Stunning Santorini

This post in inspired by a friend of mine, Catty.  Her and her significant other are off to Santorini soon and I thought what better time to show some of my Santorini pictures and to give them an idea what they are in for.  Santorini is one of those places that simply must be seen.  The whitewashed buildings hugging the rim of the caldera, the spectacular sunsets, and the unique volcanic beaches make this a truly special place.

 View of Oia

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/16.0

Shutter Speed: 1/400

 Doorway to Paradise

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/9.0

Shutter Speed: 1/160

 Streets of Oia

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/10.0

Shutter Speed: 1/200

 Ammoudi Bay

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/11.0

Shutter Speed: 1/320

 View of the Caldera from Ammoudi Beach

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/10.0

Shutter Speed: 1/320

 View of the Caldera from Oia

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/13.0

Shutter Speed: 1/320

 Windmill of Oia

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/14.0

Shutter Speed: 1/400

 Bougainvillea

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/10.0

Shutter Speed: 1/200

 Taking in the view

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/11.0

Shutter Speed: 1/250

All in a days work

Canon EOS30D

Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

ISO 250

Aperture: f/13.0

Shutter Speed: 1/250

Elaphiti Excursion

During our time in Dubrovnik we decided to do a day excursion to the Elaphiti Islands.  This involved boarding a boat with around 15 strangers and a rather nutty captain and taking in the sights and sounds of three islands just to the north of Dubrovnik.  The first stop was Koločep which our captain said was "a pretty boring place", however we found more than enough to occupy ourselves with while we there exploring the harbourside village and taking a walk along the promenade.  I guess if you lived there it could get boring, but I would find it difficult to get bored while staring out into the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic.  Next stop was the village of Suđurađ on the island of Šipan.  There we were greeted by the sight of a St Bernard bathing in the waters of the harbour.  It seems he is the unofficial mascot of the village.  The village dates back to the 16th century and is dominated by two towers that used to be the summer residence of a rich shipping family.  We had an amazing lunch on the boat which was freshly prepared salad and beautifully barbequed fish - probably the best fish we had during our entire stay.  Last stop was the island of Lopud which is the most popular island.  A 20 minute walk (or a 5 minute golf cart ride if you are lazy) across to the other side of the island takes you to the magnificent bay of Šunj which harbours a wonderful sandy beach and beautiful clear waters.  All around the Elaphiti islands the water is crystal clear and varying shades of blue.  Its amazing how you can never get tired of staring at it.  We arrived back in Gruž harbour at sunset all Elaphitied out and ready for our beds.  All of this holidaying really wears one out.

Boat in Koločep harbour

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/400

Washing Day

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter Speed: 1/250

Clear blue waters of Koločep

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/9.0

Shutter Speed: 1/160

Harbour of Suđurađ

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter Speed: 1/250

The unofficial mascot of Suđurađ

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter Speed: 1/320

Suđurađ beach

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/11.0

Shutter Speed: 1/200

Signage on the island of Lopud

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter Speed: 1/250

The Bay of Šunj

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/14.0

Shutter Speed: 1/60

The waters of Lopud

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter Speed: 1/320

Lopud town

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/11

Shutter Speed: 1/100

Our captain

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/200

The colours of the Elaphiti islands

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/7.1

Shutter Speed: 1/160

Dubrovnik

As promised last week, here are a selection of pictures I took recently in Dubrovnik.  The walk on the walls provides you with the best views of the old town and photo opportunities abound.  I love the fact that they have restored the town to its former glory and strict regulations have been applied.  Lord Byron wasn't wrong when he called it the "pearl of the Adriatic".  There is also just as much to explore outside the city walls as in.  Just to the north of the old town are the leafy Lapad and Babin Kuk peninsulas which harbour great beaches and spectacular views of the Elaphiti ilsands.  The picture of the sunset over the Elaphiti islands was taken from our hotel room in Babin Kuk.  I also took full advantage of the clear blue skies and took many evening shots, a couple of which I have included below, the rest will be appearing in future posts.  The summer festival kicked off while we were there with an opening ceremony followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the old town port.

