Tag:spring
Nestled in the rolling hills of New South Wales, Canowindra is a charming town that offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Canowindra is an excellent destination at any time of year, but visiting during the canola season (typically between August and September) provides a particularly magical experience. The landscape transforms into a sea of vibrant yellow, creating a stunning backdrop for exploring this quaint town. This guide will take you through the highlights of travelling to Canowindra during canola season, from the golden fields to the town’s historical and cultural attractions.
The Golden Fields of Canowindra
During canola season, one of the most breathtaking aspects of visiting Canowindra is the vast fields of blooming canola. The bright yellow flowers create a striking contrast against the green countryside and clear blue skies, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Best Spots for Viewing Canola Fields
To fully appreciate the beauty of the canola fields, take a scenic drive along the country roads surrounding Canowindra. Some of the best spots for viewing and photographing the fields include:
- Belubula Way: This scenic route offers panoramic countryside views and expansive canola fields. The rolling hills covered in bright yellow blooms create a picturesque scene that’s perfect for photography.
- Gaskill Street: While mainly known for its historical buildings, the outskirts of Gaskill Street lead to beautiful rural landscapes with canola fields in full bloom.
- Cargo Road: A popular route for wine enthusiasts, Cargo Road also passes through stunning canola fields. Combining a wine tour with canola viewing makes for a delightful day trip.
Photography Tips
To capture the best photos of the canola fields, consider the following tips:
- Golden Hour: The soft, warm light during sunrise and sunset enhances the yellow hues of the canola flowers, creating stunning images.
- Drones: If you have a drone, use it to capture aerial shots of the canola fields. The bird’s-eye view provides a unique perspective of the landscape.
- Foreground Interest: To add depth and interest to your photos, include fences, old barns, or trees in the foreground.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before heading out. A clear, sunny day will make the canola fields look their best, while cloudy skies can add drama to your shots.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
While the canola fields are a highlight, Canowindra is rich in history and culture and offers plenty of attractions to explore.
Ballooning Over Canowindra
Canowindra is renowned as the “Ballooning Capital of Australia,” and experiencing a hot air balloon flight over the canola fields is an unforgettable adventure. The sight of the golden fields from above, stretching as far as the eye can see, is truly breathtaking. We took a sunrise flight with Balloon Joy Flights during our visit. Balloon flights provide a unique perspective of the landscape. Flights typically occur at sunrise or sunset, when the winds are calm, and the light is perfect for viewing the canola fields. Booking your flight in advance is recommended, as canola season is a popular time for ballooning in Canowindra.
What to Expect
A typical balloon flight lasts about an hour, but the entire experience, including setting up and packing away the balloon, can take three to four hours. Participants usually meet before dawn, and after a safety briefing, they watch as the balloon is inflated. Once airborne, you’ll drift gently over the countryside, with the pilot pointing out landmarks and sharing interesting facts about the area. Upon landing, a traditional champagne breakfast rounded off our experience in style.
Local Wineries and Dining
Canowindra is in a burgeoning wine region known for its boutique wineries and exceptional local produce. During canola season, the vineyards are surrounded by yellow blooms, creating a stunning setting for wine tasting and dining.
Wineries to Visit
- Rosnay Organic Wines: This family-owned vineyard produces organic wines, olives, and figs. The cellar door offers tastings and tours.
- Windowrie Estate: Known for its award-winning wines, Windowrie Estate provides a charming cellar-door experience. The picturesque vineyard makes it a great place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine.
- Wallington Wines: Specializing in handcrafted wines, Wallington Wines offers personalized tastings in a beautiful rural setting. The vineyard’s focus on quality and sustainability is evident in every sip.
Dining in Canowindra
Canowindra’s culinary scene is a delightful reflection of its agricultural bounty. Many of the town’s restaurants and cafes emphasize fresh, locally sourced ingredients in their menus.
- Finns Store: Located in a beautifully restored heritage building, Finns Store offers contemporary Australian cuisine, focusing on seasonal ingredients. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
- Taste Canowindra: Combining a restaurant, wine bar, and art gallery, Taste Canowindra provides a unique dining experience. Enjoy gourmet dishes paired with local wines while surrounded by works of art.
- The Old Vic Inn: This historic pub offers a cosy atmosphere and a menu featuring hearty, classic dishes made with local produce. It’s an excellent place for a casual meal and a drink.
Exploring the Outdoors
Beyond the canola fields, Canowindra offers plenty of outdoor activities and exploration opportunities.
Bushwalking and Wildlife
The Canowindra Nature Reserve is a popular spot for bushwalking, with trails that wind through woodlands, along riverbanks, and up gentle hills. The reserve has various wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, and numerous bird species. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside.
Fishing and Boating
The nearby Lachlan River provides opportunities for fishing and boating. Anglers can try to catch Murray cod, golden perch, and other freshwater species. The river’s peaceful surroundings make it an excellent place for a relaxing day on the water.
