I'm going to do a short step-by-step work-through of what processing I did...

to achieve this image…

Although I have done a basic work through of my workflow before (that's a mouthful, isn't it!), I thought it was time to do another one where I've used a fairly new technique: luminosity masks. For those who already use Photoshop, you would probably already be using layers and masks. However for those who don't use Photoshop already, it is important to understand a little about layers and masks....

What is a Graduated Neutral Density (GND) filter? How would I use one?

GND filters are a square or rectangular filter.

They are 50% dark grey, and 50% clear.

The dark grey half will reduce the brightness over the area it is positioned, whilst maintaining an exposure for the clear part.

GND filters are useful for sunset photography as they darken out a bright sky…

There are two things I believe are the most important things to get right, in camera. The first is composition, you can't change that in post-processing aside from a little cropping. The only way to stop elements "overlapping" in a photo (e.g. no tree coming out of a persons' head, etc) is to move your feet and camera at the time of the shot.

The other most important thing to get right in camera is…

Took a trip out to Kakdadu National Park (again!) last week - the road to Twin Falls, one of the park's most spectacular waterfalls, had reopened again. As I hadn't visited Twin Falls for a couple of years, I decided it was time to make another trip Kakadu. Every "escape" to the park, I wish there was more time…

Corroboree Billabong is a large wetlands system and part of the Mary River region in the Northern Territory. It's environment is similar to a lot of other Top End wetlands: gorgeous crystal blue waters fringed by paperbarks and pandanus, filled with barramundi and the legendary saltwater crocodile. Corroboree is larger…

What is panning?

Photographically, "panning" refers to the action of moving your camera whilst taking a photo.

Typically, the camera is "swiped" horizontally or vertically….

What are these markets?

If you are coming to Darwin on holiday, you should try to make it to Mindil Beach Sunset Markets! Mindil markets is held through the dry season (end of April until last week in October), every Thursday and Sunday evening….

By popular request, I have put together a summary of some of my favourite places around Darwin's beaches to take photos: when to go and what tides are best. I hope this helps a couple of people who are looking for somewhere to go tonight!

Don’t forget it’s not only being in the right place at the right time that creates good photos. Here’s some of my other useful tutorials that might help…

Do you want to see another awesome sunset over tropical Darwin, Australia?

I am travelling overseas for six weeks, leaving on Sunday. By the time I return to Darwin, the wet season will be well and truly over and we'll be in to the start of another awesome dry season! Mindil Beach markets will be back on, and life will be hectic for another season. So, I thought I would take a couple of days to get some shots of the Katherine region….

A common question people ask me about my photos is if the colours are real. The answer is always yes. I very rarely adjust the colours in my photos, and if I do, it is generally a white balance correction (e.g eliminating a green/blue cast in the shadows) or a contrast adjustment….

These sunsets are on fire lately!! (Ha ha, get it?) Here's a couple from Nightcliff tonight, near the jetty….

A branch-i-licious bolt from tonight's storm….

Mindil Beach is probably Darwin's most popular - loved by tourists and locals alike…

Tonight's sunset from Darwin's Lameroo Beach…

And then, it passed.... And threw a few small CG's out as it went by:

I pretty much take photos every day.... I usually upload them to Flickr and Facebook. Maybe I will try and post them online here as a daily upload too?! Maybe you can help me title the photos too - I am useless at it….

Waterfalls can be challenging to photograph. Often they are shaded, or in tight places. Often they are in a position that is poorly lit or never illuminated. Sometimes it is hard to get a good vantage point, whether it be due to people, space, or water blocking the way! Exposure can be tricky - water is bright white (especially in full sun), and rocks are dark. Here are a series of tips which might help you come away with better photos of beautiful waterfalls!…

The country surrounding Darwin has more than its fair share of waterfalls. Our landscape is patterned with rivers and rapids, gorges and escarpment. Our landscape goes through extreme seasonal changes: whilst our waterfalls are perfect for a refreshing dip in the dry season (as long as they are crocodile free, of course), they become a deathly torrent of raging flood waters in the wet season. Our waterfalls are some of our most loved attractions - loved by tourists and locals alike. So how do you go about photographing these natural wonders….