Vanessa Pike-Russell Photography

Port Kembla SteelWorks from Wollongong Rail

2011-07-16T07:01:00.005-07:00

Port Kembla SteelWorks from Wollongong Rail, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

View from Windang Island of Port Kembla Steelworks

2011-07-16T07:01:00.003-07:00

View from Windang Island of Port Kembla Steelworks, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Set: View of the Steelworks from a bus ride into Wollongong and back

2011-07-16T07:01:00.001-07:00

Set: View of the Steelworks from a bus ride into Wollongong and back, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Set: View of the Steelworks from a bus ride into Wollongong and back

2011-07-16T07:00:00.005-07:00

Set: View of the Steelworks from a bus ride into Wollongong and back, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

I voted GREEN - How about You?

2011-07-16T07:00:00.003-07:00

I voted GREEN - How about You?, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

My pet land hermit crab

2011-07-16T07:00:00.001-07:00

My pet land hermit crab, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

YouTube - ‪illawarravids's Channel‬‏

2011-06-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

YouTube - ‪illawarravids's Channel‬‏

Local Food Heroes of the IllawarraNominate YOUR local heroes by adding a comment below

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

2011-06-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Win a camera workshop voucher - upload your best iPhone self-portrait to our Flickr group

2011-06-13T10:15:00.001-07:00

Win a camera workshop voucher - upload your best iPhone self-portrait to our Flickr group, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Win a camera workshop voucher by uploading your best iPhone self-portrait to our flickr group

Portraits by Barbara Hazelgrove: Leo Hazelgrove

2010-09-04T17:45:00.001-07:00

Portraits by Barbara Hazelgrove: Leo Hazelgrove, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Happy Fathers Day to all the Fathers out there

We are on a quest. I don't think anyone is following us.

2010-05-03T10:11:00.001-07:00

We are on a quest. I don't think anyone is following us., originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Children in costume exploring the Chinese Gardens of Friendship

illawarra food

2010-04-11T21:19:00.001-07:00

View my food blog, Illawarra Food

Coming soon to Illawarra Food Reviews

At the start of each season I will be offering a basket of locally sourced food products produced or sold in the Illawarra region. You may own a cafe or restaurant and wish to promote a new seasonal menu. Or a food producer or business that stocks locally sourced produce for your deli, bakery or butchery.

Please contact me if you are an Illawarra business that sells food and you are interested in providing information about new products and samples for Illawarra Food seasonal baskets.

I will be donating some gift baskets filled with local fare to local fundraisers such as the Support Amber appeal. A business card with the details of each supplier and items donated will be included.

Read more about the local fundraisers on my Vanessa Pike-Russell Photography website

illawarra food
http://bit.ly/illawarrafood

Collette from Off The Grill catering company, North Ryde

2010-03-29T07:28:00.001-07:00

Collette from Off The Grill catering company, North Ryde, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Windang beach photosession sneak peeks

2009-11-28T23:34:00.001-08:00

Windang beach photosession sneak peeks, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Bryce Courtenay with Robert, one of the lucky eight Sydney competition winners at the Facebook fan club lunch

2009-11-17T06:53:00.001-08:00

Bryce Courtenay with Robert, one of the lucky eight Sydney competition winners at the Facebook fan club lunch, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

I was one of the lucky winners and it was the most amazing lunch date I could ever have asked for!

Maryann's view of Cathedral Rock, Kiama Downs

2009-10-27T21:17:00.001-07:00

Maryann's view of Cathedral Rock, Kiama Downs, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Maryann's view of Cathedral Rock, Kiama Downs

2009-10-27T19:51:00.001-07:00

Maryann's view of Cathedral Rock, Kiama Downs, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Tutti in Piazza, Wollongong celebrates Italian Day with a food festival

2009-05-30T19:41:00.001-07:00

Tutti in Piazza, Wollongong celebrates Italian Day with a food festival, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Tutti in Piazza, Wollongong celebrates Italian Day with a food festival

Blogged at illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com

A barrel of fun with my new badges

2009-05-25T12:44:00.001-07:00

A barrel of fun with my new badges, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

You don't need no stinking badges? Well I DO! :)

Purchased on etsy from Barrel of Monkeys

Boy at the beach (framed)

2009-05-20T22:20:00.001-07:00

Boy at the beach (framed), originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

One of my bookmarks in Firefox is a technorati search of my flickr URL and it is interesting to see how my photos are used on other sites under a Creative Commons license.

