Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. –  J.F. Kennedy 28mm, ISO 2000. 30 secs at f8. Flash

It is madness for sheep to talk peace with a wolf. –  Thomas Fuller 85mm, ISO 2000. 10 secs at f4.5

Strange to see how a good dinner and feasting reconciles everybody. –  Samuel Pepys, Diary 1665 “24mm”, ISO 800. 60 seconds at f2  

All glory comes from daring to begin – Eugene F. Ware, American soldier There’s no better time for moonlight photography than when you are on holiday with a large territory you are free to wander over. Here’s a memorable evening at summer’s end with a cool southwester still about, as indicated in this well-clad group […]

Despite this corner being at evening’s end Gerry and I were happy for the uphill slog that began here, under a moonless, starry sky. By text message we had heard of the huge earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and remote though Te Hapu station (www.tehapu.co.nz) may be at the top left corner of the South […]

We waved the torch over nearby palms on our way back from Gilbert’s Beach, at Te Hapu (www.tehapu.co.nz), a remote cattle station in Golden Bay. On a wide angle lens it is easier to stop the stars, which were more visible with the moon being blotted out by a cloudbank. Having selected Direct sunlight light […]

Further along the road less travelled; sometimes your first shot is the best one, sometimes your only one.

Warm colours from a sinking moon, plus colour contrast – but where’s the beef?

Palms, balm and moonlit calm; the issue of personal safety and the usefulness of a lighting assistant

Vertical grace and green against a starry sky; the search for critical focus

An unexpected colour at second quarter; a wild coast made easy for the townie

Streaks of unexpected colour on a moonless night; “It must be film!”

Fun with a torch in motion; colour temperature, cloudy skies, late moons

Blowing in the wind on a sandy shore; the perils of calendar picture selection

Time on the trot, subtle surf and a shadow; the frustrations of focus

Colourful star trails and a meteorite on film; digital disadvantages with extended exposures

Unusual daylight effects, movement and a surprise cameo role for the woman-in-magenta