Improving Your Image Through Visual Communications



Journalist - Photographer - Writer

Monday 26 September 2011

Rocky Point, Torquay, Victoria, Australia

Travel Photography - Landscape

By Darren Stones

Rocky Point at Torquay is one of those places that looks great when the sky is blue, but takes on a menacing appearance when the storm clouds roll in.

Located on the spectacular Surf Coast in Victoria, Rocky Point served up a beaut photographic challenge on this day for myself. With showery weather creating some difficulties, and people scurrying about, it sure was a test of one’s patience.

Great fun can be had whilst undertaking travel photography, and even more so when conditions are not idyllic. Was a great way to end the day … wind, rain, and wet shoes and pants.

This photograph of Rocky Point at Torquay 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.

Rocky Point at Torquay by Darren Stones


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

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The Lucky-For-Some 10% OFF SALE

It is time to update your website and marketing materials

Every so often it is worth reviewing the images used as part of promotion and marketing activities.
Travel and tourism-style images can freshen-up your website and are ideal for use in print advertising material such as brochures, flyers, and booklets.

From now until September 30, 2011, I’m having a Lucky-For-Some 10% OFF SALE. This offer is specifically for stock photographs which I license to people like you for your various business projects.

The full range of stock photography available can be viewed online.
Darren Stones Stock Photography

 Photographs can be used for:
  • Websites
  • Brochures
  • Leaflets
  • Advertisements
  • Booklets
  • Guidebooks
  • Calendars
  • Magazines
  • And much more
Pricing:
$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
Download and print the PDF price list: Price List - Stock Photography
The 10% discount will be applied to the above pricing.

Contact me now to discuss your needs and for assistance to locate a specific type of image.

Email: darrengstones@gmail.com
Phone: 03 9306 0100
Mobile: 0419 200 469

Point Lonsdale, Victoria, Australia IMG_5230_Point_Lonsdale
Point Lonsdale
Photo: Darren Stones

Stand Up Paddle Surfing at Torquay, Victoria, Australia

Travel Photography - People

By Darren Stones

Stand Up Paddle Surfing is a sport which is something new to me. Whilst on a photographic working trip to Torquay in Victoria, I spotted this guy doing his thing off Point Danger. It was a breezy morning with clear conditions and surfers were out in force, too.

What struck me about this scene was that it's a fairly rare sight on the Surf Coast, so as any travel photographer would do, you start photographing things that are different and eye-catching. I like how the angle of light during the morning "Golden Hour" is highlighting his face, board and the wave behind him. A memorable morning.

This photograph of Stand Up Paddle Surfing at Torquay 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.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing at Torquay by Darren Stones


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

Framed Print

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Sunday 25 September 2011

Zeally Bay at Torquay, Victoria, Australia

Travel Photography - Landscape

By Darren Stones

When viewing this image, I am reminded of how beautiful a place Torquay is. On the day I took this shot, the weather was constantly changing. Not long before I took this, there was hail.

Travel photography sure does present its challenges and I like how one minute I can be photographing scenes where the sky is clear, and the next minute seeing fantastic clouds which enhance a landscape scene.

Located on the spectacular Surf Coast, Zeally Bay is a protected beach popular with families. Safe for swimming and ideal for playing beach cricket.

This photograph of Zeally Bay at Torquay 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.

Zeally Bay at Torquay by Darren Stones


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

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Evening Glow at Narrandera, New South Wales, Australia

Travel Photography - Landscape

By Darren Stones

Travelling along the Newell Highway in New South Wales during the late afternoon can be a great experience - particularly when the sun is setting. Whilst driving towards Narrandera where we were going to spend the night, I was busily looking for a travel photography subject to take advantage of this gorgeous light.

Windmills are so Australian. They really are an iconic symbol of life in rural Australia, and when the lighting conditions come together, it can make for a unique travel photograph.

This photograph of the Evening Glow at Narrandera 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.

Evening Glow - Narrandera by Darren Stones


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

Framed Print

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Friday 23 September 2011

13th Beach, Barwon Heads, Victoria, Australia

Travel Photography - Landscape

By Darren Stones

13th Beach at Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula is a spectacular place during sunset. It's often spoken about amongst photographers that when the sun is setting, it's wise to turn your back to see what's happening behind you.