Today's search led me to a nicely written article on creative framing

I would recommend a visit. For the framing of my image I used bighugelabs.com/flickr which is a wonderful resource which allows you to 'do fun stuff with your photos'.

Illawarra Food Reviews: Foodie links

2009-05-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

Illawarra Food Reviews: Foodie links and events

Illawarra Food Reviews: Recipe and photos: Zucchini Bread

2009-05-08T03:50:00.000-07:00

Illawarra Food Reviews: Recipe and photos: Zucchini Bread

Illawarra Food Reviews

2009-05-08T03:08:00.001-07:00

Illawarra Food Reviews, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Come visit me at my food blog!

http://illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com

louie the fly

2009-04-29T03:14:00.001-07:00

louie the fly, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

On Anzac Day I noticed that one of the daisies growing in the garden had bloomed and it made me smile. Today I went out into the backyard and found this daisy which was partially closed and had a happy surprise in finding a fly inside the flower.

I had found my beloved 50mm f1.4 pentax smc lens and held a macro filter in front of it to get up close to the fly.

Processing included curves and levels, then the placement of an image taken of my french windows which I thought would make a nice frame, representing the view out my dining room window. I hope you like it :)

Dylan at one month, almost two years ago

2009-04-21T06:27:00.001-07:00

Dylan at one month, almost two years ago, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

In a few months my grandson (by marriage) will be two years of age. It seems like only yesterday that I took this photo when he was but a month old. My how time flies!

Image re-edited with Topaz Adjust and some skin smoothing techniques

Roman and Dylan back in July 2008

2009-04-21T06:24:00.001-07:00

Roman and Dylan back in July 2008, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Roman is my step-son's step-son and in his arms he holds his one month old baby brother, Dylan. It is still such a joy to see this photo two years on. Roman is such a good big brother and I am sure the two will be great friends growing up.

I'm working on a photo book of images to celebrate Dylan's 2nd birthday in June and this is one of the images that the lighting was bad and the image hampered by colour shift into the oranges. I edited this using Topaz Adjust and then some curves and levels followed by selective blur and sharpening.

To take this photo I used a Pentax istDL camera with a manual 50mm f1.8 lens borrowed from a Pentax KM slr which was purchased by my husband Philip in 1969 from Asahi, Japan

“The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together.”

2009-04-21T03:00:00.001-07:00

Spider web with my sepia LightRoom preset, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

William Shakespeare

Sunshine Coast? Say it ain't so!

2009-04-19T07:35:00.001-07:00

Sunshine Coast? Say it ain't so!, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

A very rainy day last Winter exploring the Sunshine Coast. I really liked the reflections and moody feel to this image and decided it was a good candidate for editing with Topaz Adjust, a creative image editing software that is free to download and trial for 30 days.

http://www.topazlabs.com/topazlabs/03products/topaz_adjust/

Fuschia ballerinas

2009-04-19T02:51:00.001-07:00

Fuschia ballerinas, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Straight out of camera except a little contrast and sharpening

Sealed With A Loving Kiss

2009-04-18T07:43:00.001-07:00

Sealed With A Loving Kiss, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

or three...

My step-son Guy

2009-04-12T19:41:00.001-07:00

My step-son Guy, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Barrack Reserve at dusk

2009-03-31T02:55:00.001-07:00

Barrack Reserve at dusk, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Photosession: Marley and Belinda

2009-03-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

kitchen sprite

2009-03-15T07:32:00.001-07:00

kitchen sprite, originally uploaded by brookeshaden.