Accommodation Options
Canowindra offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets, from charming bed and breakfasts to self-contained cottages and historic inns.
Bed and Breakfasts
For a cosy and personalized experience, consider staying at one of Canowindra’s bed and breakfasts. Some popular choices include:
- The Old Vic Inn: We stayed here and found it fabulous. This historic inn offers comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and a central location. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast and explore the town’s attractions on foot.
- Gaskill Street Cottage: A charming, self-contained cottage in the heart of Canowindra. The cottage offers all the comforts of home and a peaceful garden setting.
- Montrose House is a beautifully restored heritage home offering elegant rooms and a warm welcome. It is known for its exceptional hospitality and delicious breakfasts.
Farm Stays
For a unique and immersive experience, consider staying at a farm stay. These accommodations allow you to experience rural life and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside.
- Rosnay Organic Wines: In addition to its vineyard, Rosnay offers farm stay accommodation in a cosy, self-contained cottage. Guests can enjoy farm tours, wine tastings, and peaceful surroundings.
- Eddy’s of Canowindra is a working farm offering comfortable accommodations and a chance to experience farm life. Guests can participate in farm activities and explore the beautiful property.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Canola season, typically from August to September, is the best time to visit Canowindra to see the fields in full bloom. The weather is mild, and the countryside is most beautiful during these months.
Getting There
Canowindra is approximately 300 kilometres west of Sydney, making it a manageable drive for a weekend getaway. The town is also accessible by public transport, with train and bus services connecting it to major cities and regional centres.
Local Tips
- Respect the Fields: While the canola fields are beautiful, they are also working farms. Be respectful of private property and stick to designated viewing areas.
- Dress Appropriately: The weather can be cool in the early morning and evening, so bring layers and comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring a Camera: The vibrant canola fields and picturesque landscapes provide plenty of photo opportunities.
Visiting Canowindra during canola season is a truly magical experience. The golden fields, the town’s rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming community create a perfect destination for a memorable getaway. Whether exploring the scenic countryside, floating above the landscape in a hot air balloon, or savouring the flavours of local wines and cuisine, Canowindra offers a unique and enchanting travel experience. So pack your bags, set out on a golden journey, and discover the beauty and charm of Canowindra in canola season.
The season of spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. As nature finally awakens from its winter slumber, it presents a breathtaking canvas for photographers. Spring is the best time for capturing the vibrant colours and delicate blossoms. In this post, we will explore the art of Spring photography, sharing techniques, tips, and ideas to help you photograph the enchanting beauty of this season.
Seek out Blossoms:
Spring is often associated with the beautiful blooming flowers that add colours to the world. You can find these stunning blossoms in local gardens, parks, or even your own backyard. Capturing their beauty uniquely and captivatingly involves experimenting with different angles, compositions, and depths of the field. From cherry blossoms to tulips, these iconic symbols of spring are a sight to behold.
Play with Light
As the season changes to spring, you can enhance your photography with the subtle and gentle light it brings. Take advantage of the soft light during the morning and evening to create a warm and dreamy atmosphere in your images. Experiment with shooting against the sunlight to capture a magical backlit effect. Alternatively, use diffused light on cloudy days to highlight the colours and textures of the scenery. Additionally, incorporating sidelight can add depth, texture, and drama to flower photography, emphasising the beauty of the blooms.
Before taking photos, it is essential to consider the direction of the light source. Sidelight, which comes from the subject’s side, can cast shadows and create highlights. To effectively use sidelight in your composition, determine the angle from which the light hits the flowers. This type of lighting is also great for highlighting the textures and details of flowers, as it creates shadows that accentuate the contours, creases, and intricate patterns of petals and leaves.
To capture this effect, position yourself so that the light is coming from the left or right, creating a play of light and shadow that enhances the three-dimensional quality of the subject.
Bees
If you want to include bees on your flowers, early morning is also the best time, as they are less active when it’s cooler. You will need a shutter speed of around 1/500 sec early morning (1/1000 if later in the day and they have warmed up). A telephoto lens will also enable you to get the bees without getting too close.
Embrace Nature’s Palette
Spring is also a season that showcases a beautiful range of vibrant hues and pastel shades. Incorporating contrasting colours in your compositions is a great way to create visually striking images. For instance, pairing yellow daffodils against a blue sky or purple flowers against a green backdrop can create a harmonious contrast. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colour grading during post-processing to enhance the mood and bring out the essence of spring.
Capture the Essence of Growth
Spring is a time of transformation and rejuvenation. To truly capture the essence of this season, focus on photographing emerging leaves, sprouting buds, and newborn animals. Use the backdrop of fresh green foliage or leading lines to direct the viewer’s gaze towards signs of growth. Additionally, zoom in and capture the intricate details.