Access to 13th Beach is via steep timber steps from a car park adjacent the Barwon Heads Golf Course along the Barwon Heads-Torquay Road.

This photograph of 13th Beach at Barwon Heads 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.

13th Beach at Barwon Heads by Darren Stones


Product range:
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  • Laminated Print
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  • 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

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Sunday 18 September 2011

Surf Coast - Victoria

Travel Photography - Calendar

By Darren Stones

The Surf Coast is an awesome place for travel photography, and to be able to present a collection of 13 images in a calendar format provides the perfect way to features scenes which can be enjoyed for 12 months.

Torquay is the buzzing hub of the Surf Coast, and the action draws photographers from afar to see the thrills and spills. From cliff top lookouts, to the stunning colours of ochre-coloured cliffs, the Surf Coast is one of the most popular travel photography attractions in Victoria.
Surf Coast - Victoria calendar by Darren Stones


Calendar information
A stunning display of images and a useful way to remember a birthday, this Surf Coast - Victoria calendar is a superb gift idea. Pick up one or more of this calendar by purchasing via the internet. This product comes with a money back guarantee.
  • Tough wire binding and hanger
  • Stunningly sharp digital printing
  • Start the year with the month of your choice
  • 200gsm satin art paper with a tougher cover
  • Dimensions are A3 (297 x 420mm / 11.7” x 16.5”)


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

Kangaroo at Pebbly Beach

Travel Photography - Wildlife

By Darren Stones

Photographing kangaroos is always fun, but when you get the opportunity get up close to one near the ocean in a national park, the experience rises to a whole new level.

I photographed this Eastern Grey Kangaroo in the Murramarang National Park in New South Wales, and I have to admit it was a huge thrill. Given it was getting late in the day, I had to fire some fill flash to this scene so as to lighten up the front of the roo against the sublime backdrop of the ocean.

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 an Eastern Grey Kangaroo at Pebbly Beach 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.
Kangaroo by Darren Stones


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

Framed Print

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Point Danger to Rocky Point at Torquay

Travel Photography - Photo Walk

By Darren Stones

In Victoria, one of my favourite locations to enjoy a travel photography walk is the area on the Surf coast between Point Danger and Rocky Point at Torquay. Three hours along this stretch of Great Ocean Road coastline is a great way to relax and unwind, whilst also being able to let the creative juices flow.

Point Danger Lookout, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_0007_Torquay
Lookout at Point Danger

Torquay can toss up some interesting weather conditions, and it really does make for great photographic opportunities. I usually park my car in the car park at Point Danger and begin to soak in that coastal ambience ... the smell of the sea, the rolling waves, the gentle breeze, and the surrounding photogenic vista.

Main Beach, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_0017_Torquay
Main Beach at Torquay

On a sunny day, the ocean is the bluest of blues, and the striking contrast from the ochre-coloured hue of the cliff faces and rounded rocks causes any photographer to get a little itchy in the trigger finger. With waves washing up and creating patterns along the shoreline, the wet sand adds a curving leading line into the distance.

Main Beach, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_0048_Torquay
Rock stack on Main Beach

Every so often, you can see something out of the norm, and a stack of rocks can become another photographic opportunity. Exposed rock shelfs at low tide draw the adventurous ones a little closer to the wave action - but be careful, as it's quite possible to get the cuffs of your pants wet when looking through the viewfinder.

Point Danger, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_9994_Torquay
Exposed rocks near Point Danger

With lookouts along the cliff top, a meandering walking path, seats facing the ocean, grassy areas ideal for picnickers, a surf club abuzz with activity, and a creek at the mercy of the tide, photographers have an abundance of subject matter to explore.

Main Beach, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_0057_Torquay
Inflatable surf rescue boat on Main Beach

I love watching the safe swimming flags fluttering in the breeze, people entering the water with their boards, kids making sandcastles, and surf lifesavers keeping a keen eye on the water.

Main Beach at Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_0071_Torquay
Safety flags on Main Beach

Spring Creek enters the ocean near the Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club, and when the creek is gently flowing, it is a genuine point of interest and a minor challenge for photographers to negotiate as they walk towards Rocky Point.