What a cool idea - kitchen sprite by brookeshaden

Levi in China

2009-03-02T20:24:00.001-08:00

Levi in China, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Combination of two images. A portrait of Levi that I took with a background by bfick / ficken

I masked out the background and added the background and then equalised the two images. What do you think... does it look realistic?

levi_0222-china3

Belinda and Michael, wed on Valentines Day

2009-02-15T16:25:00.001-08:00

It was a pleasure to be a part of your day.

Love potion number 9

2009-02-13T03:08:00.001-08:00

Love potion number 9, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

PENTAX K10D
f/2.8, 0.004 sec (1/250), ISO 400, 50 mm

OzStock

2009-02-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

I recently signed up with a new stock photography agency based in Australia, OzStock Images.

Australia Day fireworks

2009-02-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

Orange caterpillar on green leaf

2009-01-05T00:59:00.001-08:00

Orange caterpillar on green leaf, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Strobist: Pentax AF540Gz flash fired wirelessly camera right to capture the firey colours and texture

Christmas present from my Sister

2009-01-05T00:58:00.001-08:00

Christmas present from my Sister, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

I keep telling him to clean his ears out!

2009-01-04T02:16:00.001-08:00

I keep telling him to clean his ears out!, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Philip has industrial deafness. It mainly effects the higher ranges, specifically the range which includes women's voices. I often have to repeat myself. I keep telling him to clean his ears out. I didn't think he'd take it literally!

A fun project for the Canon5 RedBubble group. You can buy this as a card or print at redbubble

Peter (Pete) Livingstone with his artwork "Boy Circa 1974" at Project Contemporary Artspace (Wollongong) 2008 Last Members Show

2008-12-28T09:38:00.001-08:00

Peter (Pete) Livingstone with his artwork "Boy Circa 1974" at Project Contemporary Artspace (Wollongong) 2008 Last Members Show, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

On the last day of the exhibition I was able to take some photos of some of the exhibiting artists who were picking up their work. Pete had not only exhibited but minded the art space four times since the exhibition opened and recently joined the committee, along with his partner Ruth.

"Boy Circa 1974" is a photo of his brother and is moody and has a great use of colour and emotion.

Janine Matthews with her sculpture, 'Playing Catchup' at Project Artspace, Wollongong

2008-12-28T09:36:00.001-08:00

Janine Matthews with her sculpture, 'Playing Catchup' at Project Artspace, Wollongong, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Janine's sculpture is made up recycled metal window catches. I thought that it looked like spinal vertebrae and thought it was a very clever take on something that we see every day and never give a second thought to.

Project Artspace is run by volunteers and community-driven. Their website is www.projectgallery.org

20081229-vmpr0272

Project Contemporary Artspace (Wollongong) 2008 Last Member's Show

2008-12-28T09:33:00.001-08:00

Project Contemporary Artspace (Wollongong) 2008 Last Member's Show, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

I had some photos on exhibition at Project Artspace and today was the final day. You can see one of the four framed photos to the left and right of the artwork "Abstractions of Ned" by Pauline Denney.which resembles the ned kelly outline (two rectangles and a connection to replicate Ned Kelly's hand made bulletproof armour).

The photo on the left was taken at Nan Tien Buddhist Temple and is the view from the main temple looking out towards the pagoda in the distance, with the animal carving details on the roof featuring in their bright orange against the brilliant blue sky.

The top photo on the right was taken at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens featuring the brilliant red kawasaki bridge, a gift to Wollongong by its 'Sister City' of Kawasaki in Japan.

Above this photo is an empty space and a red dot from the sale of my photo of a pink gerbera daisy with a yellow ladybug. I would say I was tickled pink but that would just me being punny. :)

The bottom right photo was taken at Wollongong hospital on the second floor entrance which is known well to patients who have yet to kick their nicotene habit as one of the few places they can have a cigarette on the grounds. I don't smoke myself but found myself there staring at the symmetrical structure soon after the birth of my Nephew, Levi and just happened to have my camera handy. Most people do not recognise the location of my photograph although they would have walked past it at one time in their lives.