Macro Photography
During the spring season, there are countless little marvels to discover, such as dewdrops resting on petals or complex insect designs. By delving into the realm of macro photography, you can experience the miniature universes that exist within nature. With the help of a macro lens or extension tubes, you can capture the intricate details that often go unseen, uncovering the hidden world around us.
Get Creative
- Include a sun flare in your images by shooting into the sun at F16 or above.
- Get super close and concentrate on one subject.
- Get down low and shoot up.
- Carry a little squirt bottle of 50/50 water and glycerin to replicate dew drops.
Spring is a beautiful time to capture the beauty of nature through photography. Whether you are an experienced photographer or a beginner, the season’s vibrant colours, gentle light, and abundance of life provide endless opportunities to create captivating images. Venture outdoors, immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings and let your camera transport you to the enchanting world of spring.
Beautifully coloured butterflies fluttering from bloom to bloom aren’t just fun and beautiful insects to watch. They also serve an essential purpose. Butterflies, bees, moths, birds and bats are responsible for pollinating over 75% of the world’s flowering plants.
The butterfly is a flying flower, the flower a tethered butterfly
Ponce Denis Écouchard Le Brun
Description
Like moths, the butterfly’s wings, bodies, and legs are covered with dust-like scales that come off when handled. However, unlike moths, who are active at night, butterflies are active during the day. They are also more brightly coloured and patterned than moths and have distinctive club-tipped s antennae. In addition, they hold their wings vertically over the back when at rest, while moths rest with flat wings.
The butterflies’ taste receptors are on their feet, so they taste the surface each time they land. Their diet is exclusively liquid as they don’t have the necessary apparatus for chewing. Instead, the butterfly uses its long proboscis like a straw to suck up nectar.
Their life cycle has four stages: egg, larvae (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis) and adult (imago). Most butterflies and caterpillars feed on plants, and even then, only specific parts of specific types of plants.
Common egg fly butterfly
The most common butterfly in Australia is the Common Eggfly. The males have purple iridescent wings with white ‘egg’ spots. The female is brownish-black with white markings on the wing edges. The males are territorial and will physically battle other males over their territory. Fighting butterflies? Mind blown. They love human sweat and will land on you and drink it for the salt content lacking in flowers. A bacterial infection decimated the male population in 2001, killing 99% of the males. However, over time, they developed an immunity to the disease, and by 2007, the population had recovered to 40%
Cairns Birdwing
The biggest butterfly in Australia is the Cairns Birdwing. They are endemic to pockets of north-eastern coastal Queensland. With a wingspan that can reach 20cm (in the females, which are larger than the males), they are the largest butterfly species native to Australia and among the largest butterflies on Earth.
Photographing butterflies
The best time to photograph butterflies is spring and summer; especially in the early morning and late evening. This is because they will be cooler, slower and more sluggish. A tripod will help, as will focusing with live view. Focus on the butterfly head and eyes. Go for a low F stop to make the butterfly pop out against a silky smooth bokeh background.
Just as with flowers, the wind is our enemy here. Even the slightest breeze will cause problems. Look at the forecast before heading out – wind at less than 10kph is ideal.
I prefer a macro when shooting butterflies and an ISO of 100-640, depending on the light (but I try to keep it under 200). I set my F stop to F5.6 with a shutter speed of 1/180th second if static on a flower and 1/500 if they are moving the wings. . The best way is to find a flower or shrub they are hovering around and wait for them to land. They won’t be wary of you if you aren’t moving around.
In post-processing, you can crop your image to get even closer. If you have to crop heavily, you can upsize the image larger again with no loss of quality by using Topaz Gigapixel (they have a free trial too).
Fun Facts
- A flock of butterflies is called a Kaleidoscope.
- There are 15,000 to 20,000 butterfly species in the world
- The average lifespan of an adult butterfly is three to four weeks (though the North American Monarch can last two to eight months). However, the Mayfly only lives 24 hours.
- Butterflies see a range of ultraviolet colours invisible to the human eye.
A great place to practice your butterfly photograph is at a Butterfly house. In Melbourne, the Melbourne Zoo Butterfly House is my go-to. If you are travelling, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary in Kuranda, Cairns, Qld, is a fabulous place to visit.
Its Spring! That means flower photography. The bees are buzzing; flowers are blooming. Cloudy winter skies are giving way to blue skies and sunshine. And lockdown or not – photographing flowers is something you can do economically from the comfort of your own home, and when it’s wet or breezy, you can still photograph inside – but give the impression they were taken outdoors. Try the following techniques for flower photography to get you started.