Rocky Point, Torquay, Victoria, Australia IMG_0094_Torquay
Rocky Point during low tide

This stretch of coastline is within a comfortable 1-hour and 20 minute drive from Melbourne. A brilliant location for a day trip, with modern facilities nearby.

Equipment suggestions
When it comes to what equipment to take for a photo walk, I keep my kit in a Lowepro backpack because it allows me to have both hands free. A selection of zoom lenses covering wide-angle to telephoto allows for versatility. A polariser filter and neutral density filters, a tripod, and a cable remote switch all come in handy. I highly recommend the use of lens hoods.

Saturday 17 September 2011

Jimmy Barnes

Travel Photography - Special Events

By Darren Stones

Photographing at Special Events is another exciting aspect to travel photography. Indoor and outdoor performances require good concentration and a sound knowledge of equipment and etiquette. Flash photography is generally regarded as a no-no, as it spoils the ambience and blinds the artist.

Jimmy Barnes always attracts a big audience, and during March 2011 he performed in front of thousands at the North Melbourne Football Ground in Victoria as part of the Aussie Rock on Arden concert. Being a warmish day, the sweat was evident on Barnes and the crowd. A great day - a great outdoor performance.

I used my 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM lens at 200mm to photograph Jimmy Barnes. In low light, good equipment and a steady hand is required to capture sharp images as performers like Barnes are always moving on stage. ISO 1600, 1/250sec, f/2.8.

At the 2011 Australian Photographic Society National Digital Exhibition, this photograph received an acceptance award. A nice reward, and a bonus on top of what was an enjoyable concert.

This photograph of Jimmy Barnes 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.
Jimmy Barnes by Darren Stones


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

Framed Print

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Friday 16 September 2011

White-faced Heron at Merimbula, New South Wales

Travel Photography - Wildlife

By Darren Stones

Merimbula is an absolute gem of a spot on the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales. The forests go all the way down to the bays, and on Merimbula's Top Lake, which is renowned for fishing, I stalked this White-faced Heron for over an hour. With the bird walking in and out of the mangroves, and almost playing hard to get in the viewfinder, I had my work cut out in photographing this feathered friend.

I used my Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens with the camera attached to a monopod to capture this shot. I really needed that extra steadiness of using a monopod to help produce this sharp shot. A great challenge. Travel photography of Australian wildlife can be so inspiring.

At the 2011 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts Photography Competition and Exhibition, I was awarded Runner-Up in the Science and Nature Section for this image. A great buzz, and a beaut reward for the effort.

This photograph of the White-faced Heron at Merimbula 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.

White-faced Heron at Merimbula by Darren Stones


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

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Surfing at Jan Juc near Torquay, Victoria, Australia

Travel Photography - People

By Darren Stones'

One of the highlights of touring the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is catching the surfing action at Jan Juc. The stretch of scenic coastline between Torquay and Lorne is known as the Surf Coast, and it's for good reason, too. High on the cliff tops the surfing action can be viewed and photographed. An awesome place for travel photography.

This photograph of Surfing at Jan Juc 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.

Click on the Surfing at Jan Juc image to preview the product range and pricing options.
Surfing at Jan Juc by Darren Stones



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

Mounted Print

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Dog Rocks, Batesford, Victoria, Australia

Travel Photography - Landscape

By Darren Stones

Dog Rocks at Batesford is well known amongst the Victorian photographic community as a venue to make some magnificent landscape photographs. Located 10 kilometres west of Geelong, Dog Rocks is a changeable landscape with the windswept tree being deciduous, and during summer the surrounding grasses turn brown. The rocks were formed 365 million years ago and are the oldest rocks known of in Victoria.

This photograph of Dog Rocks 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.

I won the 2008 Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts bronze statuette for Best Photograph of the Exhibition with this image.

Click on the Dog Rocks image to preview the product range and pricing options.
Dog Rocks by Darren Stones


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

Framed Print

Greeting Card

Wednesday 14 September 2011

R U OK?

By Darren Stones

As a member of beyondblue's blueVoices, a mental health consumer advocate, and someone who has experienced depression, I'd like to ask "R U OK?"