View of Old Town Dubrovnik from Minčeta Tower

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/14.0

Shutter Speed: 1/80

Watch tower

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/10.0

Shutter Speed: 1/200

Shutters

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/9.0

Shutter Speed: 1/400

City beach with the Old town port in the background

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/11.0

Shutter Speed: 1/200

All this chilling makes me hungry

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter Speed: 1/400

Monastery on Lokrum Island

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 400

Aperture: f/4.0

Shutter Speed: 1/160

Dubrovnik old town

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/11.0

Shutter Speed: 1/100

Reflections on the Stradun

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter Speed: 1/250

Knock knock

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/4.0

Shutter Speed: 1/30

Sunset over the Elaphiti islands

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/7.1

Shutter Speed: 1/500

Old town at night

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/13.0

Shutter Speed: 10 s

The Stradun at night

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/11.0

Shutter Speed: 3.2 s

Fireworks at the opening ceremony of the summer festival

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 3.2 s

Magical Montenegro

A couple of weeks ago we were in Croatia. Dubrovnik to be precise and boy what an amazing place.  The old town is beautifully restored and the islands just off the coast lure you in with their crystal clear waters and their bright green woodlands.  I have so many pictures to sort through and I intend to post some of the better ones next week.  In the meantime I am posting up pictures of a day trip we took to Montenegro.  The first stop was in Perast on the shores of the Bay of Kotor, where we took a short boat trip to "Our Lady of the Rocks" (a man made island in the bay with an incredible history).  From Perast we drove along the shore to the town of Kotor of which the old fortified town is a World Heritage Site.  Inside the walls is a labyrinth of passages and squares surrounded by Medieval buildings.  Even the doors and windows cried out to be photographed.  Our last stop was in Budva, the "Montenegrin Riviera", which was evident by the sheer number of multi-million pound yachts moored in the marina.  The old town is like a mini Dubrovnik and is border by beaches on either side.  From the walls of the old town you have great views of the coastline and the island of Sveti Nikola.  Below are just a few of the pictures taken on the day, I hope it gives you a feel for what Montenegro has to offer.

"Our Lady of the Rocks", Bay of Kotor

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter Speed: 1/400

Island of St George, Bay of Kotor

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter Speed: 1/160

Perast, Bay of Kotor

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/10

Shutter Speed: 1/200

The red roofs of Kotor

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/11

Shutter Speed: 1/100

Painter in the town of Kotor

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/4.5

Shutter Speed: 1/160

Beach near Budva

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter Speed: 1/320

The walls of Budva old town

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter Speed: 1/250

Window shutters in Budva old town

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/7.1

Shutter Speed: 1/400

One of the locals

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/4.0

Shutter Speed: 1/125

View of the island of Sveti Nikola

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/10

Shutter Speed: 1/200

Church in Budva old town

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/11

Shutter Speed: 1/200

The beautiful Bay of Kotor

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/8.0

Shutter Speed: 1/200

London Pride 2010

A couple of weekends ago friends of ours from Paris were in town, so what better way to entertain them than take them to the London Pride Parade.  It also gave me the perfect opportunity to play with my relatively "new" Canon 7D.  The 19 auto-focus points on the camera are brilliant and really provide a lot more options.  Needless to say there was a great deal on show during the parade and some had a lot more to show than others!  Below are a few of the pictures I took.  Have a look at my Flickr album for the rest.

 Show off

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/250

 I'm a Laydee

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter Speed: 1/320

 Life saver

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/250

 Drag Queen

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/6.3

Shutter Speed: 1/400

 Rugby boy

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/4.5

Shutter Speed: 1/250

 Diva

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/5.0

Shutter Speed: 1/160

Angel boy

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/7.1

Shutter Speed: 1/500

 Cheerleader

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/5.6

Shutter Speed: 1/400

 Aussie Bum

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/5.0

Shutter Speed: 1/200

 Random German

Canon EOS7D

Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100

Aperture: f/4.0

Shutter Speed: 1/125