During my three week stay in New Zealand I made the very wise decision to participate in Trey Ratcliff's,  New Zealand Photo Adventure .  Trey Ratcliff pioneered the field of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography.  Over the past year I've become very interested in HDR photography and trying to learn it myself.  There is so much I want to share rearding this experience I will write more than one post about it.

I read a lot about Trey Ratcliff's philosophys and watched many of his videos to make sure this was a teacher I could learn from.  Participating in this workshop was one of the best decisions I've ever made, some of the most fun I've ever had, and a great learning experience not to mention worth every penny and then some!  I really couldn't have hoped for more!  To learn more about these adventures please visit:  

http://www.stuckincustoms.com/photography-workshops/

I must admit that I was very intimidated to join this photo workshop.  I travel a great deal and decided to explore the world of photography more to enhance my many adventures and it definitely has! I started using a DSLR camera less than a year ago and had no idea what how to use it at all until about 6 months ago so I was very worried that I might feel uncomfortable, I did NOT at all, AND I've always believed that one should:  

 "Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new."

 ~Brian Tracy

The older I get, the more I realize that I am actually most comfortable out of my comfort zone!

 I am only going to share a few photos in this post.  The HDR process is very new to me, as is photography in general.  However, I do understand it now and will continue working on improving and enjoying it!  Here are just a few of my very first attempts at creating HDR photos so I'm hoping you will see improvement over time :)

Here is what's called the million dollar view.  I don't think I need to explain why!

 The following two photos were taken at a beautiful area called Bendemeer Estates at sunrise:

 Loved the balloons!

Here is a photo taken in a lovely town named Arrowtown:

 The following two photos were taken at a very picturesque area called Bob's Cove:

Here are a couple of photos taken near Glenorchy:

 "I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their talk."

~Tony Robbins

Thanks so much for stopping by. I will be writing more about this incredible experience soon!  Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.  Take care my friends!

~Michelle 

 

 There is a very nice restaurant and some cool gift shops where you get off the gondola.  It was a hot day and I couldn't resist this three berry frozen fruit drink:

I loved this sign at the top.  I think they should have A LOT more of these around the world ;)

  I have a little bit of a fear of heights, but wasn't afraid on the gondola.  I thought the chair lift you can ride up even higher on the mountain was a little scarier...I didn't dare take my hands off the arm bar to take any photos.

I love these touristy photos they take of you on these rides.  I thought the $15 they charge was a little steep, but who knows when I'll get back here!


I let the kids enjoy the luge ride down the mountain since I'm not a great driver :)


The A frame building in the photo below is the restaurant


Thank you so much for stopping by.  I love to read your comments or questions and and reading other people's blogs as well.  Your e-mail address will never be published.  Until next time, take care my friends!

 Michelle

After nearly 40 hours of traveling I finally made it to beautiful Queenstown!  I collapsed into a mini coma upon my arrival for more than 12 hours and awoke feeling fairly refreshed considering the 17 hour time difference.  All I've done is walk outside my room this Monday morning and this is what I saw.  Promise to share more later today.  Not much time at all to focus well and edit so these photos aren't the best because I'm off to explore.  I'll try to do better later :-)

 This is 

Lake Wakatipu

  My welcoming committee:

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I love to read your comments or questions and and reading other people's blogs as well.  Your e-mail address will never be published.  Until next time, take care my friends!

 Michelle