Oh darn, another guilt trip. I did not envisage ever letting so much time pass between editions. My defense is that we had a major family event and visitors over the last week as a major distraction from the routine pf blogging.
Flapping in the breeze
I recently sold an unwanted device and applied the proceeds to the acquisition of a high quality neutral density filter for my Cokin filter holder. I really did try to support my local retailer, but the price in that direction was $550. It saddens me that I can get the same item freight paid from the astounding B&H store in New York for less than half of that. I did try, but I suspect the national distributor wanted too great a cut. As soon as it arrived, I began experimenting.
Across the water – a clear day
The South Coast near Island Bay offered a view across the unusually calm waters of the Cook Strait to the distant mountains of the Kaikoura ranges.
Hispano-Suiza Mascot
The family event I mentioned brought our son David and grandson Isaac across from Brisbane, so we made a trip up to the splendid Southwards Car Museum a little North of Paraparaumu. I find that taking general shots in there is unsatisfying, so I settled on representative fragments and samples. I know tha Rolls Royce’s “Spirit of Ecstasy” is among the most prestigious of hood ornaments, but for sheer elegance the stork in flight which adorns the mighty Hispano-Suiza is my favourite.
Brass and chrome worth a small fortune
Rolls Royces do have a certain presence, and a row of them with their cousins, the Bentleys are eye-catching.
Fire for a disaster
My last shot this edition was made when we accompanied our younger son Anthony who is a specialist in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI). He was preparing to conduct a training day for his fellow police officers and was setting up a roaring fire on a farm in the Akatarawa Valley. In due course, he would throw some animal parts from the local abattoir onto the fire and the next day, set the course members to sifting through the remains. I choose not to display the more graphic shots.
Nice! ND filters are must for those of us who still shoot film. 🙂 BTW: B&H is where most of us get our film, cameras and accessories, as the locally-owned independent retail camera stores are disappearing.
Love the fire shot!!! So full of life. (Ironic, considering its use in this instance)