The Red Centre - Day 2

Day 2 of the Trekabout Photography Workshops Red Centre Experience Photography Workshop and Tour  was a complete contrast to the desert park with landscape photography being the genre of choice for the day. Or so we thought! We took the group into the East MacDonnell Ranges starting with a visit to Emily Gap. The area is known for Dingoes and moments after I said to our group to keep an eye out for them, one was spotted disappearing into the bush.

The lighting was perfect and we spent our time explaining metering, composition, focus points and more that we're appropriate for landscape work. It was a constant race against the sun to keep it just out of the image but create interest with the ever present glow coming over the cliff top. Set up the tripod, compose, take the shot, move, set up the tripod, etc., etc. I should apologise at this point for the image quality on this report as most of the photos were taken with my iPhone. As on all our workshops I try and keep my own camera use to a minimum so as to always be available to help the participants but I can always grab a quick shot with the good old iPhone.

Emily Gap, East McDonnell Ranges

As we started out of the gap, we noticed a small water hole (last year we couldn't get through the gap due to deep water but now only a tiny waterhole remains) and, as luck would have it, the birds were putting on a show having a drink. Large flocks of Budgies, Zebra Finches, Diamond Doves and the odd Yellow-tinted Honeyeater were putting on a show.

Out came the long lenses and an impromptu bird session ensued. In the end we had to drag the group away kicking and screaming to continue our trip eastwards to Trephina Gorge.

Australian Ringneck, Emily Gap

Zebra Finch madness at the waterhole. Emily Gap

 We had chewed through a heap of time so we passed on Jessie Gap and headed straight to Corroboree Rock. This is another magic place and we enjoyed the many angles of the rock formation to practice composition, depth-of-field and the good old rule-of-thirds. The rock itself is long, tall, and narrow giving many different opportunities for a unique landscape. The surrounding landscape and fauna is also quite fascinating and many wildflowers were in abundance. Consisting mainly of Spinnifex there are also plenty of Bloodwoods and  Red Mallee to be seen. A sprinkling of Mulla Mulla adds to the colour with their distinctive purple flower.

Corroboree Rock, East McDonnell Ranges

Look the other way. The hills beyond Corroboree Rock.

Mulla Mulla

Onwards to Trephina Gorge for a walk along the gorge rim and then back along the sandy floor. This is another of those 'wow' places that has an amazing scene around every corner. It is one of my favourite spots to visit in 'The Centre' and this year was no different. As always, it pays to look over your shoulder to see what the view is like from where you came. Trephina Gorge does not disappoint in this regard. Half way up the first ascent the view back behind is spectacular. The gorge has many nooks and crannies hidden away and is truly a photographer's delight.  An ideal place to practice panorama photography there are numerous vantage points along the way. Once down on the gorge floor, the rock gives way to a sandy river bed, still flowing slowly after recent rains.

Always look back

Always look forward, and watch your step.

Panorama of Trephina Gorge from one of the many vantage points. (6 shots stitched in iPhone)

As in previous years we stopped at the huge Ghost Gum on the way out of the park. It is the biggest known Ghost Gums in central Australia. A quick stopover on the river crossings to photograph the River Red Gums and we ready to head for home. A great finish to an amazing day.

Tomorrow we're off to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and back to the Alice Springs Desert Park for another go at those birds in flight. It is going to be a ripper.

THE Ghost Gum

Trephina Creek

To find out more about the Trekabout Photography Workshops 7 Day Red Centre Experience please click here.