summer days

we're already on the other side of summer here in the southern hemisphere. it's been a pretty dodgy one, with more wind and rain than heat and sun. plus, it's always a bit sad when the days start to feel noticeably shorter. but for now let's focus on the good times...

at this time

because i too am a sucker for a sunset photo.

velvia.velveeta

on some of the shorter walks in tongariro i took along a medium format film camera i have been learning how to use. it certainly involves a lot more effort to get results but it's pretty interesting comparing the same image to one taken with my canon digital slr [see below]. the fidelity of color and depth of detail in the darks kinda blows my digital version away. i also think the developed positives have a charming quality on their own. here i used a film stock called velvia which is known for its ultra rich color. velvia the word [and the results] remind me of a kind of processed american cheese known as velveeta. if you grew up in america in the 80s i don't need to remind you how rich, creamy [i daresay delicious] that synthetic cheese was. think there's a reason the two words sound similar!

not the crossing

i didn't do the crossing while out in tongariro last week, but i did manage to get in a few hours of rigorous tramping. even the baby hikes offered stunning views.