Things That Attract My Eye – Part 14

It has been a very hectic time over the past week. It is a long time since my first post of the month hasn’t been posted before the 6th day of the month.

Today, I have a few more images from our rec ent time away to Greenwell Point on N.S.W. coast, near Nowra.

I am an early riser anyway and the location we were staying at was so close to the water. The three photos here were within easy walking distance of our cabin. On each morning we were away, regardless of the weather, I was up to catch the morning light then sketch for an hour or more.

I think Sunrise is my favourite part of the day. Beautiful light, the peace and serenity of the moment, and the start of a brand new day!

Till next time!

Written & Photographed by David Johnson

Things That Attract My Eye – Part 13

Our recent short trip down to Greenwell Point, near Nowra recently offered up a host of different photographic opportunities, as well as sketching and painting ones.

Here are a few more of the photographic ones that I found. 🙂

Greenwell Point – South of the Pier.
Crookhaven Heads – The ruined Lighthouse is up the slope to the left.
Greenwell Point – Pier
Point Perpendicular Lighthouse – Jervis Bay

I have more to post from trip. It is/was such a quiet, relaxing trip (we did it outside of school holidays). I would highly recommend it if your are looking (as we were) for a relaxing, short getaway.

Till next time!

Written & Photographed by David Johnson

Exploring A Subject – You Never Know What You Might Find…

One of the things I’ve always enjoyed doing is to ‘exploring a subject.’

Often, I see people walk up to a subject, take a couple of photos and then walk off. Yes, take the overall subject, but move closer and explore the detail and I believe often, you will be pleasantly surprised with what you find. You will also come away with a picture-story which will help you convey much more meaning than with a couple of images.

One such example of this was when I was on Norfolk Island last year. Cascade Pier (pictured below) is the Island’s second or alternate pier. Used by fishing boats, and also schoolchildren to jump off of, after school, it is also used as an alternate pier if the main pier, at Kingston cannot be used for some reason.

It’s a great subject, and it’s even more impressive in regards to the detail when you move in closer. This pier could (as does) tell so many stories, from the rusted steel, the smell of the salty air. I found it such an inspiring place to be, photograph, write and sketch.

So, the next time you see an interesting subject, delve a bit deeper as you never know what interesting subjects you may find.

Written & Photographed by David Johnson

28 February 2023

Things That Attract My Eye! – 2

One of the types of subjects that I have always enjoyed photographing since I took up Photography in 1982 is the ‘everyday things’ that we come into contact with.

Prior to taking up photography, I certainly was not aware how beautiful mundane subjects were. Photography created a new awareness within me and since I took up sketching and painting, this awareness of my surroundings has deepened.

It really is amazing at just how many beautiful subjects there are if we only would take the time to notice.

I’ve included some images below that I hope you will find as interesting and as beautiful as I do. All were taken in 2022.

Till next time!

Written by David Johnson

3 August 2022

On This Island…

Norfolk Island – Paradise!

On 18 February 2022, my Wife, Susan and I headed off to one of our favourite places to go for a holiday, Norfolk Island for 10 nights. It was our third trip there.

View from Queen Elizabeth Lookout over Quality Row (part of Kingston World Heritage site), the Golf course and Nepean and Phillip Islands.

Norfolk Island is located 1,766 kilometres (1,097 miles) North East of Sydney, Australia and there are only two flights in and out per week. The Island itself is an external territory of Australia that was gifted to Australia by the British Commonwealth back in 1913. It became self-governing in 1979 but then in 2015 the Australian Government took over control.

There have been 4 settlements on the Island. Archaeological evidence suggests the the Polynesians were there between (c.1150 and c.1450 AD), then in 1788 the British arrived on Norfolk Island and a Penal colony existed till 1814, then was closed down. A while later, another Penal colony was established and that was closed down in 1856.

Gallows Gate – New Gaol – Penal Settlement

The ‘Mutiny On The Bounty’ also had a part to play as, after the Mutiny, Fletcher Christian and the other mutineers ended up taking The Bounty to Pitcairn Island (some 7,000+ kilometres East of Sydney). Descendants of the mutineers then settled on Norfolk Island in 1856 and descendants of the 8 families are still on Norfolk Island to this day.

As mentioned, this is our third visit there, the first being our Honeymoon in 1997, then for our 10th Wedding Anniversary in 2007. This time it was for our 25th Wedding Anniversary and we will definitely be going back again.

Susan and a Moreton Bay Fig Tree
at ‘100 Acres’.

The Island is only 34.6 square kilometres (13.36 square miles) in area and is 8km (4.97 miles) wide and 5km (3.1 miles) long however, in three visits there we have not seen it all or done everything there is to do there. It is such and amazing place that caters for all interests and tastes. Whether you are a history buff, like to relax, sketch, paint, photograph, play sports (including Golf), swim, surf, snorkel, read, kayak, paddle-board, fish, hike, go out to restaurants, live bands or shop, there is something for everyone.

Sunset at Puppy’s Point

Over the ensuing weeks (or longer), I will be writing some articles based on our experiences on this Island paradise.

As the Island’s advertising slogan states, ‘There’s more to Norfolk Island.’

Written by David Johnson

5 March 2022

A Fishy Tale!

A Fishy Tale!