Merry Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas , Wow, Christmas again! How fast has 2013 whizzed by? And what an amazing year it has been. Many of you have joined me on adventures across Australia and I can now add, across the World. We've been to the amazing Australian Outback as Michael and I presented our Red Centre Experience for the 5th time! I love it out there and can't wait to get back again in 2014. We took you away to Kangaroo Island, Norfolk Island, Lamington National Park, North Queensland, Girraween National Park, our glorious Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island. We gave you incredible opportunities to photograph reptiles and frogs and other creatures that most people would never get the chance to see in the wild. I teamed up with Dayak Dave (David Metcalf) and took you to a whole new set of wonderful destinations. Some of you witnessed the mesmerising Kecek dance in Patemon Village in Bali, drifted along a river on a houseboat in the middle of Borneo to photograph orang-utans, photographed crazy buffalo races in Negara and were stunned by the magnificent landscapes of 'Ansel Adams Country' in the Eastern Sierras of California. But there was so, so much more and, incredibly, even more to come in 2014. Jeremy Cowart As my way of giving you a small Christmas present for your support, I've put together a list of great photography, or at least photography related, websites that you may enjoy having a look at and perhaps find useful over the Christmas break. Just click on the images to link to the websites. Enjoy! Once again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I'll look forward to catching up next year. Cheers, Mark North Landscapes Shoot the Living Joe McNally DP Review - News Nick Brandt Moose Petersen Bruce Perry Lens Culture Pop Photo 500 PX The Grid Australian Birdlife Adobe TV Ansel Adams Gallery Nicholas Samaras Diane Arbus Peter Dombrovskis Max Dupain Martin Harvey Trekabout Photography Workshops

Five Day Mountain Experience - Sunday 9 to Friday 14 February 2014

Five Day Mountain Experience - Sunday 9 to Friday 14 February 2014

Lamington National Park – O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Hi , Christmas will soon have come and gone. If you're wondering what to do with all your new camera gear that Santa gave you then come along and join Michael and Mark on top of the mountains for a week of wonderful photography tuition. You can get to know your digital camera in one of Australia’s most stunning natural environments! This workshop is designed to teach participants skills in all facets of photography, including composition, lighting, exposure, aperture/shutter speed/ISO, depth of field and much more. At Trekabout Photography Workshops, we cater for all levels of experience and we are very encouraging to beginners.

Lamington National Park is full of photographic opportunities, including a large variety of wildlife, rainforest and eucalypt forest landscapes, waterfalls, stunning valley views, sunsets and lots of macro subjects. These amazing photographic locations and subjects, coupled with Mark and Michael’s extensive photographic knowledge and tuition skills, means you will have an opportunity to learn plenty of valuable photographic tips, with like-minded people. And you will do so in the most tranquil, beautiful surroundings.

Here is what Howard Aron had to say of his Five Day Mountain Experience with Trekabout Photography Workshops: 'As a keen photographer for a number of years, I booked on the workshop for the opportunity to spend some time outside the stressful work environment with some people that share a common passion and interest and I guess a quest to hone ones skills in the amazing art of photography. Not only did I leave the workshop relaxed and ready for the office environment, but I also unexpectedly took home a lot more knowledge and skills that I gleaned from Michael and Mark. A workshop like this which caters to all levels of skills also made me realise that just when you think you know it all, it take two gents like Michael and Mark to help you lift your skill even further. My only regret was not taking my wife with me, to share in the beauty of Lamington National Park'.

The five day program includes: ▪ Macro photography techniques - for beginners and more advanced users. ▪ Landscape photography techniques - in the rainforest and sunset overlooking the amazing expanse of the Kerry Valley. ▪ Waterfall and cascade photography. ▪ Bird and animal photography techniques. ▪ Reviews and critique of participant's images (evenings) and suggestions for improvements. ▪ Post-processing tips and hints. ▪ Audio visual presentations from Michael and Mark, including wildlife, macro and nature photography. ▪ Getting to know your camera and it's hidden capabilities. ▪ Simplifying the digital world including camera technicalities, image storage, unravelling digital jargon and more.

