DSLRUsers.com

Hi,

before I spotted the moon and Jupiter, I was actually in the Awabakal Reserve. That's in Newcastle. A few pictures that I did.


Not sure what type of flower it is.



A trig at the top of the hill close to Redhead.



A small wattle in full bloom over the sandy track.

The Awabakal Reserve is pretty special. It is a coastal reserve between Redhead and Dudley. Most plants in the reserve are just low shrubs, so you can see all types of plants in a small area. Lots of birds around and if lucky, some echidnas. You have the ocean on one side and this nature reserve, currently filled with all types of wildflowers. The wattles are starting to bloom as well, so in another few days, it will be pretty magic. So if you are in the area over the week-end, and the weather is nice, well worth a walk.

The photos were just taken with my D70s with the 18-70mm lens that came with it. Just selected auto for the trig and the close-up setting for the plants. Nothing fancy, just trying to get used to the camera for now.

Comments more then welcomed

Cheers,

André

Congrats on yr first pics posted, it would of been cool up there tonight.

Ben

They're pretty good if that's your first time using the D70s.

Composition wise, I can't see any real flaw except the first photo could be cropped a bit tighter. Are you shooting in Jpeg or RAW?

With a bit of post processing(pp), I'd say increase the brightness a bit for the first photo as the onboard flash is a bit too harsh and direct. The second photo is great! Love the evening light. Maybe try and increase the saturation a bit in PP.

Keep practising André and keep posting more images

In regards to the second shot I think the picture needs rotating 1 - 2 degrees anticlockwise ., looking at the horizon.. (and flat ocean horizons should be plumb level on this sort of shot IMO). My ocean shots are usually out be more than this ..TG for post processing

shakey

Andre,
Good start btw.
Me, for the second I like the atmosphere.
The Awabakal Reserve is on my list of my future shooting trip when I'm up there and perhaps a workshop with local D70users's members or at one of the local mini meet.

Andre

Good shots, and I'd straighten the horizon too. The first shot definitely would have more punch with a bit of curve adjustment to brighten it up.

Where is the entrance point for the reserve? Although I've lived in Newcastle almost 50 years it's rare for me to get out Redhead way.

stubbsy wrote:Andre

Where is the entrance point for the reserve? Although I've lived in Newcastle almost 50 years it's rare for me to get out Redhead way.

Peter,
Just "Follow me"

Hi Peter,

the entry is from Collier St. right at the top of the hill. There will be a sign from Nat Park saying walkers welcomed. Lots of paths to explore either taking you along the coast or up various hills like the one I got the trig shot from. At the surf club entrance, turn left on Alison St, that takes you to Collier then right up to the top.

You can also access the reserve from the Dudley end, but at that end, it is more wooded, you probably need to walk 200-300m to get to the more open area, but you get great views back to Dudley beach and Newcastle. The entrance for Dudley is at the end of Ocean St.

Well worth the drive out either way.

Cheers,

André

Hi Radar

First of all, welcome. I have a few comments (hope you don't mind):

Image One: Nice colours, but the lighting seems a bit "harsh" (someone else commented). Easily fixed with some post-processing.

Image Two: Good shot, I would just straighten the horizon slightly (as already commented).

Image Three: I would have shot this from a different angle, the shadow seems distracting (this is probably just me of course).

Your images are good and I look forward to seeing more from you in the near future!

Thanks for posting.

radar wrote:Hi Peter,

the entry is from Collier St. right at the top of the hill. There will be a sign from Nat Park saying walkers welcomed. Lots of paths to explore either taking you along the coast or up various hills like the one I got the trig shot from. At the surf club entrance, turn left on Alison St, that takes you to Collier then right up to the top.

You can also access the reserve from the Dudley end, but at that end, it is more wooded, you probably need to walk 200-300m to get to the more open area, but you get great views back to Dudley beach and Newcastle. The entrance for Dudley is at the end of Ocean St.

Well worth the drive out either way.

Cheers,

André

Thanks André