Sidetracked from the steps ...

In my last post I mentioned that I was sidetracked on my search for steps (ok, it should have been "stairs").

I think that my admiration for the sandstone had caused me to overlook the quality of the modern buildings on campus.

Two in particular, the Brain Institute and Sir Llew Edwards Building, are particularly striking ... (Canon 450d, 18-55mm zoom)

Concrete steps

It was a beautiful winter afternoon for my weekly constitutional around UQ and I was on my own with the dog, so I took my time and explored some spots I don't usually go.

I decided to try to focus on one theme (although I did get side tracked) - steps. This was inspired by Nicole's kind comments of a couple of posts past, but I also wondered if setting a narrow topic would force me to look differently at the common things that I might ordinarily pass and not notice.

As it turned out, I found a few likely subjects. I chose these shots because they seem to capture different feelings from the same medium (concrete) that is finished very differently in different settings.

So there they are: the bare; the organic; and the smooth. (Canon 450D, 18-55mm zoom)

Steele Building

As promised in my last post, here are a couple of images of the Steele Building.

These are taken from the Great Court on a quite dreary afternoon. Regardless of the weather, I still find the sandstone compelling. (Canon 450d, 18-55mm zoom)

UQ trees in June

Ok, I admit, I need to get out more often ...

Seems as though the only time I get lately to take any photos at all is when I am either watching my children play sport or waiting for their sport to finish.

Found myself with the dog at UQ again yesterday afternoon and took the Canon 450d with 18-55mm zoom in the hope that the sunset would be spectacular. High cloud about all day threatened to clear enough after 3pm to set the sky alight. Needless to say it didn't ...

The quite flat and even light drew me to the trees, jacaranda and figs, around the lakes during my walk. I took these shots, but could quite decide which way to represent the lovely fig by the duck pond (any suggestions would be appreciated).

I did venture up to the great court for some more sandstone studies and I might post them soon.

UQ contrast

It has been quite some time since I posted, so I thought that I better make a contribution. The last film shots I have taken have been on work trips to Canberra and Melbourne, nothing suitable for posting here!

My youngest continues to run on Sunday afternoons at The University of Queensland (UQ), and I thought that it would be good to take a camera (Canon 450D) today in the hope of getting some inspiration. As I wandered, chatting to my wife with the dog in tow (well, actually leading the way) it struck me that one of the reasons the campus is so alluring is the mix of traditional and modern architecture.

It is almost like the buildings are giving a nod to the knowledge of the past, with their solidity and tradition, while urging the students to energetically embrace what is to come. This seems to create a wonderful tension that helps me see and feel differently on every visit.

Around the lake

Having spent the morning indoors at work, I looked forward greatly to our Sunday afternoon stroll with the dog around the UQ campus.

The afternoon was quite overcast and windy and not altogether pleasant, but we quickly warmed up as we embarked from the running track.

Inevitably, we passed by the lake near the centre of the campus. The wind had dropped considerably by this time and I noticed a majestic stork of some sort hidden among the paperbark trees at the western end of the lake, but unfortunately it took flight as soon as I took the lens cap off the camera.

This beautiful bird did encourage me to present a brief study of this wonderful oasis close to our city centre. (Canon 450D, efs 55-250mm)

Curlew

I was forced to park my car in an unfamiliar area of The University of Queensland when we were there a few weeks ago.

This little chap greeted me as I got out of the car. I believe him to be a Bush Stone Curlew - please tell me if I am wrong.

I thought that I would try to capture him in an acceptable image at 1600 iso on the Canon. I am continuing to try to learn different aspects of this new camera and I was wondering about its high iso capabilities. It was a very overcast afternoon, so it was a perfect opportunity to practice shooting in the shadows. (Canon 450D, efs 55-250mm)

UQ Walk

These three images complete complete the initial set of shots taken with my new toy.

Whilst my youngest trains for cross country at the UQ track on a Sunday afternoon, we tend to take the dog for a work among the stately buildings and tranquil gardens that make up the campus.

I never tire of the way the light at different times of the year and on different days plays its merry game. It often highlights to me the idea that I am not shooting a subject, but merely capturing the light. (Canon 450D, 18-55mm zoom)