Blue Mountains, Australia

[roteague]

I'll be visting the Blue Mountains, Australia, in about 4 weeks from now, and am looking for suggestions for sunrise or sunset photography. I'll be shooting 4x5, mostly Fuji Velvia 50.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[seabird]

Hi Robert,

The classic sunset shot is the Three Sisters at Echo Point, Katoomba from the viewing platform - but, if its a nice evening then be prepared to get there early to book your spot amongst the crowd.

As for other places? Govetts Leap lookout at Blackheath should be quite nice at sunrise.

I'm not quite sure where else to sugggest. Bear in mind that the Blue Mountains consists of a number of deep valleys carved out of a plateau - they're not mountains in the European sense of alps. Sunrise/sunset is more often determined by when the sun disappears behind a nearby cliff rather than below the horizon - particularly at this time of the year when the sun is lower.

Cheers

[roteague]

Thanks Carey, I have a great photo of the Three Sisters on my desk taken by Ken Duncan.

I'm staying in Katoomba, but I'm willing to go where I need to go to catch the sun. I thought I'd try to find a couple of waterfalls, the two that look promising are Sylvia Falls at Wentworth Falls, and Yosemite Creek - I've seen pictures of the waterfall at Yosemite Creek, but haven't found out how to get to it.

I haven't come across Govetts Leap, but will check that out. Are you familiar with Baltzer Lookout near Blackheath?

I like to shoot the wide view mostly, since I shoot almost exclusively color, but do like a close up view or two.

I've been to Australia several times, this is my 10th trip, but I haven't been to the Blue Mountains before. Unfortunately, I've only got a couple of days in the Blue Mountains ... I'll be spending most of my time in the Alpine National Park area in Victoria, where I've been numerious times.

Thanks for the help,

Robert

[Leonard Metcalf]

Dear Robert,

If you want to catch up while your in the Blue Mountains you should drop me a line. I can advise you of many spots to shoot from. Best to answer this question with a map in front of us.

And am also available as a local photographic guide.

http://lensschool.com.au/photographictours/bluemountains

Always happy to talk to large format photographers.

Regards,

Len

[Shen45]

Dear Robert,

If you want to catch up while your in the Blue Mountains you should drop me a line. I can advise you of many spots to shoot from. Best to answer this question with a map in front of us.

And am also available as a local photographic guide.

http://lensschool.com.au/photographictours/bluemountains

Always happy to talk to large format photographers.

Regards,

Len

Robert is excellent company and a very good photographer to boot. Have a wonderful time Robert and I look forward to seeing your images.

Steve

[Ross Chambers]

Hi Robert, last time we met was at the Opera House a few months ago.

As a Blue Mountains resident I'm ashamed to say that I haven't pursued the type of shot you seek, but then I'm a dedicated monochromist. Many times as I have passed through Warrimoo to Valley Heights on the train I've seen striking sunrises and cloud formations, the clouds in particular favour this stretch. BUT it's highly weather dependent and finding a place to set up may well be impossible.

If you do the Hansel and Gretel thing and wander deeper into the bush do let the local cops know of your plans beforehand. They usually have position locators to loan, and people die not too far off the beaten track round these parts.

Regards - Ross

[Craig Griffiths]

Robert,

I can recommend Len Metcalf. He sure knows his way around the Blue Mountains. He would be able to suggest a lot of the common and not so common locations

[Richard Mc]

I have spent a couple of days with Len Metcalf and can also vouch for him.

Until that point, I had never seen a large format camera, but I was curious to learn.

I found Len on the internet and arranged to spend some time with him, one on one, so I could get a handle on what all this large format stuff was all about.

I found Len to be very knowledgeable and a good teacher.

Shortly after getting home I bought my first LF camera and it was the start of a bit of a photographic journey - I now own four and have begun building a serious darkroom.

You won't go wrong spending a day or two with Len in the Blue Mountains.

[seabird]

Thanks Carey, I have a great photo of the Three Sisters on my desk taken by Ken Duncan.

I'm staying in Katoomba, but I'm willing to go where I need to go to catch the sun. I thought I'd try to find a couple of waterfalls, the two that look promising are Sylvia Falls at Wentworth Falls, and Yosemite Creek - I've seen pictures of the waterfall at Yosemite Creek, but haven't found out how to get to it.

Sylvia Falls are indeed worth a look. Here's an image I made there a while ago: Sylvia Falls (http://members.iinet.net.au/~cbird/vowpic.html)

It's a grunt getting down there (and back up) with an LF outfit on your back. I trust you have a reasonable level of fitness and aren't afraid of having sore muscles the next day :-)

There's also lots to see at Wentworth Falls proper. Darwin's walk and the Weeping Rock circuit, the top of the Falls, Princes Lookout, Rocket Point and the stone staircases to the base of the falls are all worth exploring.

I'm not familiar with Yosemite Creek so thanks for the heads-up. I'll have to check it out.



I haven't come across Govetts Leap, but will check that out. Are you familiar with Baltzer Lookout near Blackheath?


Govett's Leap is a lookout at the end of the road at Blackheath. Have a look at google maps or similar to familiarise yourself with the general area. There are a couple of walking tracks that venture along (or down) the escarpment from the lookout. I recommend the walk round to Pulpit Rock if its a nice day.

