Finally I'm posting my first ever photographs from Scotland, I only lived there for 21 years so it's about time. The first series of images are from the magnificent Loch Rannoch. You have never experienced midges (small biting insects) until you have been to the moors and Highlands of Scotland in the summer. Unfortunately they really hampered my photo taking on a number of occassions, they are unbearable. However the stunning countryside, wild deer and amazing sunrises made up for it.

A still morning on the edge of Loch Rannoch

Eilean Nam Faoileag Castle, Loch Rannoch

A thick blanket of fog shrouds the surrounding countryside, Loch Rannoch

The prominent peak of Schiehallion, Loch Rannoch

The dark blues and orange colours of sunrise reflecting in the still Loch Rannoch.

A solitary cloud lights up as the sun peaks over the horizon, Loch Rannoch

Here are my entries for this years Epson International Pano Awards, fingers crossed they do well...I could do with my own printer.

Matera, Italy had the WOW factor for me. This doesn't happen too often (last place from memory was the Great Wall of China) so I was very excited when I arrived and set eyes on it. I couldn't wait to get out and shoot it, which I definitely did over the couple of days I had. Lots of photos to come, for now here is one of the city taken at sunrise.

For those who recognise it, Matera is the backdrop for Mel Gibson's movie 'Passion of the Christ'.

Church of Panagia Paraportiani is an iconic 15th Century church located in the heart of Mykonos, Greece. Photographed at twilight, the painted paving stone found throughout the island lead the eye into the frame and up to the church.

Comments are welcome as always.

Photographed at sunrise from above the Old Man of Storr on Scotland's Isle of Skye. An early morning hour long hike in the dark was well rewarded with an amazing sunrise. This photo shows the sunlight pouring over distant mountains on mainland Scotland. The islands of Rona and Raasay in the foreground surrounded by the Sound of Raasay.

A surprising place to find serenity and beauty, located under Roseville Bridge, Sydney. I've been waiting to check this place out for some time now as you often find an early morning mist when it is cold. This day was no exception, it was one of Sydneys coldest morings in a long time measuring 1ºC.

BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Click here to view the post with large images

Blue Mountains National Park, only a two hour drive from Sydney, even less if you set off at 3.30am like Tim Wrate, a fellow landscape photographer and I did last month. The early start got us in prime position (Echo Point) for the sunrise over the 'Three Sisters' a famous well photographed landmark in the area. After an hour of icy winds the sun had come up and the golden hour was over. The strong cross wind introduced a lot of camera shake ruining some of the panoramic shots, such is life with photography. This one I really like, a simple composition with the morning sun caressing the peak of hill crowned by castle ruins.

After sunrise and the golden hour it was time to head into the woods. A short drive North of Katoomba brings you to the Grand Canyon, a leafy walking track that takes you down into the canyon. After a long steep walk you reach an interesting set of rock steps, a favourite with photographers, making the hard slog a worth while journey. Two massive trees frame the stairs on either side leading the eye into the frame. What a perfect place for a large panorama photograph.

After a hard climb back out of the canyon we drove onto Wentworth Falls and the impressive Valley of the Waters. The walk takes you down past a series of cascading waterfalls and should not be missed on any visit to Sydney. A hard climb back but definitely worth it. This was my third trip here and I'm sure to go back.

I've sat on these photos for a couple months now and thought it about time to share them with you. Photographed down at Manly beach on a glorious evening, I just wish I been more organised to go out and take some landscapes, not to worry it's all good practice.

For the photographers, these photos are a great example of how telephoto lenses compact distance. Shot at 200mm the surfers are about 1km from the headland although looking at the photos you would never tell.

Nugget Point on the Otago Coast, South Island, New Zealand offers great views out towards the popular lighthouse as well as back up the coastline. Photographed here as the sun sets behind the hills, rain clouds move along the coastline and soon up to the headland.

What an amazing place! The old tram shed in Glebe Sydney have been unused for the last 60 years only to be visited by photographers, the occasional camera crew, party-goers, graffiti artists (yes I do mean artists, there is some exceptional work on display), and the unfortunate people that call it home.

Getting in can be hard, if the front doors aren't open there is a small window around the back you need to climb through with the help of some milk crates. Ahhhh, nothing like a spot of trespassing to motivate photo taking. The sheds are split into two halls, the main hall houses several stripped down and graffiti covered trams and an old bus. The place is littered with empty spray paint cans, old barrels, tires, broken glass, shoes, and other interesting rubbish. Unfortunately it won't be there for much longer as it is likely to be turned into the next block of bland apartments.

Urban Landscapes - Glebe Tram Sheds, Sydney

Urban Panorama

Selfy - Sorry this one isn't for sale :)

For information on how to get there and what to expect please view the Glebe Tram Shed photographers guide.