_Entrance
Overlooking the Cunninghame Arm and township at Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

On the Thursday we walked over the footbridge and along the surf beach to the entrance and return. About a 6-kilometre walk, which took us four hours as we were taking photos along the way and doing some sightseeing.

Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia IMG_4661_Lakes_Entrance
The wall of the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes at Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

I came back from the trip with some good memories and a new collection of images. A good trip was had.

Cunninghame Arm, Lakes Entrance, Victoria, australia IMG_4566_Lakes_Entrance
The Cunninghame Arm at Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

Information:

Travel Auctions
http://www.travelauctions.com.au/

Glenara Motel
http://rslglenaramotel.budgetmotelchain.com.au/

Peels Thunderbird Cruise
http://www.lakesentrance.com/cruises/peels-thunderbird-cruise.html

Friday 9 December 2011

Australian travel photography features prominently at Redbubble

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

Since March 2007, I have displayed my large portfolio of Australian travel photography and writing at Redbubble. One of the things I really enjoy about Redbubble is the opportunity to participate in the mini communities such as themed groups, which are managed by volunteer group hosts.

Themed groups
Australian themed groups are of particular interest to me given my passion for Australian travel photography and writing. Since joining the site, I have had hundreds of travel photographs featured in various groups and have been fortunate to win numerous group competitions.

Develop your skills
If you are interested in further developing your photography skills by viewing high quality images and interacting with like-minded people, check my Redbubble profile for the links to each group I am a member of.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/dgstones

Featured travel photography
Here's a selection of my Australian travel photographs that have been featured in groups at Redbubble between November 15-December 9, 2011.








Perry Sandhills, Wentworth, New South Wales, Australia

Travel Photography - Landscape

By Darren Stones

Photographing outback areas can be a real challenge due to the extremes of weather and Perry Sandhills is no exception - particularly if it is hot and windy. And when travelling through an area where your time is limited, you really do have to make the most of the opportunities you have.

I photographed this section of the Perry Sandhills at Wentworth in New South Wales during the cooler months whilst touring the Murray River region. Being a photographer who prefers to shoot landscapes during the afternoon, the weather was quite pleasant on this particular day. The green grass caught my eye in amongst the sandhills and I thought this was just begging to be photographed.

Located in outback New South Wales, the sandhills originated after an ice age 40,000 years ago and have been formed by wind erosion over thousands of years.

This photograph of the Perry Sandhills is available for sale in a variety of quality print products. Purchasing is easy via the internet, and each product comes with a money back guarantee. If you are looking for a quality framed print to decorate a feature wall in a living area in your home, or a wall in your office, you will find framing, matting and size options to suit your budget.
Perry Sandhills by Darren Stones


Product range:
  • Postcard
  • Greeting Card
  • Photographic Print
  • Matted Print
  • Laminated Print
  • Mounted Print
  • Canvas Print
  • Framed Print
  • Poster

You are invited to view my portfolio of Australian images and writing at RedBubble.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/dgstones

Framed Print

Greeting Card

Sunday 4 December 2011

Pelican at Lakes Entrance

Travel Photography - Wildlife

By Darren Stones

Photographing pelicans is always fun, but when you get the opportunity get up close to one in their natural habitat, the experience rises to a whole new level.

I photographed this pelican on the North Arm at Lakes Entrance in Victoria, and I have to admit it was a buzz to be able to get this close. It was getting late in the day, and the light was just perfect for this shot as the detail is amazing.

Each afternoon at Pebbly Beach, the kangaroos emerge from the forest and come down to the grassy mounds adjacent the beach. Fascinating to watch them, and a real thrill to get up close with one.

This photograph of the Pelican at Lakes Entrance is available for sale in a variety of quality print products. Purchasing is easy via the internet, and each product comes with a money back guarantee. If you're looking for a quality framed print to decorate a feature wall in a living area in your home, or a wall in your office, you'll find framing, matting and size options to suit your budget.
Pelican at Lakes Entrance by Darren Stones


Product range:
  • Postcard
  • Greeting Card
  • Photographic Print
  • Matted Print
  • Laminated Print
  • Mounted Print
  • Canvas Print
  • Framed Print
  • Poster

You are invited to view my portfolio of Australian images and writing at RedBubble.
http://www.redbubble.com/people/dgstones

Framed Print

Greeting Card

Saturday 3 December 2011

Published photography in the Australia Photo Atlas by Hema

By Darren Stones

Hema Maps are publishers of high quality maps and travel guidebooks and their new Australia Photo Atlas guidebook is a new addition to their fine collection of publications.

I've had the pleasure to have my Red Bluff photograph selected by Hema for publication in the Australia Photo Atlas, and it is featured on page Map 54.

Hema are good supporters of my photography, having previously published four of my Australian travel photographs in their Victoria The High Country Atlas and Guide.

My thanks to Hema Maps for their continued support of my Australian travel photography.


Australia Photo Atlas by Hema

Red Bluff, Black Rock, Victoria, Australia IMG_0816_Red_Bluff
Red Bluff, Black Rock, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Photo: Darren Stones

Friday 18 November 2011

Special offer on The Great Ocean Road 2012 Calendar

Calendars are a great gift idea, and with Christmas coming up, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this special offer.

Purchase three Great Ocean Road 2012 calendars for a total of $33.00 and you will receive FREE shipping anywhere in Australia.