I am indeed familiar with Baltzer Lookout - was there just a few weeks ago and took this: Hanging Rock and Baltzer Point (http://members.iinet.net.au/~cbird/baltzerpic.html)

Its well worth a visit but be aware that it is about a 40min walk in (and another 40mins out) from the gate on the road.




I like to shoot the wide view mostly, since I shoot almost exclusively color, but do like a close up view or two.

I've been to Australia several times, this is my 10th trip, but I haven't been to the Blue Mountains before. Unfortunately, I've only got a couple of days in the Blue Mountains ... I'll be spending most of my time in the Alpine National Park area in Victoria, where I've been numerious times.

Thanks for the help,

Robert

If you are staying in Katoomba, then you are centrally located for a lot of the action. However you will probably want to have access to a car to get to and from some of the vantage points and walking tracks.

You can find some of my Blue Mountains shots in the galleries at my website: Carey Bird Photography (http://members.iinet.net.au/~cbird/index.html) No colour though :)

As Ross says (Hi Ross!), be aware that you are in the mountains and that your agenda may have to flexible enough to accommodate less than stellar weather.

Hope this helps. PM me if you want any further details.

[roteague]

Robert is excellent company and a very good photographer to boot. Have a wonderful time Robert and I look forward to seeing your images.

Steve

Thanks Steve. I've never forgotten the trip we made from Adelaide to Alice Springs, the camping, and the nights under the stars at Ormiston Gorge.

[roteague]

I'm not familiar with Yosemite Creek so thanks for the heads-up. I'll have to check it out.

I found out about it just recently. This photo: http://www.genkin.org/cgi-bin/photo.pl/landscapes/forest-rainforest-waterfalls/other/auwf0025 is what has peaked my interest. I've got to drop the photographer a note, to ask for directions.

I appreciate the links and photos, I'll keep them in mind as I wonder around. I'll have a car, so it won't be too much of a problem getting where I need to go. The only real problem I have is time. I'll leave Sydney Sunday morning for Katoomba, then leave sometime on Tuesday for Victoria (Alpine NP area), where I'll spend most of the time on my trip.

[roteague]

Dear Robert,

If you want to catch up while your in the Blue Mountains you should drop me a line. I can advise you of many spots to shoot from. Best to answer this question with a map in front of us.

And am also available as a local photographic guide.

http://lensschool.com.au/photographictours/bluemountains

Always happy to talk to large format photographers.

Regards,

Len

Thanks Len. I appreciate the offer. I'm mainly looking for suggestions, since my time will be limited in the Blue Mountains (most of my trip will be near Bright, Vic -- where I've been quite a few times).

I'll be staying in Katoomba, from Sunday the 19th through sometime on the 21st. My hotel in Sydney is very close to the airport, so, I'll spend the night, then drive up early in the morning. I'm not sure when I'll leave Katoomba, but may leave in the middle of the day, and spend that night in Echuca, down on the Murray - I've been there 3 or 4 times already, and like to photograph the Murray.

I'll be shooting exclusively 5x4, mostly Fuji Velvia. I may bring some B&W, but I've not shot it in years, so I'm not attuned to it. My main concern during the time I'll be in the Blue Mountains is for sunrise, as I may not be able to scout for locations. I've got ideas for sunset stuff, like Baltzer Lookout. I'm 55 so I'm not up for strenuous hikes, but being a native of Colorado, I've spent my fair share of time walking up and down mountains, and my kit is fairly light (I've got a Chamonix).

I appreciate hearing from you. Unfortunately, my budget doesn't allow for a guide, so your willingness to answer my questions is doubly appreciated.

[seabird]

I found out about it just recently. This photo: http://www.genkin.org/cgi-bin/photo.pl/landscapes/forest-rainforest-waterfalls/other/auwf0025 is what has peaked my interest. I've got to drop the photographer a note, to ask for directions.

Robert,

Some directions to Yosemite Creek that I found on the net. Based on this it shouldn't be too hard to find (suggest you also refer to google maps):

"1.3-kilometres trail starts in the small Minnehaha Reserve which can be found by following these directions:

- from the Great Western Highway turn onto Civic Plaza, then
- turn left to the Station Street and
- follow Victoria Street until South Street, where you need to turn right
- finally, turn left onto Minni Ha Ha Road and drive until you reach a small car park.

Trail to waterfalls (yes there are two of them) follows a Yosemite Creek and after 900 meters brings you to a lookout with great views over canyon from a rocky cliff. You will not be able to see the main waterfall from there, but if it is full of water you will definitely hear it. However, from there you can have a look at another smaller waterfall – you will need to get through the dense bush for it – it was quite hard at the time when we were there, that’s why I don’t have any photos of that place."

Pinched from here (http://www.yktravelphoto.com/places/minnehaha-minni-ha-ha-falls/308/en)

Hope this helps

[roteague]

Thanks Carey, I was able to find it on Google Maps. My hotel is halfway between Katoomba and Leura, right on the Great Western Highway, so it's a quick short drive from there. I'll ask the guy who took the photo I referred to, as to the best time of day to visit.

FWIW, I love the Google Earth desktop program ... I could easily take a look at the parking lot, from the ground level, where the trail starts. :)