▪ Advice on recommended cameras/lenses/accessories to use for specific purposes. ▪ Flash photography techniques including use of diffusers, reflectors, natural light etc. ▪ Group tuition as well as one-on-one tuition from Michael and Mark. ▪ Best use of photographic accessories and gadgets. ▪ Free time to practice what you have learned (or simply unwind and relax in the stunning surrounds of Lamington National Park) *PLEASE NOTE – PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

Things you will need: ▪ Camera - Digital SLR (preferred) or compact digital. ▪ Lenses ranging from 15mm to 500mm, including macro if available. ▪ External flash (not compulsory) ▪ Memory card(s), ▪ Sturdy tripod - essential ▪ Monopod (if available) ▪ Remote or cable release (if available)

▪ Camera owner’s manual - Important! ▪ Fully-charged battery (and spare if available) ▪ Comfortable walking shoes ▪ Drinking water ▪ Insect repellent ▪ Sunscreen and hat ▪ Large umbrella ▪ Wet weather protection

Workshop cost $933.90

Accommodation O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat offer amazing discount deals for workshop participants or Lamington National Park camping is available for those on a budget. Full details are available on the Trekabout Website -> here We look forward to seeing you on the mountain.If you have any questions, feel free to call Michael on 0408 941965 or Mark on 0459 221678 For more information please visit the Trekabout website -> here To book you spot click -> here

Seven Day Nyepi Bali Photography Tour and Workshop presented by Mark Rayner and David Metcalf

Seven Day Nyepi Bali Photography Tour and Workshop presented by Mark Rayner and David Metcalf

26 March to 2 April 2014

Book now to secure your spot on this amazing photography workshop and tour. Hi , Dayak Dave (David Metcalf) and Buffalo Master (myself) are pleased to announce our next Bali adventure photography workshop and tour.

The workshop is planned to coincide with Nyepi, a very special week of festivities, held once a year on the Island of the Gods. This workshop is designed to challenge you as a photographer, teach you new skills and techniques under the watchful guidance of Mark and Dave, capture some amazing Images and give you a great insight into Balinese culture at a very special time of the year. This is a workshop not to be missed.

One day prior to Nyepi is Pengrupukan when monster replica’s or Ogah Ogah’s are paraded through the streets on the shoulders of village youths who have spent weeks preparing the colourful displays. This is a feast for those with a photographers eye. Nyepi day is preceded by ceremonies such as Melasti a purification ceremony. You will get to witness Balinese Hindus carrying temple offerings and other sacred symbols to beaches or springs where the purification rituals are held. This is a time of celebration and the Island is alive with dance and music.

Nyepi (the day of silence) is the most Important day on the Balinese calendar and a wonderful and unique opportunity to photograph the spectacular colour and spirit of the days before and after Nyepi. However this is not all you will see!

Dave and Mark will be take you to some very special non-touristy locations to photograph many aspects of Bali including stunning views over ricefields and Volcanos, Sunrise over Mount Agung and Lake Batur, ancient temples in the most historic area of Bali, Kusumba a fascinating fishing village and a opportunity to photograph the salt makers of the area and colourful fishing boats.

And then there's the wildlife! There will be plenty to interest bird and wildlife photographers as we include the famous Monkey Forest and Bali Bird Park, Rural Balinese life incl the duck farmers, however perhaps the greatest highlight will be the very special dance and music performance that will be performed by the local people from the ancient village of Pejeng.

The beautiful Balinese dancers will amaze you! The evening of dance is very unique, as not only traditional dance and music will be performed but also the amazing Kecak dance, followed by dinner under the stars in front of an ancient Balinese temple. This performance will be truly unforgettable and will be performed only for the photography group in a natural setting beside the World Heritage listed Pakerisan river.