2012 - Wall Calendar - The Great Ocean Road
  • Traditional stapled wall calendar
  • Size: A3 (297 x 420) per page open size - A4 (210 x 297) per page closed size
  • Printed on 200gsm Satin Paper
  • Full colour
  • Stapled on spine, one hole drilled for hanging
  • Australian State and Territory Public Holidays and School Terms
  • Year planner
  • R.R.P. $12.99 each Inc GST
  • Three calendars cost $33.00 - FREE shipping to anywhere in Australia 
  • Australian Made

Sales information
To place your order, contact Darren Stones via email darrengstones@gmail.com
When placing your order, please state the item/s you require and the quantity
Payment via Bank Transfer, Cheque, or Money Order
All prices in Australian Dollars

Australian Postage
1 item $6.00
Any 2 items $3.00
Any 3 or more items FREE


Front Cover


Back Cover


July


July Close-up

Successfully completed the Mental Health First Aid Course

By Darren Stones

During October 2011, I undertook and successfully completed the Mental Health First Aid Course under the instruction of Master Instructor Joe Zammit of the Norwood Association. I have learnt new skills in how to deliver Mental Health First Aid to a person until professional treatment is sought and received, or until the crisis is resolved.

The 12-hour course taught me how to identify symptoms, causes and risk factors, and how to identify and respond to a person who may be suicidal, experiencing a panic attack or acute psychosis. I also learnt how to assist adults who are experiencing symptoms, causes and risk factors related to depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance abuse.

The course also taught me how to preserve health by minimising the risk of suicide and self harm, recognise different mental health disorders, explore treatment and resources for common disorders, improve my mental health literacy and help reduce stigma, and apply mental health first aid in acute situations.

As someone who has experienced depression and anxiety, undertaking and completing this course provided a great opportunity to reflect on my own experiences. I feel proud to have achieved this qualification, and given my increasing knowledge in this area due to research, learning and networking, I feel well placed to assist a person in need.

The Mental Health First Aid Course is an award winning course, which was developed in 2001 by Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm, with the objective to improve the mental health knowledge of members of the community.

For further information, check the Mental Health First Aid website. There you will find detailed information about the various courses offered and locations of where they are delivered throughout Australia. http://www.mhfa.com.au/

If you are in Melbourne and would like to do the course, consider booking it with the Norwood Association where you will be in the capable hands of Joe Zammit. http://www.norwoodservices.org.au/

Sunday 13 November 2011

The allure of Anglesea

Travel Photography - Photo Walk

By Darren Stones

The twisting coastline along the Great Ocean Road is an alluring environment for travel photographers wanting to connect with the characteristics of nature. A visit to this region allows the photographer the opportunity to become immersed in the relaxed seaside atmosphere, and to see that magical light during the afternoon golden hour. For the photographer who prefers to pace themself at a slower speed during their travels, this can be a rewarding experience both spiritually and photographically.

Anglesea, Victoria, Australia IMG_3167_Anglesea

In the Surf Coast resort town of Anglesea, travel photographers can access photogenic points of the landscape that are within easy walking distance from where the Anglesea River meets the ocean. With each step the photographer creates a new connection with the landscape, and a new perspective presents itself for interpretation.

Anglesea, Victoria, Australia IMG_3178_Anglesea

Sometimes we can get overwhelmed by the pace of life and there is a tendency to not see what we are looking at. By leaving home for a while, we do allow ourselves the scope to connect with nature and the landscape. We can begin to feel at ease and sense our photographic creativity emerging.

Anglesea, Victoria, Australia IMG_3187_Anglesea

For a travel photographer, connecting with the landscape can be a spiritual experience and it can help lead to making photographs that are pleasing to the eye. By closing your eyes, listening to the sounds, and feeling the earth through your feet, you can become more aware of what is happening around you.

Anglesea, Victoria, Australia IMG_3180_Anglesea

In this fast-paced age, I think we can become consumed by information overload, and it is best to allow ourselves the basic pleasure of putting ourselves amongst nature.

Anglesea, Victoria, Australia IMG_3183_Anglesea

Recently, I visited Anglesea as part of a self-planned photographic trip, and I found myself better connecting with the landscape of the town. In years gone by, I had travelled through here without taking reasonable time to familiarise myself with the nuances and terrain. Having parked the car, I set out to explore the details and shapes. I soon discovered the curve of the river waterline, the grasses blowing in the breeze, the clouds dancing across the sky, and tree branches growing at angles.

Anglesea, Victoria, Australia IMG_3199_Anglesea

As the afternoon light highlighted the shapes of the landscape, my sense of belonging became more tangible. I felt worthy of being there and it was a privilege to photograph such scenery. The sun was getting closer to the horizon and I knew my photographic time on that day was almost complete. But it wasn't, because I continued to explore and found the light of dusk just as enjoyable. I discovered another perspective and believe it was due to being in a relaxed state of mind.


View Larger Map

Friday 11 November 2011

The Great Ocean Road 2012 Calendar

Calendars are a great gift idea, and with Christmas coming up, now is the perfect time to buy one or more for your family and friends.

The Great Ocean Road 2012 Calendar is a new product in the range that has plenty of room for writing appointments and birthdays.

2012 - Wall Calendar - The Great Ocean Road
  • Traditional stapled wall calendar
  • Size: A3 (297 x 420) per page open size - A4 (210 x 297) per page closed size
  • Printed on 200gsm Satin Paper
  • Full colour
  • Stapled on spine, one hole drilled for hanging
  • Australian State and Territory Public Holidays and School Terms
  • Year planner
  • R.R.P. $12.99 Inc GST
  • Australian Made

Sales information
To place your order, contact Darren Stones via email darrengstones@gmail.com
When placing your order, please state the item/s you require and the quantity
Payment via Bank Transfer, Cheque, or Money Order
All prices in Australian Dollars

Australian Postage
1 item $6.00
Any 2 items $3.00
Any 3 or more items FREE


Front Cover


Back Cover


July


July Close-up