Tunnel Beach

It has been a while since my last post! Not sure what prevented me from writing as consistently as I have in the past. Most often the daily pursuits of life can prevent one from staying on the path leading to the really important things in life.

To me those are photography, and writing. While I may not write long form (yet), my hope is that the short pieces I put up have meaning.

The photo below is of one of my favorite places in all of Dunedin, Tunnel Beach. When you make the descent to the coastline the stunning sandstone cliffs make an abrupt appearance in your field of view. They are striking to see against the backdrop of the blue ocean. It truly never fails to impress me when I visit. When in Dunedin I highly recommend taking a trip here.

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Sony A7Rii - 24-70 2.8

1/125 | f7.1 | ISO 100 | 24mm

Aoraki

One of my favorite places to visit on the whole of planet earth. If you visit New Zealand, you must visit this sacred spot. Check the weather for a clear day, as seeing the entire range is worth the wait.

This photo recently shared by @purenewzealand on Instagram

Get outside and explore!

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Building a new way of thinking

Lunch breaks, in my old job, were often taken while sitting in front of a computer, sorting through emails. When I moved to Dunedin, this habit found its way over with me. For some reason I kept thinking that this is how it must be, there is definitely no other way to actually enjoy a lunch break. Well, as often is the case, I was completely wrong. There is no doubt that there are far better ways to spend a lunch with none of them being an indoor choice.

The photo below was taken on a recent lunch break my wife and I took to hike up to the top of Mt Cargill. This is from one of my new favortie viewpoints, Butters Peak. I highly recommend, if ever in Dunedin, to hike to both of these beauties.

Even if your computer is calling, take time to get outside and play!

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Sony A7RII - 24-70 2.8

1/400 | f8 | ISO 250 | 24mm

Edit: LR & PS

December in the Deep South

Growing up in Wisconsin often meant that I had the pleasure of a white Christmas. When I moved to North Carolina, the chances were less likely, but there was still the possibilty. Now in New Zealand, and the Southern Hemisphere, this is highly unlikely (unless I was on a glacier in Aoraki NP). It is a little strange to have summer-like temps, and so much daylight, but I think I could get used to a warm Christmas. The one thing missing is family. I have a feeling they would all enjoy a Christmas in the Deep South, as well.

The photo below is from a recent sunset chaser I had in Dunedin. The wind helped add a little extra drama to a nicely diffused sun. Who would have thought a kid from the Midwest would love Christmas at the beach. Definitely not this one from the Wisconsin.

Even if it's -20F, always remember to get outside and play!!

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Sony A7RII - 70-200 2.8

1/80 | f11 | ISO 100 | 70mm

Walking the path alone

The title isn't meant to sound somber, or sad, just a reflection on what we must do at times to truly find out what we want out of life. We can't have our partners, parents, or friends tell us who we are or what are goals are in life. Those expectations should be left to you, and you alone. I feel very fortunate to be living the life I am today, but feel it wouldn't be as fulfilling as it is had I not had to walk some seriously dark paths on my own. Knowing first hand what the depths of depression feel like, I can honestly say those were the years that formed the resilience I have today. I will say, however, that I should have done a better job of seeking out professional help early on, for the recovery process would have been much shorter. Alas, I was a young twenty-something who thought he knew more than he really did. What I believe this experience provided for me was the ability to empathize with others, and truly listen when someone is reaching out for help.

Photography, for me, has turned into a therapeutic endeavor and I wish I would have had this artistic outlet in my younger years. I guess it's better late than never. The picture below is a true representation of the joy being out in the mountains can provide one's soul. I do find these hikes for more enjoyable with my wife, and adventure buddy, Angela. While the emersive experience of being on one's own is an introspective journey good for most everyone, being with partners and friends is the meaning of true happiness.

As always, remember to get ouside and play!!!

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December sunsets

Most often you would think that with December 1st arriving, that summer would finally arrive to the South Island of New Zealand. When living in Dunedin, you'll get glimpses of this elusive season but nothing full-fledge until mid-January. The sunset below personifies the transition between spring and summer. The warm tones of orange being flanked by ominous blue storm clouds were a true joy to capture. What a wonderful way to end the day.

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Sony A7RII - 16-35mm

1/50 | f5.6 | ISO 250 | 16mm

Lunch break on Butters Peak

My wife and I are very fortunate to have jobs that allow us freedom with our schedules, but sometimes we don't take advantage of this freedom when the weather is most desirable. There have been times that we are so caught up with our schedules that we miss perfectly good opportunities to hike on the amazing trails Dunedin has to offer (especially when it's not raining!).

Well today was one of those days we were happy to have taken our lunch break to the hills. On today's menu was Mt Cargill, and Butters Peak. The lighting was ideal for photos, with the cloud cover offering as a nice diffuser.

We shot up to the top of Mt Cargill as fast as we could, so as to have enough time to snap photos should the views present themselves. After a number of attempts at trying to capture just the right moment in time, I finally landed the frame below. This was taken high atop Butters Peak, with the Otago Peninsula acting as the background.

Enjoy the photo! When in doubt, get outside and snap pictures!

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Sony A7RII - 70-200 2.8

1/200 (very windy!) | f10 | ISO 250 | 70mm

Stormy days

Glorious, rain-filled clouds are a sight I don't often see in Dunedin. Rain, yes, big puffy dark clouds, no. The rain often arrives as a large grey blanket. When I saw these beauties off in the distance I knew we had some thunder coming. It may not be everyone's preferred form of entertainment, but for me seeing the storm moving ever-closer was truly exhilarating. Camera details below!

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Sony A7RII - 24-70 2.8

1/500 | f7.1 | ISO 100 | 24mm