stephen fitzgerald
panoramic
photography
"Barrenjoey Dreamtime" #17/50 Palm Beach 17/05/08
I positioned myself for what I figured was best advantage then sat back on the Barrenjoey escarpment, relaxed, took in the view for an hour or so and, progressively melted out of reality. The right shot was going to present itself sooner or later and, sitting there, it didn't really matter either way - The place is amazing and just being there is enough.
"Storm on the Western Foreshore" #5/50 Palm Beach 20/03/07
This magnificent storm front carved a trail from Windsor to becalmed Pittwater and caught us napping. The seagulls huddling together are an indicator of what was about to happen and 10 minutes later it was a total white out
"Palm Beach Squall" #2/10 Palm Beach 20/03/07
Taken a few minutes after "Storm on the Western Foreshore".... I held my ground as conditions went from becalmed, to violent wind gusts, hail, flying debris and local flooding. Another shoot and run situation as the sky collapsed around me....
"Last Light" #11/50 Avalon 29/07/06
I waited to catch the last flicker of light, from the setting sun, and a minute latter it was gone. I love this shot for the perfect balance and the textural contrast between the fragile mirror like pool and the heavy tidal boulders. South Avalon headland and the clear open sky make for a perfect backdrop
"The Lone Surfer" #7/50 Avaloln 04/04/07
In this extraordinary photograph we see the beautiful fleeting moment of dawn and simultaneously, at a more elevated level, we are prompted to ponder what the day may bring. Mans intrusion into the image adds a sense of strength and formality, fenced off from natures random pallet.
"Twilight Moon" #4/50 Avalon #07/05/06
On a brisk westerly wind the scattered clouds raced passed Indian Head and out over the eastern horizon. The ocean held firm, clinging in a scalloping effect to Avalon beach and adds to the minimalist effect of this beautifully moody panorama.
"Tidal Rush" #4/50 Avalon #20/03/07
Located just 10 meters south of Avalon tidal rock pool, it's another world.... Shooting directly into the sun is a real challenge but well worth the effort. Back lighting adds to the depth, dimension, movement and beautiful mood to this astounding and lively panorama.
"Sea Dragon" #7/50 Avalon 09/06/07
Located just south of the Little Avalon surf break, this rush of ocean jumped up out of deep water, exploded onto the rocks and came at me like a charging beast. To take a photograph like this you need to put yourself in the impact zone..... Know the ocean, study the situation, check your escape rout and be prepared to be saturated.
"Winter Magic II" #22/50 Avalon 11/07/08
Crystal clear water and cool westerly winds are on order when mid winter high pressure systems roll out over Sydney, to create the perfect Indian Spring Summer. I sat there and watched the long winter shadows visibly glide down the beach and out into the water - camera at the ready.....
"Daydreams" #5/50 Avalon 27/08/06
Spring again and its dreamtime at Avalon with this breathtaking surreal panorama. The clouds seem to pour out of the tips of the foreground tree and our daydreams float overhead on the far right. The vivid reflective whitewater enhances the unreal dreamy feeling and the ocean swells add drama and balance to this perfect picure postcard.....
"Finding Diamonds" #7/50 Avalon 08/10/06
Taken, from the edge of the rocks, bellow South Avalon headland. This photograph will draw you in and hold you in it's spell. You can almost feel the shimmering heat from one of the warmest mid spring days on record and, for me at least, there truly are diamonds to be found.....
"Winter Waders" #17/50 Avalon 01/06/07
Winter again, and the first day reminds us how beautiful it can be as one of the lowest low tides of the year reveals another majestic side to Avalon Beach. The laziness of this wonderful panorama permeates the image and it's participants and, even the seagulls seem to be enjoying themselves......
"Avalon Calling" #3/10 Avalon 19/05/06
The parallel of the retaining logs invite the viewer to take their place on a bench and melt back into the warmth of a perfect Autumn morning. The sweeping rhythm of the beach draws you on, to the distant pines, were you can wander through the haze and your own fleeting daydreams
"The Fall of Light & Rain" #1/10 Avalon 16/03/07
Just a hint of broken light filtered through the dark, moody, windless clouds as the distant rain fell away in the slowest of slow motion and the entire scene, seemed to catch it's breath in anticipation.
"Storm Surge" #2/10 12/07/07
For two days and two nights the waves flooded over the northern sandbanks. The entire ocean seemed to be slipping sideways, pushing thousands of tons of sand along the beach. The rush of water past Avalon pool was like rapids in a fast moving river and surged out to sea, far beyond Little Avalon in the south.
"North Av Gauntlet" #1/10 10/06/07
Third day of an intense low pressure system hammering Sydney and this awesome photograph pretty much tells the story. North Avalon is one of the few places, on the Northern Beaches, that handles any size swell and remains accessible, if your prepared to run the gauntlet....
"OFF ROCKS" (Lobster Pots) #3/50 17/08/07
Another amazing side to Avalon is the only "classic" point break (left hander) on the coast. It can be scratchy but, on an in-coming tide with east swell it's goofy footer heaven. Oh yeh! - Until you learn the layout, don't forget the pop-out fin kit and crash hat......
Nth Avalon - "Walk" #8/50 14/05/08
When the winter high preasure systems float over Sydney the air clears, the ocean calms, the wind fades away and its well worth the walk to the beach. This is North Avalon at its absolute beautiful best.
"Avalon Rune" #19/50 14/10/06
Almost surreal in its perfection this is Little Avalon at its pristine best with Avalon Rune, on full display, in the far distance. The Rune can be seen when the rising sun cuts across the southern face of Indian Head from mid Spring to mid Summer.
