Dreadlock Holiday in Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Port Douglas stands high up on the visitor’s list from near and far. This is where the tropical rainforests meet the beach, a perfect setting for an Australian’Dreadlock Holiday’.
Palm tree lining the waterfront at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Palm trees line the beachfront, wildlife parks are nestled nearby and plenty of holiday resorts offer luxurious accommodation. There are many options to spend a day or two or three on the open water, as well as exploring gorges and waterfalls within a small radius off the town. There’s plenty to do and plenty to see, if you can afford it. Due to its popularity, Port Douglas has become the ‘hip’ place to be in the Northern Queensland Tropics. And that’s where my resentment for this small town starts. It always makes me wonder on how many tourist shops and trendy Cafés a small town can bare. Obviously, never enough. Low budget travellers have the option to stay in a caravan park nearby, if they have a spare extra 50 $ for an unpowered campsite per night in peak season. I don’t! And many others prefer the quieter surrounding areas for that exact reason.
Early morning bliss at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
However, with its idyllic location, Port Douglas is worth a visit for an early morning stroll along the waterfront.
Colourful display at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
There is lots to see if you are looking for it. I focused my camera and my attention to smaller details, the little things that make a big difference.
Resourceful resorts at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Most resorts and guest houses have an extraordinary variety of plants in their gardens. Big or small, most of them had a unique pattern in varied colours.
Blue skies at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Early morning sunlight intensevies these colours and droplets gave my camera many alternatives to focus on.
Dramatic view at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Having 10 different camera settings on my OM-D means that I can take the same shot in different colour patterns, if I choose to.
Black and white view at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The same photo in black and white gives you a different scope.
Close up focus at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The focusing angle on the object can be slightly changed as a practice, giving a different viewpoint.
Aperture lesson at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Adding to this technique is the aperture. This is the focus point on what part of the photo you want a crisp, sharp finish.
Up close focal point at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The focus point is closer to the camera while the background appears blurry.
Aperture in action at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
This works the other way around just as well, which gives a diversified view again.
Dramatic view at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
What I am trying to explain, is that I could take the same photo in many different ways with a different outcome each time.
Black and white view at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
And I don’t have to move my camera much at all. Funky stuff that is.
Funtastic way to spend time at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
This is how I spend a lot of time with my camera. It is a funtastic way to enjoy the outdoors and gives you practice and ideas for a different object next time.
Practice, practice, practice at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Like any toy tool, one has to get to know how they work. This will increase chances of a more satisfying picture frame.
Palm tree line up at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Strolling onwards towards the Port Douglas river delta, I crossed over a fair sized peninsula park. Coconut palm trees lined the shore line to complete a tropical atmosphere. This is a great spot to embrace the early morning hours, overlooking an endless coral sea. Bliss.
Harbour view at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
The relatively small Harbour was packed with dive and fishing charter boats. On a calm morning like today, many will be heading out to sea for the day or two. But again, most people overlook the smaller things in life.
Sharp and blurry at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
I noticed some tiny sparrows fluffing around the wooden jetty I was standing on. They seem to nest underneath the jetty. It was impossible to capture these speedsters in mid-air. But now and then, they rested right in front of my lens.
Great photo in many ways at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
I aimed for different aperture again and caught a sparrow in flight in the background. The early morning sunlight brightened their feathers spectacularly. Too cute.
An important part of a bird’s life at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Cleaning their down is just as important for small birds. Parasites are a huge risk in the tropics and could lead to casualties, particularly on smaller birds.
Individual feather clean at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Feathers are stragedicly singled out and checked for unwelcome visitors.
Trapez Act at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
This turned into a circus act in front of my lens, which kept me highly amused.
Leg stretches at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Body parts that couldn’t be reached with their tiny beak were scratched with one foot, while the other foot and wing kept a fine balance.
Left wing up at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Depending on how the body stood with the sunlight, different colours reflected from their tiny shiny body.
Right wing up at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
Their colourful feather was what really amazed me.
Kaleidoscopic birds at Port Douglas, Tropical Queensland, Australia
I never really noticed how kaleidoscopic these acrobatic birds are, fascinating what this camera reveals.
Travels with Ben 