It was a great experience and I would highly recommend exhibiting your work if possible. Project Artspace is run by volunteers and community-driven. Their website is www.projectgallery.org

Sunrise over Hobart from 16th floor hotel room of Wrest Point Casino, Hobart

2008-12-20T05:16:00.001-08:00

Sunrise over Hobart from 16th floor hotel room of Wrest Point Casino, Hobart, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Imagine waking up to find that it was only 5am and then seeing a glow and looking out the window and seeing this view. Heaven!

I joked to some photographer friends that the only way I would take some photos of the sunrise is if I camped or stayed somewhere and woke up at the location. I just had to rent an executive harbour view room at Wrest Point casino in Hobart, Tasmania to make it come true lol

Gerbera flower with extra bokkeh

2008-12-05T20:25:00.001-08:00

Gerbera flower with extra bokkeh, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Pomegranate photo published in Avocado magazine

2008-11-10T17:49:00.001-08:00

Pomegranate photo published in Avocado magazine, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Jolette Roodt just contacted me to let me know that my photo of the pomegranate seeds heart appeared in the Nov./Dec. edition of Avocado magazine. Neat!

Bega is famous for Barbara

2008-11-09T18:58:00.001-08:00

My Grandmother is the Bega Cheese lady :)

Barbara Hazelgrove starred in a commercial filmed for Bega Cheese factory. Barbara was born in England and moved out to Australia with her then husband Peter Pike. They settled in Australia and ran many businesses, including a rabbit farm and poultry farm in Sydney as well as a fish and chip shop in Werri Beach (near Gerringong) in New South Wales, Australia.

Barbara then moved to Burragate (partway between Bega and Eden) before settling in Bega over twenty years ago. She travels all over the world but always comes home to Bega - where she is a bit of a local celebrity and Justice of the Peace.

At the end of the Bega Cheese commercial you can hear Barbara say 'but Bega is famous for Bega', referring to the cheese she is holding in her hands in the next frame.

Beer Breath - Canon Photo5 Bubbles entry

2008-10-22T08:11:00.001-07:00

Beer Breath - Canon Photo5 Bubbles entry, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Canon 5 entry - cocktail umbrella

2008-10-04T00:56:00.001-07:00

Canon 5 entry - cocktail umbrella, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

I have shrunk my husband so that he could pose with the cocktail umbrella. Doesn't he look surprised?

Don't believe it? Ok, if you really need to know the truth.

How I did it:

I took a photo of Philip holding an umbrella and then added an enlarged cocktail umbrella in a layer in Adobe Photoshop CS3 and merged the two. The background was removed in parts so that the two images were more matched and did some cleaning up of the image with the clone and spot healing brush tool.

I had fun and hope that you like it :)

Nan Tien Buddhist Temple

2008-10-03T01:52:00.000-07:00

Michaela

2008-09-23T09:30:00.001-07:00

Model: Michaela
Location: Sydney Bus Museum
Taken during the People photography workshop with Sydney Photographic Workshops run by Daniel Linnet

Gallery Opening Night: Mugshots from Wollongong Pictorial Mafia

2008-09-23T09:28:00.001-07:00

Artspace...

2008-09-22T19:12:00.001-07:00

Artspace..., originally uploaded by e0nn.

Sneak peek of a photographic exhibition I am taking part in this week. My photos are top right hand corner. Photo taken by Steve Selby last night.

Sydney Photographic Workshop: People Photography

2008-09-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

I have been editing some of the images today. I am amazed at the variation of expression, lighting, mood and backgrounds in the photos taken yesterday. Sydney Photographic Workshops really provided a wonderful People Photogrpahy workshop and as I joked yesterday, 'now I know what to ask for from family and friends for Christmas - red balloon gift certificates so I can do more courses' lol

I am still editing but here's a few of my favourite photos taken of Michaela

Model: Michaela
Location: Sydney Bus Museum
Taken during the People photography workshop with Sydney Photographic Workshops run by Daniel Linnet

and Dion

Jumping for joy

2008-09-20T18:54:00.001-07:00

Jumping for joy - Sydney Photographic Workshop, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Strobist: Beauty Dish camera right controlled by a radio trigger
Sydney Photographic Workshop: People Photography