"Windswept" #4/50 27/06/07
At the height of the June storms, and on a blistering south west wind, Little Avalon went insane. Over the roar of the wind, you couldn't hear the waves knifing across the inside reef but, you could feel them and, the rarely seen outer reef was giant, moving mountains of water running at about 5.5 on the Richter scale with that distant icy spray tearing into my memory like shards of glass. As dusk turned to dark, It wasn't just the chill wind making me shiver.....
"NASA Launch Pad" #5/50 31/03/07
Avalon pool is the lowest tidal rock pool on the Northern Beaches and at high tide on a big swell its as good as being in the ocean. The end of the pool is also the launch pad into the surf and NASA cadets know the score.... Choose the right moment or youre going to get hammered
"Rock Hoppers" #4/50 16/07/06
I took some preliminary shots and sketched the layout. Next was the patient wait for the right combination of low tide, light west wind, good swell and, a beautiful sky with perfect sun location. As I settled in for the shot, the surfers walked into scene. Avalon at it's best.....
"Over the Spur" #7/50 08/07/06
A landscape photographers most powerful tool is the fall of light. Before I take a photograph, I do a light study, over an extended period, and choose the best time to achieve a balance between light and dark - "The Notan". Good Notan is the first step towards a great photograph
"Pecking Order" #7/50 09/07/06
One of those classic winter days with a light off shore and perfect lines marching in from the horizon - The image that lingers in the back of every surfers mind. A wide angle lens stretches out the line-up and adds to the balance and drama, in this expansive panorama
"Raves & Ravens" #3/10 22/07/06
While ravens scan the cliff tops, the guy in the tube is having his own rave.... On a really tight south swell, Little Avalon goes off. This is a grindy right hander with the swell dredging up out of deep water and launching over a shallow rock ledge. Deadly at 4 feet and monumental at 8 to 10.
"Bastille Day" #39/50 15/07/02
I was first introduced to Bastille Day and the La Marseillaiseat at La Perouse Public School in 1960. I still remember the first few lines: Allons enfants de la Patrie, Le jour de gloire est arrivé. Let us go children of the fatherland, Our day of Glory has arrived. Anyway, 210 years later Bastille Day remains significant... Killer left handers at Avalon in another time and place
"Dogs Prohibited" #2/10 08/07/06
Forget walking the dog.... Push bike to the beach, kick off the thongs and get out there as quick as you can, to surf until after dark. A light west wind and grinding overhead barrels makes for another perfect day at Avalon.
"Deep Ocean Wave" #3/10 13/07/07
Un-named & un-surfed. A solid east swell and brisk west wind works its magic off the tip of Indian Head at "Jump Rock". This grunt left runs tight along the North Avalon rock ledge. Hesitate on the take off or one wrong move down the line and, your on the rocks!!! "You surf it - You own it"
"Tour of Avalon"
In 1920 AJ Small purchased, subdivided and named Avalon. He established Palmgrove Park, Avalon golf course and planted the conifers and Norfolk Island Pines along the beachfront. He saw Avalon as a retreat similar to that of King Arthurs Avalon. Located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Avalon remains just as beautiful and just as mystic today. (This amazing cloud front is the prelude to much needed summer rain)
"Avalon Beach"
Panoramic overview of Avalon Beach. Standing on the southern headland looking north to Indian Head. Crystal clear air and ocean are on order when winter highs float out over Sydney
"Big Little Avalon"
Still on the southern headland, overlooking Little Avalon - To check the surf
Australia Day week end ...... A trip to the beach is part of the culture
"July Weekends"
Go for a surf or have a picnic with friends and family - At your leisure
"Dad & Kids in the Park"
Get off the phone for a while and take the kids for a walk before dinner
"Beach, Bikes & Benches"
Walk or push bike through the park - If you can drag yourself away from the beach
"Street Art"
Drop in and check some Street Art at the Skateboard Ramp - Loose a bit of bark
"Edmond Hock Avenue"
On into the Village, down Avalon Parade. The childrens climbing tree in full bloom
"Avalon Organics"
Across the lane to "The Healthy Chef", "Starfish" and "Avalon Organics" - Sidewalk cafe's and fresh healthy food
"Peno's"
Over Avalon Parade to "Peno's Continental Patisserie" - For a quick snack
"Market Day"
Avalon market day is a celebration for the local community - Contact the Avalon Chamber of Commerce for dates and details
"Avalon Community Centre"
The local Community Centre is the cultural and activities centre for Avalon or you can grab the kids and play touch football in the park
"Avalon Bowling Green"
Rustic, relaxed and hidden away you could be in any country town on the coast.
"Avalon Corner Shop"
The main intersection of Avalon - Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade
"Cipris"
Up Old Barrenjoey to "Cipris" - Iconic to Australia - The local fresh fruit and vegie shop
"Chelsea Tea House"
Country style "Chelsea Tea House" - Lunch or a nice cuppa - Ice cream for the kids
Avalon - "Urban Living"
Above shop apartments add to the texture of Avalon - Urban living at its best - Shop till you drop
"Street Entertainment"
Market day mid-winter helps sustain the local ecconomy and again in November to find a bargain for Christmas. Something for everyone and fun for all (Check for dates)
Avalon Primary School - "Market Day" - Find a bargain - (Check for dates)
"Avalon Photo"
So close to the Sydney CBD and yet a million miles away.......
"Avalon Golf Course"
Enjoy the Links Restaurant as the sun sets in a flood of green.
"Fleeting Moments"
Sunset over Avalon Beach where heaven and earth merge together
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site by: flashwits
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