David Metcalf, now living in Indonesia, has travelled extensively in Bali and Indonesia for the last thirteen years. In his younger days Dave and his wife Stephanie travelled 20,000 kms by bicycle through 12 different countries. Dayak Dave as he is known in Indonesia, due to his love and interest of the Dayak tribe of Kalimantan, has a great interest and passion for everything Indonesian and Bali in particular. Keep an eye out for his amazing new book about his travels throughout Indonesia to be released in the New Year. The price for your Bali Nyepi adventure is USD $3900.00 (sole occupancy) Which includes: * 7 Nights accommodation at the beautiful Puri Sunia Resort. * 7 Breakfasts * 4 Lunches * 4 Dinners * Special Dance performance at a historic village near Ubud * VIP 'Visitor On Arrival' service * All ground transport incl pick up and return to the airport. * Sarongs * E book with best Images from the tour * Professional photographers and guides fees. A $500.00 deposit will secure your position. To find out more about this incredible photographic adventure and learning experience click on the link -> here. To book, simply complete the form at the bottom of the page -> here. or call Mark on 0459 221678. In the spirit of Christmas, if you book before 31 December, we'll knock 5% off the workshop fee. We'd love to have you along. Cheers, Mark

Borneo 8 Day Orangutan, Wildlife and Dayaks Photo Expedition and Tour

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8 Day Orangutans, Wildlife and Dayaks Photo Expedition with Mark Rayner and David Metcalf 25 May - 2 June 2014 Hi Mark, This will amaze you. Join professional photographers Mark Rayner and David Metcalf on the trip of a lifetime to exotic Borneo (Indonesian Kalimantan) to experience something simply unforgettable – an opportunity to photograph and learn about the fascinating endangered Orangutans in their natural environment. What springs to mind when you hear the word Borneo? Prehistoric tribes living in the forest, orangutans in the wild, exotic wildlife, giant hornbill birds or maybe wild Indiana Jones type headhunters roaming the impenetrable jungle rainforest? Well its not quite like this these days, but if you long for an adventure into Central Borneo to photograph orangutans, large proboscis monkeys, unique birdlife and have the opportunity to meet the local traditional Dayak people whilst sailing along an ancient river in a house boat and going to sleep surrounded by pristine rainforests, then this is the trip for you. Mark Rayner (Buffalo Master) and (Dayak) Dave Metcalf will be leading this fascinating and unique photography adventure in late May 2014. Borneo (in Indonesia, known as Kalimantan), the Amazon of Asia, has a rich array of birdlife and wonderful primates including orangutans, which we get to see at close quarters. This is simply an unforgettable experience and one that will remain with you forever. But this is not all you will see. The shutters will be in overdrive as you witness the huge proboscis monkeys literally flying through the trees at dusk, from the comfort of our comfortable boat, known as a Klotok, as we glide up the river surrounded by the jungle. The immense beauty of the night sky in this wild and pristine place will no doubt captivate and inspire the creative photo-artist within you. We venture into the Tanjung Puting National Park, which is the size of Bali, and visit Camp Leakey where we will meet the orangutans face to face and have the opportunity to see how they live in the forest and photograph them in the wild. We also visit the education centre and learn about the future for their survival as a species. Watch for the huge native hornbills as they soar with their massive bulk through the Borneo skies as we glide along the black water lakes of Central Kalimantan witnessing the stunning afternoon light and brilliant sunsets in this ancient land. We also visit a floating village and meet the Dayak people who have lived in this area for thousands of years. The Dayak people are renowned for their beauty and graceful artistic dance and we have a very special event planned. A traditional warrior dance will be performed, just for our group, on a private island. A great photographic moment where you will have the opportunity to capture the elaborate costumes, array of feathers, colour, culture and watch a captivating performance of song and dance honouring their ancient past. This evening allows for a sharing of stories with the Dayak elders and learn something of their ancient ways and spiritual beliefs in their natural environment. This is an adventure specifically for photographers who want to photograph unique wildlife and experience the beauty and ancient lands of Borneo with like-minded people. Mark and David have a wealth of experience in tour leading and please be assured your safety and comfort are paramount at all times. “Life is not remembered by the breaths you take but those moments that take your breath away”. Please join David and Mark for many breath-taking moments and improve your photography skills, as we take you into the heart of Borneo to connect intimately with the Dayaks, the orangutans and exotic wildlife. For a complete day to day itinerary, pricing and booking please check out all the details on the Trekabout website here.