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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.