Cupcake

2008-09-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

I just love looking at photos of cupcakes and today I invested $2 on a cupcake to photograph.
Man, I really suffer for my art. ;)

Spring - iris against a blue sky background

2008-09-14T01:12:00.001-07:00

Spring - iris against a blue sky background, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Available as a card at my redbubble store

Iris against pink background

2008-09-13T02:20:00.001-07:00

Iris against pink background, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Spring is here, the sun is out and life is a bowl of iris flowers!
There is always something to look forward to. You just have to go out and find it.

This photo is available as a card or wall art

Wollongong Botanic Gardens Rose Garden

2008-09-12T07:30:00.001-07:00

Wollongong Botanic Gardens Rose Garden, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

windang island waterscape

2008-09-12T07:14:00.001-07:00

windang island waterscape, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Available for sale as a card
.

Picture Australia video

2008-09-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

A very worthwhile project I am a part of.
Add your photos to Australia's largest image database.

http://www.pictureaustralia.org

Sale on RedBubble

2008-09-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

My first sale! Barrack Point framed print

Whoever bought my framed print – thank you!
I am so chuffed that someone paid $150 for it.

I have so many photography-related expenses this month so the $50 commission will go a long way towards that.

17th September Kiama-Shellharbour Camera Club
Prints for the FCC Interclub Competition 2008 plus print competition
I haven’t been to KSCC since before my trip to Queensland June 28th! Cold weather, late nights I don’t mesh well). I’ve really missed it!

20th September Sydney Photo Workshops, Portrait workshop

travel up to Sydney, overnight stay (no bus/train combo will get me there in time for the 9am start)
travel home

24-28 September WPM Mugshots exhibition

Four A4 size frames plus printing cost of some of my new works
Hire of a flapper dress for Exhibition opening night 26/9/08
Food and drink for opening night

So $50 will come in very handy indeed :)

Wollongong Botanic Gardens

2008-09-07T05:37:00.001-07:00

Wollongong Botanic Gardens, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Edited with a layer of ghostbones texture decay

Philip's been framed!

2008-09-07T03:22:00.001-07:00

Philip's been framed!, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

windang island vista

2008-09-04T02:16:00.001-07:00

windang island vista, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Windang is an aboriginal word meaning "scene of a fight". Windang is said to have been "founded" by William Turnbull. Turnbull purchased some land in the area in 1920 and erected a two story building called "Wyndang House". In 1926 the Post Office attached to this house was officially named Windang Post Office following a submission from Turnbull to have the name changed from the unofficial Lake Illawarra Post Office. The request was granted on the proviso that "the correct spelling be adopted namely Windang, which is that of the Island and Trigonometrical Station thereon in the vicinity

Windang Island

Parish of Wollongong County of Camden

The native name for Windang Island was "Kauyanggang" (Kanyangang) which meant "saved by the big bear who pulled the Island into its present position". The Island was called Windang Island as far back as 1848 when it was described in William Henry Wells' Geographical Dictionary as "an island situated at the entrance of Lake Illawarra, in the county of Camden, NSW".

(Source: http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/library/windangnames.asp )

Windang Island Archaeological Relics

In the late 1890s, the Illawarra Harbour and Land Corporation commenced work on a tie-wall as part of a scheme to open the entrance for ships for coal export. The project however was abandoned in the early 1900s. The project included quarrying rock from Windang Island. Today remains of rails, bogey wheels, axels and grab are still visible, either partially buried in the entrance are, or on the Island. In accordance with advice from the NSW Heritage Office, the Authority proposes to carry out an archaeological report and condition assessment to determine if any of the relics are recoverable for display purposes."

(Source: www.lia.nsw.gov.au/about/liarep2004.pdf )

Waves wash over the wagon wheel and rocks at Windang island

2008-09-03T10:32:00.001-07:00

Waves wash over the wagon wheel and rocks at Windang island, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Spring has sprung!