Gathering Your Subjects
A show-worthy garden is not required to photograph flowers. Look to your own or your neighbour’s garden. Pop into your local nursery and photograph their blooms (if you aren’t in lockdown). Take the camera on your walk and photograph the blossoms or wattle. Keep a pr of scissors in your pocket, and if you want to take a cutting home, you can snip a piece off from the blossom or wattle trees on the nature strips or parks as you go by. If you have no garden, a bunch of mixed flowers from the supermarket is a great place to start. Look for daises, lilies, daffodils, Gerbera, and sweet williams.
Outdoors
Consider wind when deciding what, when and where to photograph. A tripod is highly recommended using a macro lens, but this won’t help if it’s breezy and the flowers move like crazy. If your flowers won’t hold still – cut them and take them to a sheltered spot or indoors. Early morning or late afternoon will give you the best light and avoid the harsh shadows of the middle of the day when it’s sunny. Indoors you have more control over lighting.
Light
Natural light or flash? I prefer non-flash – so that the light is softer, and I prefer to compensate with a longer shutter speed on a tripod. If you use a flash (or a torch), direct the light to the background, not the flower, to reduce your shadows on the flower. Indoors, filtered side light from a southwest-facing window works a treat in either early morning or late afternoon. Lacey curtains will create exciting patterns while sheers will diffuse the light. A small reflector allows you to bounce light back to the darkest side. Don’t have one? An economical alternative is to cover a piece of cardboard with aluminium foil.
Composition
Fill the frame? Patterns, textures? Also, consider the plane of focus. For example, if you are photographing down into a flower with a deep centre, such as a lily or a rose, the stamens will focus while the side walls are out of focus.
Depth of Field
Do you want all the flowers in focus or just a part of it? If you use a macro, you will only get a narrow slice in focus regardless of your aperture; if you want more of the flowers in focus when shooting with a macro, consider focus stacking. With a zoom lens, more or all of the flowers will be in focus if using an F-stop or F7 or more. The silkiness of the background bokeh will depend on the lens utilised – and how far away from the flower the background is.
Inside or out?
With spring being windy – and lockdown limiting movement options – this is my preferred go-to at the moment. For this post, I picked up a bunch of flowers from the supermarket, gathered my tools and set them up near a window. I used a macro and my walkaround lens for the shots, and focus stacked the macro shots. With the camera on a tripod, I wasn’t concerned about shutter speed – I set the ISO to 200, the F stop to between 5.0 and 7 depending on which lens was on the camera, and I just adjusted the shutter until the exposure was correct.
Handy Tools To Have for indoor shoots.
- Printed backgrounds – I made mine in photoshop and blurred them to give me a silky DOF, but you can also use wrapping paper, placemats etc. You can also place flowers behind your main subject as a background. To start you off with printed backgrounds, there are four free ones to download at the end of this post. The ones I used were printed on A4 180gsm matt photo paper – there is no need for a large sheet when photographing a single flower.
- Bulldog clips to hold your backgrounds
- Pegs and Memo holders to hold a single flower or backdrop. slide a piece cut from a drinking straw or heat tube over the teeth, so they don’t crush the flower stem
- a specimen holder – I made my own with a mini tripod, alligator clip, and heat shrink plastic tube (thanx for the tip Stewart Wood)
- a glass (no water) to hold a single flower
- Vase or water to hold your flowers and keep them from wilting while working
Setup and my Final Shots
Each split screen below shows the setup – and the finished shot. There is no hard and fast rule I follow… most of the time, the backgrounds do stand up ok.. sometimes, I have to handhold. I haven’t glued them to more robust cardboard as the photo paper is double-sided, so I printed the background on each side… it’s not a huge problem to get them to stand up. I think a small easel might do the trick for the odd one that won’t play nice 😉
Setup One
This was the most straightforward setup of all. First, place your bloom in a glass to support it upright (no water needed). Next, choose your background, put it behind the image, and shoot. Support your printed background with a couple of large bulldog clips as stands; if using wrapping paper, try blue tac to attach it to the wall behind your flower. Then zoom in on the part of the flower you want to shoot… or use the macro.
Setup Two
For this shot, I held the Gerbera upright using two clothes pegs. My greenery behind was held with memo and bulldog clips, and my little specimen stand and another bulldog clip held the backdrop in place.
Setup Three
Bit of a lazy effort with setup Three. I used the Gerbera again – this time in the glass with the pegs holding it straight up in the middle of the glass. This background didn’t want to stand up, so I handheld it and took the shot.
Setup Four
I chose another Gerbera with setup number four and again situated it in the glass, held in place with pegs. However, I had to raise the glass a bit for this one with a book to get the part of the background I wanted in the right place. So again, I lowered the tripod, and shot with the macro, shot level with and side onto the flower.
I hope you enjoyed the Techniques for Flower Photography – at the bottom of the post are your free backgrounds.
Click the button below to download your four free backgrounds. It’s a zip file, so you will need WinRar or Winzip to unzip it. Both programs are free to download
