What is it about the beach that sooths the soul? In fact it may be simply being near water. I think of gardens with elaborate fountains, or even a simple goldfish pond. One of the joys of photography is being able to showcase such places. Eugene Tan from Aquabumps www.aquabumps.com makes his living (indirectly) from visiting the beach and documenting the sunrise and goings on each day. Not a bad life and not a bad following with 40,000 odd daily email subscribers. I am one and I just don't seem to tire of  his stunning photography. I also can't believe how packed out Bondi beach in Australia, is at am in the morning and it's not even summer yet! 

Waihi Beach is 

One of my favourite things to do is to create an image from a concept or idea. Combining the raw materials to produce a piece of artwork. Photography is the most powerful tool at my disposal and I do love to create from it to take the image further. It feels like the painting process only faster and easier to undo undesirable outcomes. To start with a blank canvas and a head full of ideas is wonderful. Once that first stroke is made...

I had my first swim for the season on the 5th of October. The water is still cold 15 degrees C, but it was a refreshing dip and the air temp is lovely, around 23 degrees. 

Images in Monochrome: Can one effectively present a sunset or water like this one, in a monochromatic rendition? Understanding of course that Monochrome by definition is one colour but can contain many shades. This is different to a grayscale image or a