2008-09-01T02:24:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung!, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Kawasaki Bridge at Wollongong Botanic Gardens

2008-08-31T19:19:00.001-07:00

Kawasaki Bridge at Wollongong Botanic Gardens, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Wollongong Botanic Gardens

2008-08-31T08:22:00.001-07:00

Wollongong Botanic Gardens, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

A day in Wollongong Botanic Gardens

2008-08-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

I was taking photos of coral tree flowers when I met Meryl and John who were enjoying a walk through the Gardens. After a lengthy conversation about the gardens, photography, education (Meryl is a teacher) and websites I asked Meryl and John if I could take their photograph. I'm so glad I'm not a shy person because I really enjoyed the experience and love the end result. I have emailed some photos to Meryl and I hope she and John like them :)

Levi loves his blankie

2008-08-28T09:29:00.001-07:00

Levi loves his blankie, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

such a cute little kidlet

very hard to get photos of him now that he's so quick to grab the camera lol

View from a bus - the trip home

2008-08-28T05:35:00.001-07:00

View from a bus - the trip home, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

It was cold and raining on the bus trip home. I'd had a lovely lunch with my Mum in Shellharbour and on the ride home I thought I'd try some photographs from the bus.

I held the camera as steady as I could by gripping the camera and using my elbows on the hand rail on the back of the seat in front of me to stabilise it as the bus swerved and careened around corners. I held on for four seconds and then had a look at the finished result and was pleasantly surprised.

FUJIFILM FinePix S9600 f/2.8, 4 sec (4), ISO 200, 6.2 mm

Competitions: New South Wales Flickr

2008-08-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

Each month in the New South Wales Flickr Group
we vote on photos taken in New South Wales, Australia.

This month includes photos of exceptional quality. If you live in NSW

and would like to take part join the group. You will need to have a yahoo

or flickr id to sign in, post pictures to the group and vote.

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

7

8

9

10.

11.

12.

#13

#14

#15

#16

#17

#18

#19

#20

#21

#22

#23

#24

Purple daisy

2008-08-26T03:19:00.001-07:00

Purple daisy, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

from my garden
how can I have the blues with this perfect purple to cheer me?

Jasmine against black backdrop

2008-08-24T23:16:00.001-07:00

Jasmine against black backdrop, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Camera: Pentax istDL
f/7.1, 0.017 sec (1/60), ISO 400, 50 mm

Flash: on-camera pop-up flash
Background: black piece of cardboard

Photos I have added as favourites on Flickr

2008-08-24T22:36:00.000-07:00

Chef

2008-08-22T09:28:00.001-07:00

Chef, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

It has rained all day and so I decided to take some photos of a chef figurine I was given. The background was purple but I edited it because I thought it was a bolder choice.

Maleny WInes

2008-08-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

Maleny WInes, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

A lovely red wine we enjoyed on holiday in early July.
Photographed for my product photography series

Dylan and Lilli

2008-08-17T22:51:00.001-07:00

Dylan and Lili, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

My grandchildren Lilli and Dylan.
Dylan is the son of my step-son and Lilli is his step-daughter

I used MulletGod's retouch bonanza action on this image

Check out MulletGod's actions at www.mulletgod.org

if you go into the woods today...

2008-08-11T21:41:00.001-07:00

if you go into the woods today..., originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

you're in for a big surprise

for every bear that ever there was
is gathered there together because
today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic

Levi the teddy bear

2008-08-10T04:27:00.001-07:00

Levi the teddy bear, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Re-edit. This time I didn't crop as closely so as to show the whole hood.

It took me a while to do this edit since Philip was holding Levi and his hands needed to be edited out usng paintbrush and cloning..