Shearing shed at Shear Outback

Travel Photography - Architecture

By Darren Stones

As a tourist attraction, Shear Outback at Hay ranks quite highly in my book. Located on the Long Paddock touring route in outback New South Wales, the shearing shed was originally situated on a property at Murray Downs, NSW. It was a working shed until operations ceased at Murray Downs in 1998. The shed's frame consists of River Red Gum and Oregon and is clad with corrugated iron. The shed was relocated to Shear Outback for display purposes, and is a terrific place for travel photographers to work on their craft.

This photograph of the Shearing Shed at Shear Outback 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.

Click on the Shearing Shed at Shear Outback image to preview the product range and pricing options.
Shearing shed at Shear Outback by Darren Stones


Product range:
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  • 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

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Clicking at Shear Outback in New South Wales

Travel photography feature

By Darren Stones

Every so often a sense of anticipation washes over me about a far away tourist attraction. Planning a trip which encompasses a visit to a sheep shearing shed – one which requires a fee to be paid – may not be at the top of everyone’s list of things to do. The intrigue surrounding Shear Outback was enough for me to drive from Melbourne to Hay to check out what it was all about.
Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock IMG_5930_Hay
Shear Outback

Located in the New South Wales outback town of Hay, on the Long Paddock touring route, Shear Outback is an attraction that is Australian to the core. With a Shearers Hall of Fame, a windmill the size of a baby wind turbine, and an ornate indoor display of sheep shears, how much more dinky-di could it be?
Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock  IMG_5907_Hay
Rebuilt Southern Cross windmill with 7.7 metre wheel on a 13.9m tower

As an Aussie bloke in his forties, I’m embarrassed to say I’d never witnessed a sheep being shorn, so Shear Outback provided me the chance to witness Glen, a professional shearer and about-to-retire Aussie rules footballer, using some fancy motorised clippers. Unfortunately, there was no clicking of the shears in the shed with its dappled light, just the humming noise of the clippers and a slight struggle from a couple of sheep.
Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock, sheep shearer IMG_5837_Hay
Glen the shearer

I was given a brief lesson from Glen about a day in the life of a shearer. From the equipment they use, to the way they dress, it was all news to me. In many respects, the life of a shearer has changed from the old days where they now travel locally to give a flock of sheep their free haircut.
Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock  IMG_5853_Hay
Shearing action

Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock IMG_5878_Hay
Sashes

Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock  IMG_5869_Hay
Wool rack

The Shearers Hall of Fame features mounted boards containing profiles and achievements celebrating various shearers who have given back to the trade. Henry Salter MBE, Kevin Sarre and John Hutchinson OAM may not be household names, but their achievements are noteworthy.
Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock  IMG_5773_Hay
Shearers Hall of Fame

Henry Salter (1907-1997) was inducted into the hall of fame in 2002. He learnt to shear sheep at age 16 at Kerang in Victoria. At 18, he landed his first job as a shearer and sheared only 41 sheep on his first day. On his third day, his tally had reduced to 30 due to being that sore he could hardly move.
Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock  IMG_5910_Hay
Henry Salter MBE

Kevin Sarre (1933-1995) a five-time Australian shearing champion sheared 200 sheep in a day with his left hand, just to prove he could do it. His tally-hi shearing technique reduced shearing time by up to 30 seconds per sheep. On 26 October, 1965, he set an Australian record by machine-shearing 346 full-grown merino sheep in 7 hours and 48 minutes at Batesworth Station near Penshurst.
Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock  IMG_5912_Hay
Kevin Sarre

John Hutchinson, born 1943, is a third generation shearer and was taught to shear by his father. A six-time Australian shearing champion, John found satisfaction in training and teaching, and was awarded the OAM for doing so. He was inducted into the hall of fame in 2002.
Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock  IMG_5775_Hay
John Hutchinson OAM

For kids, and kids at heart, there’s a beaut opportunity in store. You can pretend to be shearing a sheep and have your photo taken by a relative or friend; however grabbing the sheep around the throat and smiling for the camera is a look which had me in stitches.
Shear Outback, Hay, New South Wales, Australia, The Long Paddock  IMG_5918_Hay
Bronwyn pretending to shear

I came away from Shear Outback with a greater knowledge, respect and understanding of farming families and their lives in the bush. An experience I highly recommend.

Further information:

Shear Outback: http://shearoutback.com.au/

This article was first published in July 2010.