Going Bush

Some of my former students – members of the f8.0 group featured in this blog previously (and part of the first African tour I led to Kenya/Tanzania in 2010), recently spent a few days in north-east Victoria based near Wangaratta.

Armed with tripods, cameras, hats and sunscreen they enjoyed (endured?) temperatures in the mid-30s and fine clear weather, with some haze in the middle of the day.

Particular attractions for photographers include the historic towns of Chiltern and Beechworth, Amulet Vineyard (which affords long views down the valley), panoramic views from Murmungee Lookout, an old mining dredge at El Dorado, and disused tobacco drying sheds. Bailey’s Winery has its own museum of old equipment.

There's plenty of scope for HDR and panoramic photography here. While Fraser and Lucie attempted jigsaw panoramas with more than 20 photos in them, Fay and Ralph were trying out their new cameras’ (Sony A77 and Fuji X100 respectively) in-camera panorama features.

Part-time locals, Alan - Lumix enthusiast (FZ150) - and Kerry, hosted the group and provided valuable guiding skills.