Philip

2008-08-03T01:12:00.001-07:00

Philip, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Philip Russell

2008-08-01T21:31:00.001-07:00

Philip Russell, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Vintage Gold editing using MulletGod's Vintage Gold

IMGP9208_phil_vintagegold

Ginger Beer vendor at Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast, Qld Australia

2008-07-28T09:49:00.001-07:00

Ginger Beer vendor at Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast, Qld Australia, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

I met this man at Eumundi Markets in Eumundi, Sunshine Coast of Queensland. He was selling Ginger Beer and I asked if I could photograph him - which he was quite happy for me to do. I showed him the result on the back of my camera and he seemed pleased. I have been doing a series of photographs of shop owners, usually in the context of what they are selling. I took a photo of him in his stall but there was a harsh shadow over his face, so I am glad I asked for this close up.

I'm working on some portraits to print for a local camera club, plus finalising selections for an upcoming group exhibition in Wollongong. I really like the expression in this portrait and even more so in black and white. I did a lot of work on this photo and the more I stared at him the more I wish I had asked him to remove his glasses.

PENTAX K10D f/2.8, 0.017 sec (1/60), ISO 100, 50 mm

Warilla Beach

2008-07-26T06:36:00.001-07:00

Warilla Beach, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

I decided to walk down to Warilla Beach for the sunset with a picnic basket filled with cheese, crackers and olives. What a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

Glasshouse Mountains viewed from Maleny, Queensland Australia

2008-07-11T19:21:00.001-07:00

Glasshouse Mountains viewed from Maleny, Queensland Australia, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Noosa sunset on water

2008-07-10T23:33:00.001-07:00

Noosa sunset on water, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

An evening on Noosa beach

2008-07-09T09:26:00.001-07:00

An evening on Noosa beach, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

It was such lovely weather. What a shame it had to start raining that night and lasted for the remainder of our trip

Noosa Beach at Sunset

2008-07-03T06:47:00.001-07:00

Noosa Beach at Sunset, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Shellharbour

2008-06-25T16:56:00.001-07:00

Shellharbour , originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

A Pelican Corroboree in Shellharbour

2008-06-25T16:54:00.001-07:00

A Pelican Corroboree in Shellharbour, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

This scene reminds me of a Corroboree, a ceremonial meeting place, similar to that used by Australian Aboriginees to display skill and dance. The poses of the pelicans are so graceful and yet comical at the same time.

Pelicans at Shellharbour

2008-06-25T16:53:00.001-07:00

Pelicans at Shellharbour, originally uploaded by Vanessa Pike-Russell.

Coq Au Vin

2008-05-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

(Chicken with Wine)

Ingredients:

500grams of Large Field Mushrooms
2 number 10 (I Kilo) chickens
1 Litre chicken stock
1 (750 ml) bottle of Merlot (or like) wine
6 large or 12 small onions
1 head of garlic
1 bouquet garni
4 capers
50g butter

Method:

In pressure cooker (or fast cooker) melt butter on medium heat. Layer with half the quantity of mushrooms and then cover with half the quantity of chicken and add half of your stock.

Next layer, add remainder of mushroom followed by onions, garlic, bouquet garni and add one caper for each corner. Add remaining chicken and stock.

Bring to boil and then reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for two hours. Then add whole bottle of wine and simmer for a further hour.

Note: If you do not have a pressure cooker or fast cooker the cooking times must be doubled.

(to be continued)

Digital Darkroom

2008-05-12T16:28:00.001-07:00

STRAIGHT OUT OF CAMERA (SOOC) vs. MINDS EYE

There are many times when I take a photo and see it a certain way. Then I get home, download the photos to view them on my monitor to find that they don't resemble the image in my minds eye. A good example is the photo below. The dynamic range was sadly lacking.

Thankfully I have been able to make the image closer to what I wanted it to resemble by using some tools and functions found in Adobe Photoshop CS3.

Below is a comparison of before and after editing.
Whilst I loved the original photo but it seemed flat and lacking in contrast.

FILL LIGHT
Sometimes the flash doesn't fire or is too far away from the subject to fill in the shadows.
In this situation I used the Shadows and Highlights image adjustment

Brian Jackson, the owner of Crooked River Winery, Gerringong, NSW 2535,

2008-05-12T07:21:00.001-07:00

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Brian Jackson, the owner of Crooked River Winery, Gerringong, NSW 2535, Australia

“I think this is the place closest to heaven,” says Brian Jackson, owner, with his wife Narelle, of Crooked River Wines at Gerringong, north of Shoalhaven Heads on the New South Wales south coast.

