Thrombolites at Lake Clifton

aka Living Rocks.

These are thrombolites – rocks that are porous and contain microbial communities that photosynthesize. I wouldn’t say that these are relatively small although you can find some which are bigger than an adult male. The fact of the matter is that they are extremely rare but Western Australia is lucky enough to have them in a few places.

This was taken down at Lake Clifton in Mandurah, WA, approximately ~100km south of Perth. It’s a very scenic drive once you get to Mandurah and there is also a scenic drive just around the corner from the entrance to Lake Clifton which I highly recommend as well.

I used this opportunity to test my new Xiaomi 360 degree 3.5K Action Sports Camera while I was at it. Yes, the clouds were amazing. I also posted another picture from this day on my Instagram which you can view by clicking here.

Stop and smell the sunset

A loving couple, enjoying each other’s company on a perfect summer day in Vancouver.

Cingjing Veteran’s Farm – Nantou, Taiwan

Hidden out of the way along a road that stretches from coast-to-coast on what is considered by many experts to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world is this gem. We drove from East to West and stopped only to confirm the hype that surrounds the region that is also known as ‘Little Switzerland. All the buildings in the area are reminiscent of a small town in the Swiss Alps. Check out some other photos in this blog post by clicking here.

Inle Lake – Nyaung Shwe, Myanmar

Be sure to visit before the tourism industry explodes

Lindsey and Cameron

Samira and Matt

Dan and Gracie

Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia

Sugarloaf Rock. What an awesome name. What a spectacular vista.

This is by far my favourite place in Western Australia. Seriously, I should do a blog post on this place alone. As you drive up Cape Naturaliste you could literally take any turn off on a detour and get some jaw-dropping scenery. Watch out for the turning to Sugarloaf Rock as the sign is tiny but it is just off the main road.

As you’re driving in, it feels like the scenery is teasing you for whats to come. Its a long straight road with bushes on either side that are higher than most cars. No ocean in sight. Just when it feels like there is no end the bushes on the left fade way just enough and you get a sneak peek of the amazing coastline. As you keep driving the road slowly but surely transitions to a slope. It disappears ever so slowly underneath the bonnet like a curtain is being unveiled and then *BAM* there it is.

Hillsong Melbourne City

While spending the week in Melbourne, we decided to check out one of Australia’s biggest exports – Hillsong Church. We visited the City campus and I have to say it definitely lives up to the hype.

Loic

Loic – Multi Engine Flight Instructor and Training Manager at time of writing for China Southern West Australian Flying College.

Treasure Resort Inle, Inle Lake

Worth the splurge.

The Treasure Resort Inle is situated on the beautiful Inle Lake and there is only one way to get there – by boat.

Yes, it is in the middle of nowhere. Yes, the internet is excruciatingly slow. Yes, it is only accessible via water transport. And, Yes, there are an abundance of other places to stay in the local township.

So, why bother? Because…

1. It is still significantly cheaper than any over-water villa in the Maldives.
2. Welcome drinks and wet towels EVERYTIME you arrive back from a tour
3. A jaw dropping sunrise from the comfort of your room
4. Full turn-down service including curtains, floor lamps, and bed canopies every evening
5. Personalized messages and flowers left by the housekeeping staff each night
6.  The toilet is bigger than some hotel rooms.
7. Private. Outdoor. Shower.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur

The Executive Lounge.

Spend the extra $USD45 and upgrade to a room on the Executive Floors. Not only are there free drinks and snacks all day but you get high tea in the afternoon, canapes and cocktails in the evening, and a choice of breakfast here or at the main restaurant by the lobby.

Perth Foreshore

Bring your runners. Its also a great place for exercise.

Don’t be swayed by the beautiful view of the skyline alone. Don’t get me wrong, its absolutely magnificent and gives the best vantage point of the city at sea level. However, if you are making a trip to see the view, I definitely recommend bringing your exercise gear and running along the foreshore.

Non-fitness people can walk to the Narrows bridge that connects South Perth to the city. It is approximately 900m or a 13 minute walk from the jetty. However, strap on your runners and run in the direction away from the bridge and the jetty and you will end up here – Perth Foreshore.

Breakfast like a local

My very own family enjoying a freshly cooked breakfast at the Ipoh Bali Hotel.

Columbian Icefield, British Columbia

Ever wondered what it would be like to drive in a perpetual desktop wallpaper?

There is a very good reason why British Columbia is regarded by many photographers as the ultimate paradise. Untouched wilderness paired with streams, lakes, wildlife, and diverse flora are only the tip of the iceberg. The people are oh-so-friendly, genuine, and some of the most courteous I’ve ever met. The icing on the cake is the amazing weather. Rolling and dynamic clouds make every shot and angle special – like the landscape is posing for you.

Then, there’s the Canadian Rockies. It divides British Columbia and Alberta. It runs from north to south with the tips touching Banff and Jasper National Park respectively. My recommendation – stay at least two nights at both these spots. Altogether, it is a road trip that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

One of the most noteworthy stops on this road trip is the Columbian Icefield. Up to 7 meters of snow gets compacted and push their way down the Athabasca Glacier each year. In the warmer months, the sun heats up the snow which melts the surface layers resulting in a system of criss-crossing streams that filter itself. Finally, it pours out the edge like a mini waterfall. So, bring some empty bottles and enjoy a thousand-year-old vintage of pure unadulterated water.

Kelly and Mitch Couple Photohoot

Photoshoot for a birthday present

Kelly had wanted to something a little special for her mum’s birthday present this year. I’m going to leave the title as ‘Kelly and Mitch Couple Photoshoot’ but really it was a family photoshoot as Kelly’s sister and mum were also there.

Anyway, the plan was to get all dressed up and take some nice photos in a picturesque beach. I scouted out Woodman’s Point and noticed some awesome flora around the area an knew right away that we had a winner. We took a little bit of everything from sibling shots to some that included the extended family (read: dog).

They used the photos from the shoot to make collages, framed pictures, and albums. I will be posting a separate blog post about this a little later on.

Elephant Falls, Da Lat

Nestled in the heart of Vietnam is a small town called Da Lat. It is home to some of the most underrated waterfalls anywhere in the region.

Follow the Leader

Not even the gloomy forecast, gusting winds, nor the heavy rain was enough to deter these intrepid tourists.

Nasim’s Maternity Photoshoot

Adorable. Hyperactive. Fun.

Introducing:-

• Dad: Mohammad
• Mum: Nasim
• Superstar: Barad

Such a lovely and hospitable family. This is just the latest in a series of photoshoots that I’ve done for them. I’ve literally documented Barad’s life. Fortunately, his smile is so infectious and adorable that it’s hard to take a bad photo of him.

Today we did Nasim’s maternity photoshoot a week before full term. We scouted out a nice little park about 5 minutes away from their place by car. It was a lovely day with a cool breeze. I’ll put up a dedicated blog post with some additional images as soon as I get around to it.

Parisa’s Maternity Shoot

Gallery + post coming soon.