Half Moon Bay

Tasmania, an island state at the base of Australia is a bush walkers dream. One third of the island is national park and the variety of these are amazing. From the world famous areas of Cradle Mountain, Franklin River, South Cape and Freycinet National Park. The later houses one of Australia's most sort after photo opportunities.

Half Moon Bay is a spectacular crescent bay of white sand on a deep blue sea and lush green foliage across the thin sand bar. This photo is from atop one of the three hills that look over the bay, my brother Cameron in the foreground adding a personal touch to a sort after image.

This is a great part of the world to visit.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to one and all, I hope that you and your families have a very merry Christmas.

Not all parts of the globe have access to the 'traditional' trees, the people of San Blas off the coast of Panama have to make do with the a decorated version of the town flag pole.

Seal'ed with a kiss

It is not everyday that you get to see a mother's first connection with its child. It is a special moment as gather smells, sounds and sights of their child.

Here on the Galapagos Island's Isla Rabida and throughout the rest of the islands the animals have no fear, most land based predators have never or ceased to exist.

The wildlife is fantastic, get there before the world's greatest predator destroys the trust that these animals place in us.

The backflip

Early one morning I set off to see sunrise at Itacare, Brazil. One the most idyllic beach locations anywhere in the world. As the sun lifted over the water a local boy out collecting coconuts, after scaling some 30m odd trees he strolled over and offered a fresh coconut.

He turned and climbed the tree in front and without warning he flew off the tree and just happened to be right in front of the sun.

One of my favourite photos in my collection.

Jumping Dolphins off Manly Beach

In a magical morning last week I woke to see 80+ dolphins gather off Manly beach, peacefully feeding until a helicopter pilot rounded them up like a cowboy does his cattle. The helicopter dropped to the wave height and chased the dolphins out too sea.

I was fortunate enough to be sitting on my balcony to see all of this happening.

It just goes to show that to get those magical pictures you have to be always ready, you never know what opportunities will arise.

Mate silhouette

If there is one thing that the Uruguayans are famous for it is their love affair with the mate. Bitter in taste, strong as an ox and slightly addictive it is a traveller's acquired taste. But once you are in you are hooked.

They carry their mate with them everywhere and it is the thing to do down by the River La Plata as you watch the sun set over Buenos Aires on the other bank.

Like Australian's drink beer and Cubans their rum, it is the quintessential way to mix in the culture.

Ansel Adams...maybe not

Ansel Adams' photographs of Yosemite capture the real spirit of the valley. His black and white photos are timeless in their excellence - www.anseladams.com

It is a truly unique part of the globe, personally I have been there over 5 times. The valley is so photogenic that you will take rolls or memory cards full of photos.
I recommend that you take in colour and convert your photos later for the dramatic Ansel Adams effect. As shown here.

Take the trails and find the smaller treasures, look around and find something new that people may not ordinarily look at. Look for that unique perspective of everyday life, a different angle or a reflection in a pool of water.

Also look at the postcards and see what others including Ansel Adams took photos of and get your own versions of the classics.

Generally enjoy Yosemite and make sure that you leave it for others to enjoy for generations to come.

World's best beach

From my extensive travels around world I have to say that Itacare in Brazil is the best beach I have been too. Perfect waves, locals, food and atmosphere.

Other top beaches:

• Araya - Venezuela


• Wineglass Bay, Australia


• San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Let me know your top beaches?

National Geographic Asia - Comp

A great competition I noticed recently for all of those in the Asia region is this one run by Nikon and National Geographic. There are some great prizes on offer:
www.ngcasia.com/nikon/index.htm

It is free to enter and runs out on the 24th December.

If you have any recommendations from my colletion - let me know?
www.innereye.com.au/search.asp

Argentinian Farm Boy

After spending the day talking to the family the son popped his head up in his bedroom window and the look in his eyes tells his feelings.

Depression

This image was taken in Santiago del Estero, Argentina. The zoo was 30 cents entry fee, poorly maintained but allowed great access to the animals.

The light really has a depressing effect on the ape, the hunched posture and the faint shadows of bars really add to this image.

Thoughts??