From the vineyard’s handsome visitor centre we look across to tree-covered hillsides and dairy farms, a pastoral landscape in many shades of green. The little Crooked River winds through the Jacksons’ 14-hectare vineyard, and eventually empties its mountain-clear water into the ocean at Geroa.

Brian was a businessman who wanted a change in lifestyle “but not too far from Sydney because we have 16 grandchildren living there”. He looked at many wine regions - the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Orange, and Cowra - and then he found this property, which had been a dairy farm for more than a century. “We are close to beaches and a golf course, and only 20 minutes from the lovely rain forest in Budderoo National Park,” said Brian

(Text Source: Winestate Magazine

Club 46 Gerringong and Coolangatta Winery Tour

2008-05-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

CLUB 46 is an Illawarra company that arranges events for singles and couples in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. On May 10th, 2008 club46 operated a winery tour of Gerringong and Coolangatta (Shoalhaven Heads) and a good time was had by all.

If you ever wanted to get out and about but you prefer going in a group of fun people then Club 46 might be for you.

Club 46 at Coolangatta Winery, Shoalhaven Heads

Club 46 relaxing on the hill at Crooked River Winery, Gerringong

The view

http://www.club46.com.au

Coolangatta Estate Winery

2008-05-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

The first winery we visited was Coolangatta Estate Winery. Located in Shoalhaven Heads, in the foothills of Mount Coolangatta, it is a short 10 minutes drive from Berry and only two hours from Sydney – definitely perfect for a weekend drive.

We visited with a lovely group of people as part of a Club46 event, the Gerringong (and Shoalhaven) winery tour.

We were given a taste of several wines, along with a talk about the local grapes of the region and some of the history of the estate, including the
origin of the word Coolangatta and the fact that the Coolangatta of NSW was actually the first town to be named Coolangatta, although the one in Queensland is the most well known.

The resort facilities are top class with 18th century architecture built by convicts in what is known to be the first European settlement on the South Coast of NSW. Accommodation includes The Cottage Block, The Convict Cottage, The Stables, Servants Quarters, The Plumbers Block, The Lodge, The Blacksmiths Shop, The Harness Room and The Dairy.

The Coolangatta Regional Lunch Plate looked amazing from the photo below (below the sign)

(Image source: Coolangatta Winery Website)

The platter includes Greenwell Point Oysters, Kalamata & Manzanillo Olives, Small Cow Farm Fetta (Robertson), Tahitian Local Fish Salad, Trusst Cucumber Salsa (Sussex Inlet), Trusst Oven Dried Tomatoes (Sussex Inlet), Nowra Unicorn Brie, Coolangatta Estate Almond Bread,
Highlands Thai Beef Salad with Noodles and Shoalhaven Heads Bakery Flowerpot Damper including 50mls each sample of their Semillon, Verdelho, Chambourcin and Sauvignon all for $25.00.

Crooked River Winery Cafe

2008-05-10T06:46:00.001-07:00

Today we visited a lovely winery and cafe with club46 ( www.club46.com.au ) that is located in Gerringong, NSW. Our winery tour ticket included a starter of bread and semi dried tomato butter, a choice of four mains and a cup of coffee. I chose the tasting platter for 2 and was very impressed with the serving size and quality of food which included smoked salmon, chicken lyonnaise, eggplant, pate, salt and pepper calamari.

Crooked River Winery Cafe - Tasting Platter, with more photos of lunch at http://www.illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com

Brian Jackson, the owner of Crooked River Winery, Gerringong, NSW 2535, Australia

“I think this is the place closest to heaven,” says Brian Jackson, owner, with his wife Narelle, of Crooked River Wines at Gerringong, north of Shoalhaven Heads on the New South Wales south coast.

(Text Source: Winestate Magazine )

www.crookedriverwines.com/

Also blogged at illawarrafoodreviews.blogspot.com/